Best Winter Boots: Tips & Top Picks
Dogs are usually more than happy to go on a walk on their bare paws. However, sometimes the weather conditions make this harmful; like during an Ontario winter. Not only can your pooch’s paws get cold, but harsh chemicals used to melt the snow and ice are very harmful. They also cause a lot of discomfort, making their walk a lot less enjoyable. As well, snow and ice can collect and built up between your dog’s toes and on the under-pads of their paws, making walking uncomfortable and painful.
Putting boots on a dog is not always an easy task. And watching them get used to having them on their feet will make any dog owner laugh! Once you get through the initial stages and your pooch starts to tolerate wearing winter boots, then walking will become just as enjoyable as it was during other seasons in Ontario.
What to look for in your dog's winter boots
The first thing to do is to determine what the most important aspects are for your pooch. Things like your dog’s size, energy level and the terrain will be a big part of that decision. Before you go out and spend a lot of money on winter doggy boots...
Consider these thing:
- The sole of the boots should be textured to provide a good grip
- The material of the boots should be waterproof or water-resistant
- The sole should be flexible so that your doggy can walk naturally
- They should have adjustable straps to make it easy to take them on and off
- On harsh days, opt for dog winter boots that are lined with fleece or some sort of insulation to keep their paws warm
How to choose the right winter boots for your dog
There are a lot of different winter boots on the market for your pooch. So how do you choose the right ones?
Size
Having the right size winter boots for your dog is the most important part of choosing the right boots for your furry loved one. If they are too tight, then your dog will not only be uncomfortable, but his/her movement may be restricted. If they are too loose, they can slip right off and make walking difficult (clown shoes).
To measure your dog’s paw, you want to use the measurement of the widest part of his/her paw as well as the longest (including the nail). You can then use these measurements to compare different brands and select one that is the perfect fit for your pooch.
Traction
Different weather conditions require different grips, especially throughout the Ontario winter. There are days where everything turns to ice, and others that leave the sidewalks filled with slush. Be sure to buy winter dog boots that are suitable to the conditions outside. This may mean having a couple of boots to select from that are suitable for the conditions for the day. For example, on a cold day where there is likely to be ice, opt for dog boots with a good grip on the sole.
Fasteners
Most doggy boots have a Velcro strap, which fastens at the narrowest point of your dog’s leg. This makes it easy to get the boots on and ensure that they stay on. However, there are also other types of fasteners on some boots. Elastics, zippers and drawstring cords may be seen, which take more time to out on, but also ensure a secure fit. Opt for the fastener that is easiest for you and your pooch.
Material
Like human winter boots, dog boots come in a wide range of materials. Choose a material that you would opt for when buying your own winter boots, and make sure that they are waterproof or water-resistant. Look for boots that have a winter-ready lining as well. A good rule of thumb is that if they will keep your feet warm and dry, they will do the same for your beloved dog.
Our top picks for doggy winter boots
QUMY Dog Boots Waterproof Shoes for Dogs
These boots are arguably one of the best, safest and most high quality boots available today. And they are excellent for the Ontario winter. They are waterproof, warm and have a reflective velcro strap. On top of that, the soles are durable and non-slip, making them perfect for an ice day. The wide split seam makes them easy to get on and off, while the two velcro straps keep them in place. So even if your dog likes to play in the snow, these boots should stay on his/her paws.
The QUMY Dog Boots Waterproof Shoes for Dogs comes in six different colours and seven different sizes, so there should be one that’s just perfect for your pooch. Although these are my top pick, there are a couple of cons to these dog boots. First, they are quite heavy, so they are not suitable for an older dog that may have joint problems. Second, they can’t accommodate dog’s that have a dewclaw.
Ultra Paws Durable Boots for Dogs
Although pricey, the Ultra Paws Durable Boots for Dogs are the perfect choice for any active dog. Plus, not only can they be used in the winter, but they are great for all 4 seasons throughout the year; protecting your pooch’s paws from wet, dry, cold and hot conditions. The toe is coated with a flexible material that offers extra traction on slippery days. Plus, the material of these boots is completely water-resistant.
Ultra Paws are easy to get on and off thanks to their split-seam and two Velcro fasteners. Plus, their foam ankle pads not only make them extremely comfortable, but also ensure a snug fit. They are great for all dogs from puppies to seniors, having a rubber non-slip sole for great traction. The downside is that they only come in two colours and five sizes.
Canada Pooch Soft Shield Dog Boots
If you have a large dog, these are the best winter boots for him/her. Still, dogs of any size will love these winter boots, as they are comfortable, practical and will keep their paws nice and dry. They are easy to get on and off thanks to their wide opening, and fit securely on your pooch’s paws thanks to the two secure closures. The first closure is a reflective velcro strip, while the second is a draw-string at the top of the boot. Plus, they are 15 percent spandex for an added cozy fit.
Canada Pooch Soft Shield Boots are available on three colours and six sizes. They boast a polyester lining and a water-resistant shell, making them perfect for cold and wet winter days. They also have a rubberized grip sole. One of the only cons of these dog boots is that they take a long time to dry.
Muttluks Original Fleece-Lined Dog Boots
Available in eight sizes and seven colours, the Muttluks Original Fleece-Lined Dog Boots are known to be one of the most comfortable dog boots on the market today. They are fleece lined to keep your pooch’s paws warm, while the outside is waterproof nylon. The soles of these boots are leather, giving your dog a more barefoot experience, while still keeping his/her paws warm and dry.
The sock like top and hook-and-loop velcro strap not only ensure that these boots are cozy, but also secure. Plus, they are beatable, soft and are accented with reflective material for night time walks. If that’s not enough, they are Canadian made and have been since 1994.
PawZ Rubber Dog Boots
These are the perfect choice for the budget-minded dog owner. They come in a pack of 12 and are completely reusable. Plus, they are great for dog owners on-the-go, as they are easy to toss into a bag or purse. They are excellent at keeping your dog’s paws dry, but aren’t very warm. However, they can easily be pulled over a pair of dog socks.
As the name suggests, PawZ Rubber Dog Boots are made of stretchy rubber, much like a balloon. They have no closures or fancy snaps, as they stay is place due to their design and shape. Dogs who have trouble walking in other winter boots will find these to be much more comfortable. However, they have no grips on the soles so they aren’t the best for days that are ice, but will protect your pooch’s paws against water, snow and salt.
Conclusion
There were a few things I considered when choosing my top pick of the best winter boots for dogs. I looked at styles, comfort, how easy they were to buy and if there was enough variety to fit the most teeny tiny dog all the way up to XXL breeds. Plus, because Ontario winters can be harsh, I selected dog boots that can sustain the Ontario winters.
