One of the questions I receive the most frequently is which do I suggest for dog boots in winter. The answer isn't easy. It's based on the type of snow that you're in along with the temperature, the amount of time you're outside the snow, how thick or packed the snow gets, as well as the breed of dog you own (dewclaws? energetic? insane? eats boots?). Here's a comprehensive answer that attempts to lay all the information on the table to benefit you pick boots.
Should Dogs Wear Boots in the Snow?
I don't put on boots for my pets unless they really need it. They don't require boots for all weather conditions, and I don't pre-emptively put boots on them unless I am certain they'll need them. Dog sport shors require feeling the ground beneath their paws to be able to navigate their surroundings. Boots can cause them to slip and hinder tasks like making stairs and walking over the rocks. Imagine opening the can while wearing gloves in your hands, without being able be able to see them while you perform your task. On the whole, I recommend not to wear footwear unless you dog is showing that they require them and to take them in case they need them. However, there are some obvious instances when you must wear boots.
- They are injured or healing from injury
- They have a history needing boots in certain situation
How can you tell if your dog requires boots? My dog will stop running, lift their paws and be pleasantly happy when the boots start to zoom back after putting them on. As time passes, I am aware that my dogs will need them when temperatures are -10 or lower and I'll put them with me if I suspect that we will get to those levels (I often climb mountains, and the temperature gets cooler as I climb). Be sure to keep an eye on the wind chill!
Dewclaws/ Small paws
A major challenges for booties is dewclaws, or the dog's smaller feet (in relationship to their ankles) and the boots slide off with ease. Although my dogs don't have any of the same issues, my experience and the suggestions I've read work. Dewclaws can rub against straps, edges of boots, and eventually, they may cause bleeding and cause boots to become painful. Certain boots come with straps in better positions (you should test these) but, if you do not have straps, the downward force on the dewclaw and material friction can cause pain.
If you notice this happening, use Vet Wrap (any brand will do, same used for humans) which is a self adhesive wrap under and then over the dewclaw. Do not wrap too tightly so it cuts off circulation or too loosely that it will move. It’s to prevent the dewclaw from moving too much. Then either put the boot over it, or use a sock on top.
Socks are another layer of protection for dewclaws, or dog booties with paws that are too slim so boots slip off. Either with or without the vet wrap, slide the boot on, and secure with vet wrap or medical tape. Then slip the boots on top. You will need to experiment to see what works best for each circumstance.
Rubber Boots
Rubber boots and balloons can be used, however they are not appropriate for use for the backcountry. Balloons work great and are able to stay put, but are not able to last long on hard surfaces such as rocks. They're more appropriate for dogs with small breeds as well as short-term projects and when salt is an issue that requires leash walks across the street. They've been worn by my friend's Chihuahuas and Pugs and dogs that have to be carried around after some time. The boots are more robust and some are lined however some dogs may not like the more hefty sole and the boots won't remain in place on dogs that are off leash. Wonton is content with his balloons until an extent, but then insists on being carried.
Sock boots
I would not recommend the boots for any long distances off leash running or walking. These are excellent in the in the indoor environment (if your dog has slipped across the floor) or for smaller dogs as well as those just walking around the block to use a potty. They'll slide off when you move them and are not suitable for use on snow.
Classic Style
I'm going to call this kind of boots"classic" or the Classic style. They usually include a soft, breathable material on top with a rubber sole on the bottom that has an ankle strap. However, regardless of what people say they're not waterproof, however they're suitable for snow that is packed. The ankle strap is difficult to use with dewclaws, and even if you do not have a sock, they could be difficult to keep on if your dog flits about on leash. The technique is twisting the sock two ways slightly (clockwise and anticlockwise about a quarter turn) prior to tightening your strap.
The Classic style is more durable than sock or rubber boots. It is evident that you are spending money in the construction and design of this boot. Less expensive models include stitching that rubs the dog's paw, causing blisters. We've seen blisters on the upper part of the boots, those sides that the sole joins and the ankle. There is also a price different based on what's the grade of Velcro.
The drawbacks of this boot are many. No matter what model we've tried I've seen my dogs remove these in the event of a long day in the backcountry. The snow accumulates around the opening and gets heated up to match the dog's temperature. The snow transforms into frozen and rubs the ankles. My dogs have no hair and the boots we've efforts are designed for dogs with larger ankles, so the boots do not remain on as long. The models with thicker soles are most criticized because they have no paws feeling they are unable to scramble or climb over obstacles. In the end, over time, our dog snow boots are worn out and the leather has peeled away.
Overall, these have their uses and I’ve used them for years. I would recommend duct taping them closed, and to a jacket if it’s possible to keep them on. They’re better for dogs that aren’t running around like crazy and I would select boots with thinner soles and a warranty.
Ruffwear Polar Trex -Thick soles with gaiters. Good idea but Whiskey didn’t like these. She couldn’t feel the ground and the gaiters took up and kept snow inside.