The first winter after adopting my Coonhound mix, I let her outside to go potty. I kept a close eye on her because I knew it was cold out, and I didn’t want her outside for too long. After she went potty, she took several steps and stopped moving altogether.
Lifting two of her legs, she was clearly struggling with the extreme coldness on her paw pads. I hollered for my husband, who ran outside to carry her back in. A minute later, I searched for the best dog boots for snow so she could go outside more comfortably during frigid winter temperatures.
Best Dog Boots For Snow | Best Dog Boots For Ice | Best Dog Winter Coat |
---|---|---|
Bark Brite All Weather | Ruffwear Polar Trex | Kurgo Loft |
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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, Yorkies, etc.). Some larger breeds with thin coats may shiver when the temps drop too (e.g., Greyhounds, Whippets, etc.). But, dogs from a heritage further from the equator may have a double coat or undercoat and are comfortable with colder weather (e.g., Huskies, Saint Bernards, Bernese Mountain Dogs, etc.).
My dog, Sally, doesn’t have a thin coat, but she doesn’t have a thick undercoat either. Knowing what I know now, it’s no surprise that she struggles in colder winter temperatures and needs some added body and paw protection to keep her safe.
Things To Know Before You Buy Dog Winter 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. Sally always walks a little wonky at first, but she acclimates to the booties after a few minutes.
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 That Stay On
While searching for the best winter dog boots for Sally, I took detailed notes to provide reviews for you. Here is what I found.
Best Dog Boots For Snow: Bark Brite All Weather Neoprene Paw Protector Dog Boots With Reflective Straps Review
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These are the dog winter booties I purchased for Sally. I’m thrilled with how well they stay on her. Measuring her paw was easy. I used a fabric tape measurer, but you could also use a string and then measure the length of the string to ensure you buy the correct size. I found sizing to be true to size, and there are five size options in three different colors.
The boots have nice traction and work well in all weather conditions, including hot pavement, so Sally is comfortable in extreme heat and cold weather. I’m thrilled with my purchase, and the boots have held up well and lasted over six years.
Bark Brite Sizing Tip
Measure your dog’s paw’s full, rounded width for accurate sizing. The largest size may not work for larger breeds. For example, one owner ordered XXL for their 140-pound Doberman, and they didn’t work. However, the company offered to make a custom pair for the dog, which goes above and beyond!
Pros | Cons |
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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, rain, indoor, and outdoor | |
Keeps paws clean, dry, and protected | |
Excellent customer service | |
Includes a zippered bag to store the boots in to prevent misplacing one |
Price
- Starting at: $26.99
Best Dog Boots For Ice: Ruffwear Polar Trex Boots With Rubber Soles Review
Ruffwear Polar Trex boots come in a two-pack and are available in eight sizes. They feature more paw protection qualities, like a Vibram Icetrek outsole for traction on frozen surfaces and a breathable, waterproof, 3-layer laminated soft-shell upper. The stretch gaiter allows you to expand the boot over your dog’s paw and has a protective zippered closure to ensure a snug fit.
These Polar Trex boots are made for warmth and protection in cold weather. Remember to order two sets for your dog since they come in two packs.
Ruffwear Polar Trex Boots Sizing Tip
Ruffwear makes measuring easy. Put a piece of paper on the ground. Have your dog step on the paper, bearing weight, and use a pen/pencil to draw a line on each side of the paw. Measure the distance between the two lines in inches. However, if your dog is between sizes, Ruffwear recommends sizing down.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Secure grip and cushion for dog’s paws | Expensive |
Offers excellent support for dogs with paw injuries that need healing | Some customers say they get clogged with snow around the ankles |
Performs well in hot and cold conditions | Velcro strap may go over dewclaws for some dogs, which can be uncomfortable |
Good traction with sturdy soles | |
Stay on well |
Price
- Starting at: $49.96
PawZ Rubber Dog Boots Review
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PawZ waterproof dog boots come in seven 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 other dog winter booties in this article.
Each package includes 12 boots with no zippers, straps, or padding. These PawZ boots are best suited for those late winter or early spring days when the snow is melting, and your yard is a giant mud pit. These boots can keep the mud off your dog’s paw pads and offer protection from the hot pavement in those hot summer months.
PawZ Sizing Tip
For the best fit, measure from the bottom of your dog’s rear heel pad to the tip of the longest toe nail. The easiest way to do this is to use a piece of paper like the Ruffwear boots and draw lines at the tip of the longest nail and the rear heel pad. I tried it with Sally standing and it wasn’t easy.
