Updated 12/30/23
Winter is here! Cold weather and snow abound. Wet, damp paws with snowballs stuck on the hair between toes. Dirty paws and floors to clean after a nice walk. Sound familiar? Dog booties may be what you need.
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Related: Keep Your Dog Warm Using A Winter Coat With A Harness Hole, Top 3 Dog House Heaters For Cold Weather, The Best Winter Coat For Your Dog
What Are Dog Booties?
Dog booties are shoes designed for dogs. They are made to fit a dog’s paws and have some type of closure to keep them on. Booties usually have some type of reinforcement on the bottom for increased traction and protection.
Who Can Benefit From Using Dog Booties?
Dog booties can be used for various purposes to suit your dog’s needs.
- Intolerance of cold surfaces.
- To avoid that snowball build up when they play in the snow.
- Booties can be used to prevent burns on paws from hot surfaces.
- They can help keep your dog’s paws dry in wet weather.
- Can prevent cuts from stepping on glass or sharp gravel.
- Provide traction on slippery surfaces, including hardwood and tile flooring.
- They can be used to help cover a wound and prevent your dog from licking the area.
What Should I Look For When Choosing A Dog Bootie?
When choosing a dog bootie, there are certain elements you may want to look out for.
- Rubber Sole. This will help protect your dog’s paws from sharp objects, hot or cold surfaces and provide increased traction when walking.
- Strap. Having a strap will help secure the bootie onto your dog.
- Reflective Stitching. If you tend to walk your dog when it is dark outside in the early morning or evening, this can help your dog be more visible.
- Water Resistant / Waterproof. This can help keep your dog’s paws dry in damp weather conditions.
- Breathable. Being made of a breathable material can help your dog’s paws feel more comfortable.
How Do I Determine The Correct Size Dog Bootie?
It is always best to follow the manufacturer’s directions when measuring for the right size dog bootie. In general, place your dog’s paw onto the ground. Next, measure all the way across your dog’s paw. If your dog is not the type to stand still while you do this, you can have your dog stand on a piece of paper and trace their paw onto it and then measure across. Finally, check your measurement against the manufacturer’s to determine which size bootie will fit your dog.
If your dog is between sizes, it is recommended you size DOWN for a better fit.
Measure both the front and rear paws, as they may be different sizes.
Things To Consider When Fitting Your Dog With Booties
- *Not all booties will fit all dogs* You may have to try several brands/styles/sizes before you find one that fits your dog well and meets their needs.
- The straps on the booties need to be fastened tightly. If they are not, the bootie may slip off or turn around on your dog’s paws.
- Dewclaws. A dewclaw is the digit of your dog’s paw that does not touch the ground. It is important to keep an eye on this when fitting your dog for booties. Some booties may secure below the dewclaw, some above it, and still others around the area of the dewclaw. Depending on how the booties fit on your dog, it may rub against it and cause injury or sores to the area.
- Dog booties are good to take your dog for a walk in, however, if your dog likes to run and play, or if they are a bit rambunctious, the booties may come off.
- Training. It may take some time for your dog to get used to wearing dog booties. Some may take to them right away, while others may take several tries.
- Even though dog booties have a rubber sole and provide traction, they do not provide enough to stop your dog from slipping on ice (just as human sneakers don’t).
The Best Dog Booties For Winter
The following are some dog booties you may want to try. All of the pros for each of these are the same:
- Easy to get on/off.
- They fit well for most dogs.
- Most were able to keep the dog booties on through various weather conditions when fastened properly.
CovertSafe Dog Boots
Features:
- Available in 4 colors and 8 sizes.
- Anti-slip sole.
- Wide split seam opening.
- 2 reflective straps.
- Water resistant.
- Hand wash.
Cons:
- A little rigid for small dogs.
QUMY Dog Boots
Features:
- Available in 4 colors and 8 sizes.
- 2 adjustable reflective straps.
- Non-slip sole.
- Wide split seam opening.
- Water resistant.
Cons:
- Hard to find the correct size.
- Short in length.
- Too rigid for some dogs.
- Slow to dry once wet.
- Velcro is not the highest quality and wears out quickly.
- Cannot be used in sand, due to seepage into shoe through microscopic openings in the shoe.
YOULY The Nature Lover Waterproof Silicone Dog Boots
Features:
- Available in 5 sizes and 2 colors.
- Textured sole.
- Slip on.
- Adjustable strap.
- Water resistant.
Cons:
- Nails can go through material.
Expawlorer Waterproof Dog Boots
Features:
- Available in 8 sizes.
- Non-slip sole.
- Wide slit at top for easy on/off.
- Reflective Velcro strap.
- Hand wash.
- Water resistant.
- If between sizes, manufacturer recommends to size UP.
Cons:
- Cannot be used in sand per the manufacturer, as sand may get into shoe through microscopic holes in the stitching.
- The sizing tends to be off. You may need to try different sizes before finding the right one for your dog.
- Too rigid for some dogs.
- Too short for some dogs.
Muttluks Original Fleece Lined Dog Boots
Features:
- Available in 7 colors and 8 sizes.
- Flexible sole.
- Machine washable.
- Waterproof / windproof material.
- Reflective stitching.
Cons:
- Too rigid for some.
Bark Brite All Weather Neoprene Dog Boots
Features:
- Available in 2 colors and 5 sizes.
- Hand wash.
- Non-skid rubber sole.
- Water resistant.
- Reflective strap.
- Slit in the back of the boots for easy on/off.
Cons:
- Sizing tends to be off. You may need to try different sizes to get the right fit for your dog.
Dog booties can be a great option for your dog when going for walks in hot or cold temperatures. It may take a while for your dog to get used to wearing them, but it is worth it to have their paws protected.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.