Dog boots can look adorable and, even a little silly – but are they necessary? In this post, we’ll explore what dogs boots are good for, whether your dog needs snow boots in winter, and how to get your dog used to wearing dog boots.
It may often seem that dogs can withstand cold weather. While this may be true for some breeds, it’s also a matter of conditioning your dog to get used to the cold weather. What’s more, as you walk around your neighborhood in the winter, your dog’s paws may inadvertently get icy or pick up salt. Winter boots for dogs can prevent that!
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What are Dog Snow Boots?
Dog boots (or dog booties) are little covers for dog’s paws made from fabric, rubber or plastic. These boots are designed to help your dog’s paws withstand cold temperatures by offering protecting, similar to human snow boots!
In general, there are two main kinds of snow boots:
- Velcro closures: Similar to velcro shoes, these dog booties have a velcro strap that goes around the top of their foot to create a seal. Oftentimes, these velcro strips will have additional features such as reflectors. This can be great to add visibility to your dog!
- Loop closures: These are less common and are comparable to laces in human shoes. They’ll loop around and allow you to tie the boot on.
Dog boots also offer a number of additional features. For example, some boots will have rubber soles which will absorb some of the impact of walking on different surfaces as well as being waterproof.
Some dog boots also offer additional traction through grip pads. This can make it easier for your dog to walk on icy surfaces. Additionally, they can give extra stability – something that can make your dog much more comfortable walking in cold conditions.
Do Dogs Need Snow Boots in Winter?
Whether a dog needs snow boots in the winter depends largely on their breed, the conditions of your winter, and how accustomed your dog is to different temperatures. That said, if you’re walking your dog in areas that are heavily salted following a snow fall, dog boots are recommended!
Labradors, for example, need snow boots in winter. Given their activity level, snow and salt easier gets caught in their paws. This can cause discomfort and bleeding. Worse, if your dog ingests the salt, he or she can get very sick!
Let’s break down some of these reasons a little further.
Your Dog’s Breed
Your dog’s breed will determine whether or not they could benefit in general from snow boots. For example, some breeds are more comfortable in the colder temperatures. Conditioning also has a big role in this – some breeds will need more time to get used to colder temperatures.
Similarly, some dogs have more fur between their paws. If your dog has a lot of fur between their paws, this can cause snow and ice to more quickly accumulate.
The Conditions of Your Winter
If snow clumping in your dog’s paws is your biggest concern, ironically extreme colds may not mean your dog needs booties. Snow tends to clump more easily in the milder side of winter, as it begins to melt.
However, if your dog needs boots because the ground is too cold, then that’s a different story! In a later section, you’ll learn some key signs that your dog’s paws are too cold!
What are the Benefits of Dog Snow Boots?
Dog snow boots offer a number of key benefits:
- Protection from ice and snow
- Protection from salt and chemicals
- Providing additional traction in icy conditions
While your dog’s need for each of these benefits is determined by their breed and the conditions of your winter, it can be important to keep these in mind.
Dog Snow Boots Protect from Ice and Snow
Dog’s paws, while resilient, may need some additional protection from ice and snow. Just like humans, our four-legged friends can get frost bite. If the conditions are too cold, this is especially likely to occur. In this case, dog boots can be a great safeguard.
Winter dog boots can also offer significant protection from snow clumping up between a dog’s paws. As snow begins to melt, it clumps much easier. When this clumping occurs in a dog’s paws, it can get stuck in them. This can cause significant discomfort and bleeding.
Labs, given that they have lots of long hairs between their paws, are especially susceptible to this!
Dog Snow Boots Protect from Salt and Chemicals
Dog boots offer great protection from de-icing products, such as salts and other chemicals. This can be particularly helpful when you’re walking through your neighbourhood. Sidewalks are often covered in salt and other products to remove the snow and ice.
Many of these products are harmful to pets, especially very young puppies and older dogs. Salt, for example, can cause kidney issues. While pet-friendly salts exist, you won’t always know whether your neighbours use them or not!
It may seem that we can simply prevent our dog from eating the salt as you take him or her for a walk. However, often these chemicals will either clump into the snow and get caught in their paws. Alternatively, traces may just end up on their paws.
As your dog cleans him or herself, these chemicals inadvertently end up in their system! Winter dog booties can prevent this. Remember, these products can be very dangerous to dogs of all ages.
Dog Snow Boots Offer Additional Traction
Some dog snow booties also have special soles that offer additional traction. Your dog may not be used to walking on icy conditions. These types of shoes may help with that.
Even if your dog’s winter booties have these, make sure you walk carefully. Your dog likely won’t be used to either the icy conditions, nor the how the boots work on them. It’s better to err on the side of caution to keep your dog safe!
How to Tell That Your Dog May Need Snow Boots?
There are a number of great ways in which you can tell that your dog may need snow boots. Some of these signs occur as your dog is outside, while others will occur following your walk.
If your dog is often picking up their paws when walking outside, this may be a sign that he or she is too cold. Similarly, if your dog is licking at their paws, they’re likely trying to warm them up. Finally, if your dog is shivering, this is a sign that they’re too cold.
When you get back inside, check your dog’s paws regularly. If there are big clumps of snow in them, your dog may benefit from them. Similarly, if your dog’s paws are cracked, it may be a good idea to consider winter boots.
If there’s any bleeding, consult your vet. Cracks and bleeding can introduce infections, especially given the harsher conditions of winter.
How to Get Your Dog to Wear Snow Boots?
Getting your dog to wear dog boots can be a challenge! This will be an unfamiliar sensation for your dog. They won’t be able to feel the ground, which will be quite confusing.
It’s important to consider getting your dog to comfortably wear dog boots as any other skill. Introduce them slowly and build up your dog’s level of comfort with the boots.
Below are some steps that you can follow to get your dog to wear boots in winter:
- Introduce the boots as just any other object. Let your dog see them, smell them, and generally inspect them.
- Handle your dog’s paws often. This will let your dog feel more comfortable with you touching their paws.
- Try putting on just one boot and letting your dog experience the sensation. Don’t overdo it, but praise them as they build their confidence.
- Let them go outside with just one or two boots. This will allow them to understand that wearing the boots in cold weather makes them more comfortable. This will build their comfort in wearing them.
- Once your dog is wearing all four boots, take them out in small increments. While they may be ok wearing them, it’ll take a while for them to like wearing them for long stretches of time!
It’s important to buy dog boots that fit well and ones that your dog actually likes. If your dog doesn’t like the boots, he or she may try to take them off during the walk.
Don’t be afraid to try a number of different boots to see which fit your dog best!
Conclusion
Dog boots can be an incredibly helpful tool to keep your dog happy and safe in winter conditions! Dog boots keep your dog’s paws warm and prevent different chemicals (like salt) from getting stuck on their paws. Labs, especially, can benefit from dog paws.
Your dog will take some getting used to the boots, so treat this as you would any other skill. Build their confidence and let them see that good things come from wearing boots in winter.
Disclaimer
All content on this site is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative for seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional.
LivingWithALab.com assumes no responsibility or liability for the use or misuse of what’s written on this site. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioural related issue.