Dog Boots for Winter That Stay On
It seems like a simple request. Dog boots can be insanely useful in keeping your dog safe and warm in icy and cold conditions, but because your dog is a dog, not a toy, their boots just do not want to stay on.
Dog boots are also not cheap, so you want to make a good investment. What qualities should you be looking for in winter dog boots? And how can you make sure that your dog booties will stay on during winter fun?
Why Wear Dog Boots in Winter?
Dog boots are for hot pavements, right? Yes, and no. Dog boots can be very useful in the winter too.
A good pair of winter dog boots will keep your dog’s paws safe from frostbite, jagged ice, salted walkways that dry out paws, dangers hidden beneath the snow, as well as dangerous chemicals like oil and antifreeze; Which can end up in puddles and get licked off the bottom of your dog’s paws.
Senior dogs can also benefit greatly from winter dog boots, since a bit of added grip provided by the dog booties can help them have a little more traction on icy ground - preventing a dangerous tumble.
The Biggest Challenge to Winter Boots
Wearing your dog’s summer dog boots in winter is not a great plan.
For one, summer dog booties will lack the insulation needed to keep your dog warm. They are designed with different purposes in mind. Namely, summer shoes need to protect from heat, while winter boots may need to be tougher to protect from ice.
Winter dog boots also need to fit better to prevent melted snow and ice from leaking in, or from getting yanked off after a romp through deep snow.
Do Certain Dog Breeds Need Winter Dog Booties More Than Others?
While all dogs can benefit from the protective properties of dog booties, there are definitely some dogs that it's basically a requirement for.
Dogs that have been bred for harsh winter environments such as Malamutes, Huskies, or Samoyeds are more adept at dealing with snow and ice - though they can still be at risk for salt or dangerous chemicals in urban areas.
However, some dogs, especially short-coat breeds, may be more susceptible to things such as frostbite or cold. For example, French bulldogs and dachshunds both have particularly sensitive paws that are not good in snowy environments.[1]
Qualities Necessary For Good Winter Dog Boots
Paw Protection
While they can be stylish, the primary function of dog boots should be to protect your dog’s paws.
This means that you should be looking for shoes with a thick rubber or plastic bottom that can protect your dog’s paws from grazing as well as from sharp objects such as thorns, twigs, stones, or ice chunks.
Winter boots should also typically sit higher on your dog's leg, stopping snow and ice from slipping in and getting your dog’s feet cold and wet. This also stops deep snow from freezing any exposed legs.
Warmth
The majority of dogs who need dog boots are normally going to be dogs with shorter coats, making them more susceptible to cold weather. Paws that get very cold, on dogs who aren't used to extreme cold, can become chapped and painful.
Ideally, good winter shoes should come with some type of insulation. This will make the thicker soles more comfortable and tolerable for your dog, reduce chafing as the dog boots naturally move around as the dog walks, and help preserve heat.
The choice of insulation is largely up to preference, but normally wools, fleece, and other soft fibers are the best. You would want to avoid insulation that makes your dog very sweaty or that will take a very long time to dry if they become wet.
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Water Resistance
A key difference between summer and winter dog boots is the fact that winter ones also have to keep your dog’s paws dry amidst all the ice and deep snow.
This means two things.
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The outer material of the boot is going to need to be made of a water-resistance material. Most pure waterproof shoes are going to be too hot and unhealthy - even in cold weather - for your dog’s paws. So a breathable but water-resistant material is best. Ideally, you would be looking for something like canvas or a wind breaker-like fabric.
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The seal on the top of the shoe is going to need to be tighter. To prevent snow and ice from getting in the top, the shoe should fit snugly and be able to close relatively tightly. The best dog boots should have adjustable straps to fit your dog.
Comfort
A dog boot that your dog hates is not going to be useful to anyone. You don’t want a shoe that fits tightly without restricting blood flow or causing any chafing.
The best dog boots are adjustable, using thicker straps rather than thin drawstrings. Something like Velcro is often better than laces, as it allows for a more comfortable fit and an easier time getting the shoe on and off your dog’s paws.
Traction
As we’ve mentioned, another key difference between winter and summer dog shoes is that winter shoes need more traction. Dogs wear boots hard, so they are going to need to be durable.
You are going to want to look for a shoe that either has spikes or a ridged surface. The older your dog is, or the more prone to slippery ice your area is, the spikier your shoe needs to be.
