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As the weather gets colder, we like to layer up. Tights, socks, boots - the whole kit and kaboodle. So, why do we think that dogs are any different?
Of course, dogs have certain physical characteristics that protect them against the cold and make them more impervious to bad weather, but they can still get cold. And depending on their breed, they can be more susceptible to cooler temperatures.
People often see putting dogs in clothes and boots as unnecessary and even cruel, however if properly researched and tailored to your dog’s size and needs, dog boots and apparel can help protect them from the elements.
In this blog we will tackle the question should dogs wear boots during the winter, how they can be beneficial, as well as some paw care tips to help keep your dog’s feet clean and warm in winter.
There has been a lot of argument as to whether it’s beneficial for dogs to wear boots. However there do seem to be more benefits that downsides:
Even though puppy paws are naturally pretty resilient, they can still get cold, especially if they get wet. Boots can help keep your dog’s paws clean and warm during lower temperatures or particularly harsh weathers like snow and rain.
Not only that, boots can be great when taking your dog over different grounds and terrains, offering better grip and reducing the risk of injuries from sharp rocks or trash.
It can be surprisingly easy for dog paws to get injured; sharp stops, thorns and broken glass can cut them or get stuck in between their paw pads, causing pain and infection. Boots can be a great solution to injury-prone pups.
If you have a highly-sensitive dog or a dog with considerable health issues or allergies, putting them in boots during more challenging terrains or weathers, or even just on the daily, can help keep symptoms and reactions at bay.
Wondering which occasion may call for dog shoes? Here’s a rundown of why your dog may benefit from wearing boots or other foot protection:
All dogs have thick, durable skin on the bottom of their paws that help protect them and keep them warm. Bigger dogs that are built better for the cold - we’re talking huskies and akitas - will likely be less in need of snow boots.
However, smaller dogs or dogs that aren’t primed and ready to pull a sled - chihuahuas, we’re especially looking at you - may need a little extra protection from the cold. This is largely due to the fact they tend to have shorter, thinner or no coats at all, and so may have a harder time of it when trying to stay warm.
Boots can be a handy way to offer your smaller breed dog extra protection from the cold, especially if you’re going to be outdoors for a protracted amount of time, and can help to keep their temperature more stable. Well-made boots will help to keep your pup’s paws dry whilst also protecting with an extra layer of insulation against the cooler temperature of the ground
Also, each dog is different. Some may struggle more with the cold regardless of their breed, or have certain health conditions that are worsened by the cold. Getting to know your individual dog’s healthcare and physical needs will help you to identify if they need extra support for their paws.
Sometimes, it is just TOO cold. When temperatures drop below freezing it can naturally be harder to withstand, no matter how tough your paws are. Tracking the weather and temperatures during the winter will help you organize your dog’s walking routine better and know when it might be better to stay indoors.
Because even though the common understanding is that dogs need to be walked every day - and they certainly do need to have a certain amount of physical stimulation and enrichment - if the temperatures outside are that cold, it may be better to keep your dog indoors. Instead, try to think of physical activities you can do around the house, or use this time as an opportunity for some enrichment activities instead.
Pavements will often be treated with rock salt or chemical de-icers (otherwise called melting agents) to reduce surface slippy-ness for us humans, which fixes one problem but causes another.
Salt and chemicals can be extremely irritating to dog paws, drying them out which can lead to cracks and infection. If stuck to your dog’s paws, they may also be tempted to lick the salt to clean their paws, which puts them at risk of poisoning too.
If you live in an area where rock salt and chemical de-icers (such as calcium chloride or magnesium chloride) are in high or frequent use, it might be worth considering dog socks or boots to protect your pooch’s paws.
Also, if after a walk outside in the cold weather, your dog licks their paws and begins showing any of the following symptoms, get them to a vet stat: vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, seizures.
Boot-wearing won’t come naturally to most dogs, and so getting them used to the sensation of wearing them is vital if you plan to use this doggy apparel in the long-term.
Here are a few things you can do to help get your dog used to their new shoes:
It is likely that your dog will find the boots confronting at first, being quite fussy when you try and put them on. Allow your dog to see and smell them first, showing them they are not a threat, rather than just putting them straight on…this will only freak your dog out!
So let your dog investigate and sniff the boots first, making sure to use lots of praise and positive reinforcement for showing their interest in the boots. If they try to move away from you when you pick up the boots, try not to force your dog to get closer/interact with them and let them investigate at their own pace.
Little and often is the way to go at first. Put your dog’s boots on for short lengths of time at regular intervals so they can get used to the feel and sensation of walking in them. Again, make sure to praise your dog and even use treats to show your pup that wearing boots is a good thing.
You want the boots to have positive connotations for your dog, so by putting them on for fun things like playtime and cuddles, or even short trips outdoors to their favorite spots, followed by some reward treats, can all help your dog realize that the boots are a good thing and not to be feared. Once again, it’s about building up those positive associations in their mind so that your dog can move past any discomfort.
When it comes to choosing the best boots for your dog, there are a few things to take into consideration:
Depending on your dog’s size and breed, they will require different boots. It can be tricker to find the right boots from dogs with smaller paws as they can slip off easier. Finding boots that secure well whilst still being comfortable and easy for your dog to move in will require some searching but is totally possible.
Remember, comfort is key!
Just like human shoes, dog boots can be made of different materials, some more durable than others. Depending on when and where you intend your dog to wear their boots, it is important to consider the qualities of the boot material. For example: durability, thickness, are they waterproof, is the material too hard or soft?
The level of activity your dog does in their boots will determine how sturdy you need them to be. If your dog is more active, boots with good flexibility whilst still being strong and durable will be the priority. Whereas if your dog is just going on a short walk each day, warmth and softness might be the order of the day.
The same way humans crack out the hand cream during the cold weather, pups’ paws need a little extra TLC during the winter months:
Wet and cold do NOT mix. If your dog is left wet or damp after cleaning it can be a one way ticket to catching an illness. When you give your dog a bath, or simply clean their paws after a particularly muddy walk, be sure to thoroughly dry them off, perhaps even putting them under a hairdryer or heater for a few minutes.
Keeping your dog’s paw fur neatly trimmed will help reduce bacteria and dirt from building up, as well as keeping tangles at bay.
Paw protection wax can be great for keeping your dog’s paw pads in good condition, giving them an extra layer of protection from rough surfaces and moisturizing the pads, reducing dryness, cracking and general discomfort.
Doggy socks and leg warmers - now there’s a look! If you don’t want to go the whole hog and invest in dog boots but still want to keep your dog’s legs warm and protected, dog socks or gaiters could be a great option. These will help keep their paws and legs toasty and protected from rain, snow and harsh winds.
Generally speaking, dogs don’t strictly require boots. Their paw pads are naturally sturdy and most dogs have natural elements that will protect them from colder temperatures and keep them warm.
However, all dogs are unique, and puppies, smaller dogs and hairless dogs may be more prone to getting chilly. If it seems that your dog seems to struggle with the cold, there is no harm in helping them stay comfortable with dog boots and other apparel.
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