If the paw is between sizes, PawZ recommends sizing up because sizes tend to run small as the rubber material contracts. If putting the boots on your dog is difficult, you can purchase Jawz for PawZ, a tool to help get them on.
Pros | Cons |
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100% biodegradable | Can come off easily |
Protection from hot surfaces, lawn chemicals, salt, snow, and ice | Some customers say they constrict your dog’s paws too much |
Excellent water resistance | Depending on the dog’s activity level, the boots may tear sooner than others |
Tight around the ankles for large/giant breeds (like Saint Bernards) |
Price
- Starting at: $16.99
Walkee Paws Review
Walkee Paws, as seen on Shark Tank, are dog booties attached to leggings with an over-the-back design. The anti-slip rubber boots have grippies for traction, and the leggings can help protect your dog’s legs, too.
This style of dog boot stays on well and eliminates the risk of losing a boot. There are two adjusters to help customize the fit to your dog’s leg height and back length. Once you initially adjust it, you won’t need to do it with consecutive wears.
The material has a 4-way stretch to move with your dog and is even machine washable. Use a gentle cycle, or rinse the booties in cold water.
Walkee Paws Sizing Tip
Trace your dog’s front paw on paper and measure the paw width (excluding fur). Next, measure your dog’s height from floor to shoulder. This isn’t easy, so you’ll probably need to ask someone for help with your dog. Choose the size of Walkee Paws based on the paw width and ensure the maximum height works too. If your dog is taller, you may need to size up.
Pros | Cons |
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Anti-slip rubber boot | Some users complain about durability |
Protection in all seasons | Can be difficult to put on |
Waterproof boots | Backstrap could 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 | |
No risk of losing a boot |
Pricing
- Starting at: $54.99
In-Depth Review Of Walkee Paws
Read our complete review of Walkee Paws to learn more about this product and its features.
Best Winter Coats For Dogs
Be cautious when choosing your dog’s coat, and only use ones made from machine-washable materials that won’t irritate your dog’s skin or cause an allergic reaction. I 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. If you need a dog raincoat, you can read our reviews here.
Best Dog Winter Coat: Kurgo Loft Dog Coat Review
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I bought this Kurgo Loft winter dog coat for Sally due to many of its features. The coat is water resistant, reflective, adds warmth but not weight, and machine washable. The coat is available in five sizes and eight colors.
It’s also reversible and can be used with a harness. I’ve used it with this Noxgear LightHound Reflective Dog Harness, and it fits easily. (I like the Noxgear harness because our walks are in the dark during the winter months since there is less daylight. Plus, it has lots of settings and looks really cool, especially when there are holiday lights on the houses we pass.)
I’ve used the same Kurgo Loft coat for Sally since 2017, and it still looks brand new. She seems more comfortable on our winter walks while wearing this. When I take it off of her, she doesn’t seem irritated by it at all (no licking or scratching after wearing it).
You can also put Kurgo’s Core Dog Sweater with fleece lining underneath this coat for an added layer of warmth.
Pros | Cons |
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Waterproof coat | Not as thick as other coats but still warm and most likely won’t cause your dog to overheat |
Machine washable | |
Zipper opening so you can use dog harness or leash attachments | |
Reversible | |
Doesn’t add extra weight |
Price
- Starting at: $35.95
Carhartt Firm Duck Insulated Dog Coat Review
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Carhartt is known for its heavy-duty, quality clothing for people. This Carhartt dog coat has the same durability built for our four-legged canines. Featuring a firm-hand duck canvas to protect your dog in the cold and wind, your dog will stay comfortable.
The quilted liner offers added warmth, and there are tabs at the neck and chest to make it easy to put on and off. The coat is available in four sizes and six colors.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Keeps dogs warm in winter | Some customers have had issues with what size to get |
Durable material | Collar can cause irritation |
Water-repellent technology | |
Strong velcro |
Price
- Starting at: $32.69
Best Sweaters For Dogs
Keep your pup warm with this top-rated pick for your pup.
Chilly Dog Boyfriend Sweater Review
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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 America 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 dozens of other designs.
Pros | Cons |
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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: $23.52
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 essential in summer.
Also, know when it’s too cold for your dog to be outside. Some breeds can handle more extreme cold temperatures than others. Know what your dog can handle, and when in doubt, use caution.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Canine Journal initially started as a dog website selling custom collars for pets. It transitioned into a resource for pet parents regarding caring for our beloved dogs. Canine Journal’s founders have decades of knowledge about dog apparel, and Kimberly Alt has years of first-hand experience testing and using dog boots and coats. After Kimberly’s personal experience and research, she consulted with the founders for their input on things to consider before purchasing gear for your dog.