Dogs in Boots

Just wanted to post a quick video that goes along with the last post on dog boots. Have you ever seen a dog put boots on for the first time? The third dog is my favourite - check it out!

Paw Protection

Before working at a pet store, I could never understand why I saw dogs dressed up in sweaters, coats, and even boots. I thought the owners were crazy, I thought that it was just a mere fashion statement (which, yes, I admit can sometimes look cute, but...)
After working at the pet store for only a few weeks, I started to realize that it was not a fashion statement for most dogs and their humans - dogs actually need winter apparel! I realized that if I can go outside in the winter months and be extremely cold, that it only makes sense that something a fraction of my size (a smaller dog) would get just as cold, if not colder!

At this time of year the most common item that customers come in to inquire about are dog boots, so I decided that it would be a good topic to start out with!
It sounds a little crazy - boots, for dogs - but with the cold winters in Canada, and cities using excessive amounts of salt on our sidewalks, boots for dogs have become a necessity.
Think about it; imagine walking bare-foot in packing snow, or across sidewalks filled with salt. The snow often is too cold for smaller dogs, and it causes discomfort when it wedges between the pads on their paws. Larger breed dogs usually do okay with the cold on their paws, but all dogs (all sizes) have one thing in common - the salt causes extreme discomfort and can make any dog want to cut their walk short.  That being said, owners come in to the store in hopes for a solution, and luckily there are several options that I will outline below!

Fleece Lined/Leather/Heavy-duty Boots
Brand Examples: Muttluks, Canada Pooch, Ultra Paws

These boots offer everything - they keep the feet dry, warm, and protected. These are ideal for smaller dogs, who need warmth and salt protection. They range in price; anywhere starting from $20 up to close to $100! This type of boot would be my first recommendation, but often they aren't a feasible option for dog owners. Why? Imagine trying to squeeze a boot on to an animal who has never worn one before. They are stiff, and often the dog is not comfortable wearing them. These boots become more malleable over time and with wear, but at first they can prove to be a challenge for the owner to put on, and for the dog to walk in.  Also, if you get home and notice a boot is missing - you've got to go and buy a whole new set, which owners can find to be expensive. That being said, it moves us in to the next option; rubber boots.

Rubber Boots

Brand Example: Pawz

These are the most popular boot in the store. Often, customers opt for the boots mentioned above, only to return to the store the next day to exchange them (because they were too hard to put on, keep on, or the dog would not walk in them). Usually, they leave with a pair of Pawz, and they don't come back to return them. Pawz are almost like little balloons that you can put on your dogs paws. They prevent the snow from packing up between their pads, and they also keep the salt out (which is the main priority). The only downside to these is that they don't do much for warmth - but when the snow and salt is kept out, usually that is enough for the dog to have a comfortable walk. Another great thing about the Pawz boots is that they come with 12 in a package (three sets). This is beneficial because if you lose one outside, or one tears - you have another at home waiting for you. Retailing at approximately $20, Pawz are an inexpensive and simple solution to keeping salt and snow out of your pets paws!


There are tonnes of brands out there, but if you have tried all of these options, and still cannot find the perfect boot for your dogs paws, don't worry- there is another boot-free way to protect your dogs paws. Several companies offer something called an "invisible boot". These products are a balm (usually composed of coconut oil, beeswax, and other natural ingredients) that you can apply to your dogs paws. In the cold temperatures the wax or balm will harden, providing a barrier between your dogs paw and the salt!

Happy walking,

Ariel