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Are you looking to keep your pup warm in the winter? Just because your dog has a fur coat doesn’t mean they can’t get cold. When temperatures plummet, your furry friend might need an extra layer of warmth and protection (on their paws, too), just like their owner. Our review of the best dog coats and boots for winter has got you (and your dog) covered.
Do Dogs Need Clothes In Winter?
You might be wondering do dogs need snow boots? Depending on your dog’s breed, he may be more susceptible to colder temperatures. Small dogs tend to have thinner coats and get pretty chilly in the cold (e.g., Terriers, Chihuahuas). Some larger breeds with thin coats may shiver when the temps drop too (e.g., Greyhounds, Whippets). But, dogs from a heritage further from the equator may have a double coat or undercoat and are comfortable with colder weather (e.g., Huskys, Saint Bernards).
When is it too cold for your pup to be outside?
Things To Know Before You Buy Dog Booties
Dog boots intend to help with traction, weather, allergies, and lawn care chemicals. The boots will help keep your dog’s paws safe from these elements while allowing him to walk and enjoy the outdoors. Your dog may walk a little funny at first, but this is normal as they adjust to this new accessory. But, it will be worth it, in the end, to keep his paws protected.
How To Measure Your Dog’s Paw Size For Booties
Each company suggests a specific way to measure your dog’s paws. So be sure to see what they recommend and follow the instructions accordingly, so you purchase the proper fit. Buying the wrong size could make the boots not fit, and if they’re too small, your dog could suffer damage to his paw.
Best Dog Boots For Winter
We’ve reviewed best winter dog boots that have received excellent reviews. We’ve done the research and are sharing our top picks.
Bark Brite Neoprene Paw Protector Dog Boots With Reflective Velcro Straps Review
These dog boots come in four packs in five different sizes and three colors. One owner ordered the largest size, and they didn’t fit his 140-pound Doberman, so the company offered to make a custom pair for the dog. The boots have nice traction and work well in all weather conditions. We are very impressed with these boots, so we’ve chosen them as the best dog boots for snow and the best dog rain boots.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Water-resistant | Some pairs wear out quickly, but you can get them replaced for free or get your money back |
| Good traction | |
| Use in snow boots, rain, indoor and outdoor | |
| Keeps paws clean, dry, and protected | |
| Excellent customer service |
Price
- Starting at: $26.99
Lonsuneer Dog Boots Review
These boots come in a four-pack and are available in five sizes in three colors: red, blue, or black. The sides of the shoes expand to make it easy to put on your dog’s paws but difficult for them to slip off. The boots have adjustable Velcro straps to fasten them in place. These are also perfect boots for older dogs who need more traction on tile and hardwood floors (or young pups in their clumsy stage).
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Secure grip and cushion for dog’s paws | Some customers say the sizes run large |
| Water-resistant soles | Not ideal for deep water or heavy rain (can soak through mesh fabric) |
| Performs well in hot and cold conditions | |
| Good traction |
Price
- Starting at: $14.99
Pawz Waterproof Dog Boot Review
Pawz waterproof dog boots come in eight sizes and are biodegradable. What exactly does that mean? Well, it means your dog can wear them multiple times, but they won’t last as long as the #1 and #2 picks in this article. 12 Pawz come in each package, so your dog has more than enough pairs to last him (unless he’s got 12 legs!). The boots look like balloons and have no zippers or straps, so you must purchase the proper size so they fit your dog appropriately. They don’t have any padding, allowing your dog to feel the ground.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 100% biodegradable | No size guidelines listed |
| Protection from hot surfaces, lawn chemicals, salt, snow, and ice | They constrict your dog’s paws too much |
| Depending on the dog’s activity level, the boots may break sooner than others | |
| Punctures easily |
Price
Walkee Paws Review
Walkee Paws, as seen on Shark Tank, is dog booties attached to leggings that are secure in place with a backstrap. The anti-slip rubber boots and stylish leggings can make walking in winter weather safer and help keep your pup warm. However, since the leggings are only water-resistant, they may not be helpful in the snow, and durability, ease of use, and comfort may also be concerns.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Anti-slip rubber boot | Some users complain about durability |
| Protection in all seasons | Can be difficult to put on |
| Waterproof boots | Backstrap can be uncomfortable |
| Lots of fabric choices available | Water-resistant leggings may not work well in snow |
| Protect the whole leg | |
| Several size options | |
| Excellent customer service |
Pricing
- Starting at: Check Amazon for availability
Best Sweaters For Dogs
Keep your pup warm with this top-rated pick for your pup.
Chilly Dog Boyfriend Sweater Review
Founded in 2001, Chilly Dog makes a line of stylish, knit sweaters for dogs of all sizes (ranging from XXS to XXXL). They work with Incan artisans in South American to hand-knit fair-trade sweaters made from 100% wool using plant dyes. By partnering with these communities, they can provide a fair wage and sustainable living to those in need while giving pet owners high-quality, affordable sweaters to keep warm. Chilly Dog stays on top of the latest fashion trends, yet their knits are classic enough for dogs to wear for winters to come. The boyfriend sweater is pictured, but they have an American flag sweater (which we think is adorable) and dozens of other designs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Keep pets warm | Hand or delicate wash |
| Classic, stylish patterns | Wool might itch dog’s fur |
| Inexpensive | No hole for harness |
| Handmade by artisans |
Price
- Starting at: $17.73
Best Dog Winter Coats
Be cautious when choosing your coat, and only use ones made from machine-washable materials that won’t irritate your dog’s skin or cause an allergic reaction. We also recommend minimizing the buttons, zippers, and other adornments to minimize choking hazards or the risk of getting caught on something. Lastly, use common sense and don’t leave it on for more than 20 minutes or so at a time to avoid the risk of overheating. Here are two popular winter coats for dogs.
Kurgo Loft Dog Coat Review
Kurgo Loft winter dog coats come in five different sizes. The jackets are waterproof and machine washable, so if your dog gets into some mud (which we all know they do), then you can easily clean it without a hassle.
The coat is also reversible, and it’s easy to use with a harness or leash. Overall, customers are relatively pleased with this winter dog coat, and we feel comfortable recommending it.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Waterproof jacket | Not as thick as other coats but still warm |
| Machine washable | |
| Zipper opening so you can use dog harness or leash attachments | |
| Reversible |
Price
- Starting at: $35.95
Shearling Fleece Dog Winter Coat Review
These fleece dog winter coats are available in four sizes and are faux suede with fleece lining to make the skin soft and cozy. There is a belly strap to adjust the coat’s fit on your dog. It is machine washable and dryer safe, so it’s easy to clean. This jacket is an excellent value.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Keeps dogs warm in winter | Velcro is weak |
| Looks nice | Questionable quality |
| Machine washable |
Price
- Starting at: Check Amazon for availability
Dogs Playing In The Snow (Video)
Watch Canine Journal’s Lily and Bella play around in the snow, and the cold does not affect them one bit, thanks to a cute and comfy little doggie jacket.
Need Hot Weather Dog Shoes?
Some of the dog boots we review here work in all seasons, but you may want to check out our reviews of the best dog shoes for hot pavement too. Your pups can blister their feet easily when temperatures rise, so protection is a must in summer.
Tagged With: Clothing, Comparison
