The Best Dog Snow Boots for Winter

PET BOOTS: A QUICK GUIDE

Pet boots are a popular way to keep your furbaby’s paws warm and protected from ice, snow, salt, and chemicals. However, some pet boots are more resilient and easier to use than others! Here at Greenpaws, we have various recommendations based on our clients’ experiences and our expertise.

Importance of Dog Boots

Looking for your dog to stay warm this winter, but don’t know where to start? One size definitely doesn’t fit all. Like humans, dogs need proper footwear for paw protection and outdoor weather. To prevent injuries, different breeds and sizes need the right fit to stay comfortable in all climates and terrains. At greenpaws.com, we recommend the best dog boots for winter wear. Wearing a boot can keep your pooch happy by:

  • Preventing frostbite (and, with year-round velcro-closure footwear, blisters from hot terrain)
  • Acting as a shield from toxic substances like road salt and de-icers
  • Warding off fleas, ticks, and other insects
  • Keeping paws dry, warm, and comfortable with insulation and cushioning

PAWZ Balloon-Style Pet Booties

At Greenpaws, many of our clients use the PAWZ balloon-style pet booties. This style of pet bootie is more difficult for a dog to kick off during a walk, which also means less chance of a bootie being lost in the snow! However, please note that these balloon-style pet booties may not be as protective if it’s very icy and cold outside. In extreme cold conditions, try putting a dog sock on all four paws, and then placing the balloon booties on top to make sure your furbaby’s feet stay dry and warm!

Dog Suspender Boots

Dog suspender boots are also a great option to keep your furbaby’s paws safe and warm. Dog suspenders are almost impossible for a dog to remove and offer a larger area of protection. These suspenders are also perfect for larger dogs that may not fit into other types of pet booties and, depending upon the design, suspender boots can often be the fastest to put on and take off while requiring the least amount of cooperation from your pup. If your dog isn’t cooperative having balloon-style or velcro-closing booties put onto their paws, or if they focus upon removing them once they are, we recommend trying dog suspender boots for winter wear.

Velcro-Closing Dog Boots

Velcro-closing dog boots are another common type of paw-protecting boot, and they are the #1 style of year-round canine footwear. While this style of dog boot offers good protection, they are more prone to accidentally coming off in the snow and potentially being lost on a walk.

Fashion Meets Function

Additionally, there are specific boots that are custom-made for each type of outdoor adventure. For hiking, choose boots with traction and grooves. The RIFRUF Caesar 1 is an excellent choice with durable mesh for breathability and protection. Look for adjustable straps for a secure fit on the wrists and ankles. Thankfully, dog boot names often describe the type of surface they are designed for, such as “Truelove Rugged Sole Solid Boots”, “Non-stop Dogwear Protector Rubber Bootie”, “QUMY Rugged Sole Solid Boots”, “Ultra Paws Rugged”, and “Dogwear’s Long Distance Bootie”, making choosing much easier.

In addition to the aforementioned products, a study by Wirecutter tested 17 sets of dog boots with six animals over several weeks. They found the “Canada Pooch Soft Shield Boots” won first place for winter comfort and protection. Runners-up included “Mountain Ridge Tough Boots with Grip” for best budget, “Ruffwear Polar Trex Dog Boots” for the harshest winter conditions, and “Musher’s Secret” paw wax for when the pooch won’t tolerate any type of boots.

Check Product Specifications

Sock or soft boots are great for grip on snow or ice but aren’t as durable as those with traction or rubber bottoms. It is worth noting that whatever brand you choose, check for endorsement by veterinarians for safety and quality. Read all specifications to pick the correct type for the season, life stage, breed, size, closure type, material, waterproofing, and weight options.

Alternative to Boots

Lastly, if you’d like to avoid putting boots on your furbaby altogether, Greenpaws recommends using Musher’s Secret, a 100% natural and breathable paw protectant wax that forms a dense barrier to protect your dog’s paws from the elements in even the most extreme weather conditions. Made with Vitamin E and beeswax, this paw protectant conditions, soothes, and relieves dog paws. It is semi-permeable and allows for perspiration to escape while keeping the pads strong and protected from salt and other ice melt products.

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