While it might be visible in photos, it is a good idea to test the shoes by slipping it onto your finger and rubbing it against slippery surfaces like glass. If the shoe provides decent resistance then it will stop your dog from slipping too. Do not try this against an easily damaged surface.
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Adjustable with Secure Closure
The best boots need to fit your dog’s paws snuggly without hurting them. As mentioned, try to find a shoe with multiple straps instead of just a pull-on.
This will help keep your dog’s paw’s dry. Sometimes you may choose to have a sock underneath for added warmth or if your dog has sensitive feet, a well-adjusted shoe allows you the freedom to do this.
Normally this will either include Velcro straps, a zipper (Which can cause issues with longer-haired dogs) or drawstrings.
Proper Sizing
One of the biggest things that is going to help your dog boots stay on is one of the simplest…buy the right size.
Dog boots are typically measured in width. To measure accurately, you will need to place your dog’s paw on a sheet of paper and draw a line on both sides of the paw. You can then use a ruler to measure the gap between the two lines to get an estimate.
You should try to go slightly wider than the paw, but avoid leaving too much room, as that can be just as uncomfortable for your furry friend.
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How To Choose Winter Boots That Won't Slip Off
Check Reviews
Always check the reviews on winter boots before buying, especially if the owner lists a similar breed to yours. It may not be foolproof, but it is a good place to start.
An experienced brand should have a better quality product, they are also more likely to be durable and have your dog’s safety and comfort in mind.
Read the Description
Read the product description carefully to make sure that the shoes meet the criteria outlined above, as well as any personal criteria you might have for your specific circumstances.
Try Them on Right Away
Try the shoes on as soon as they arrive. Conditions may not be snowy or icy, but you should still be able to tell if the shoe sits right. Ideally, you should be able to slip a finger between your dog’s leg and the shoe with only a little force.
This is also a good time to test the shoe against a slick surface.
Most companies should offer a return on your winter boots if you don’t think they are right. However, if your dog is not used to shoes then they may take some time getting used to them. Let them wear the shoes for a short while indoors to see if the shoes are actually chafing or loose, or if your dog is just not used to them.
Spawkpaws
At Sparkpaws, we have tried to make our dog winter shoes as comfortable and practical as possible, following the above guidelines as much as possible.
If you would like to see our winter dog shoe collection, as well as our many positive reviews, you can find our Dog Shoes & Boots Collection here.
Additional Winter Safety
In addition to a good pair of shoes, make sure your dog is warm enough in cold weather. While some dogs are bred for winter conditions, many dogs become uncomfortable if exposed to temperatures colder than 45 degrees.
Consider buying them a warm coat or jacket if they are going to be going outside during cold weather. Something with a warm lining or a thick, protective material is best.
Most missing dogs disappear in winter time. Try to get dog clothes, and boots, that are brightly colored or have a reflective coating. This will also be useful in the possibility that their bootie does fall off in the snow.
If temperatures are below freezing, try to keep ‘outdoor time’ to a relative minimum and make sure your dog is sleeping somewhere safe and warm.
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Conclusion
A good pair of winter boots can be a lifesaver, but finding the right type of boot can be a challenge. Dogs do well with winter shoes, since they can protect their paws from cold, from damage from hazards hidden in the snow, prevent falls on slippery ice, and prevent your dog from licking toxic chemicals off of their feet.
Small dogs and dogs with short fur may need winter shoes more than larger breeds bred for winter conditions. However, dogs with long leg fur can also have an issue with snow and ice.
A good dog shoe should predominantly be warm, preferably lined with a comfortable material, and with a durable exterior. Soles should be tough, with spikes or ridges, providing your dog with protection against slips and falls.
A shoe that stays on should come with comfortable and adjustable straps. These are normally better than slip on shoes. Adjustable straps also allow you some freedom if you want to put something under the shoe or if you have a dog with unusual proportions.
When making your choice, it is better to go with an experienced brand. Make sure you have measured your dog’s foot carefully and tried to buy the right size. Do not panic if your dog doesn't like wearing shoes at first.
If your dog is going to spend a lot of time in snowy and icy conditions, make sure they are warm enough.
It may take a bit of trial and error to find the perfect boot for your dog, but their safety and comfort are well worth the effort. We are sure you will make the right choice for your furry friend.
Happy Walking!
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