Does My Dog Need Winter Boots?

We’re deep into the dog days of winter, and if you’ve made it this far cooped up indoors, you and your dog might be more than ready for a big outdoor adventure. Even when your dog doesn’t seem bothered by the cold, winter conditions can be tough on their paws. Snow, ice, and salt-covered roads aren’t exactly barefoot-friendly for us - so how do you know when it’s time to give their paws some help too?

Below, we’ll break down the conditions that matter most so you can decide when winter booties are worth the extra effort to keep your dog comfortable and ready to explore all season long.

How are winter booties helpful for dogs?

Boots help protect your dog’s paws in a few different ways: keeping them protected, clean, and sometimes adding a bit of warmth.

Dog booties are a necessary way to protect your dog’s paws during outdoor adventures. Sharp ice, jagged granite, rocky trails, and extreme temperatures can quickly tear up paw pads, even for dogs with calloused paws that are used to rough terrain. Booties add a durable layer of protection that helps prevent cuts and soreness, so your dog can stay comfortable. Ask anyone who’s carried an 80 pound dog down a mountain… they likely won’t want to do that again.

Winter boots are also a way to keep your dog’s feet (and your house after they come trudging in) clean from outdoor winter elements. On winter sidewalks and streets, it’s inevitable to step on road salts used to keep the surfaces from freezing. These salts can cause a whole host of issues for paw pads like dryness, cracking, or cuts. If they lick their paws to soothe the irritation, they may ingest harmful road salts in the process. Boots are an easy first step in solving this issue and maintaining healthy paw pads all winter long.

Winter temperatures can be tricky for a dog’s paw pads, especially for those with thinner pads or shorter coats. Dogs can be susceptible to frostbite on their feet and paw pads during prolonged exposure to cold. While walking through inclement weather, snow and ice can work their way into the nooks of your dog’s paws, making it both uncomfortable for your dog and difficult to remove. Winter boots, especially insulated ones, create a barrier between your dog’s paws and cold surfaces. This allows them to stay comfortable for longer without the risk of frostbite or discomfort. Huskies and other northern breeds are well adapted to extreme cold, but even Iditarod dogs wear booties during races.

When should dogs wear boots in the winter?

Generally, dogs should wear winter boots any time they’re likely to come in contact with harmful road salts or walk outside in the cold for a longer stretch of time. A quick trip to the backyard or around the block for a potty break should be no problem for nearly all dogs, but it’s important to consider each breed’s tolerance for winter weather before making decisions on longer journeys. Smaller and short-haired breeds lose body temperature quicker, so they may need winter boots on a shorter walk than a larger dog may need them.

Do puppies need winter boots?

Puppies have more sensitive paw pads than adults, so it’s important to keep them protected in wintry conditions. To help puppies grow comfortable with the cold and snow, it’s best to keep outdoor trips short and safe. Just like adult dogs, they likely won’t need winter boots for quick potty trips, but introducing winter boots early will make them more comfortable with them in the long run.

Do senior dogs need winter boots?

Senior dogs often have reduced circulation and stiffer joints, which can make cold weather harder on their bodies. Winter booties can help keep their paws warm while also protecting against cracks, cuts, and abrasions that tend to heal more slowly with age. Even at above-freezing temperatures, booties can help keep outdoor time comfortable and enjoyable throughout the winter.

How cold is too cold for a dog’s paws?

Here’s our guide for making sure your dog is comfortable at different temperatures:

Above 32°F: Okay for most dogs without boots. Consider using them for longer adventures or for dogs with more sensitive paws.

20°F to 32°F: Winter boots should be used for moderate to long walks. Look out for the use of salt and make sure to clean your dog’s paws if they are exposed.

Below 20°F: Use winter boots as often as possible, even on shorter walks.

Every dog is different, so look out for signs of discomfort like raising certain paws or a change in gait.

Do dogs need winter boots for hikes?

Winter boots can offer extra traction, but dog nails are the ultimate build-in crampons, which is helpful for preventing slips on icy trails.. You don’t need to start every hike with booties on, but always carry a set in your backpack in case of a paw injury.

Is road salt bad for dogs?

Roads and sidewalks are treated with different salts or chemicals depending on the region and extreme temperature. “Rock salt” is commonly used to treat roads that are around freezing temperatures and is made from essentially table salt, while calcium chloride may be used in more extreme weather circumstances.

Rock salt is not toxic to dogs, though it may irritate and dry out a dog’s paws. Even though it’s not toxic, ingesting salt in large quantities can still be harmful to dogs. It is best to make sure they don’t lick their paws after contact.

Calcium chloride, on the other hand, can cause severe paw irritation and gastrointestinal symptoms if ingested. Winter boots should always be used if it’s suspected that roads have been treated with calcium chloride or another harmful chemical.