“Does my dog need boots?” Well, clearly mine need a nail trim, but that’s another story...
So. Does your dog need boots, and if so — what kind? That depends! If it was, say -7 this morning when you went to let the dogs out... your dog *probably* needs some sort of paw protection. Unless you’ve got a sled dog or a sled dog wannabe. (Which many of you have, I realize!)
If you’re going for a quick walk — or even a walk around town once it gets ABOVE zero, you really just need to create a barrier between your dog’s paws and the cold or the ice or the salt. Sierra’s got skinny little Whippet feet with not much to them. And, surprise-surprise, her size Medium PAWZ booties have made a world of difference. Because it's not always about warmth; sometimes your dog literally just needs a barrier between their delicate little feet and something crazy-cold.
We like the reusable/disposable dog booties because they're fairly inexpensive (no more than $20) and you get multiple pairs in a pack. So, if you tear one or your dog loses one...you've got backups! Making them the perfect "starter" bootie (or "gateway bootie" if you prefer!), although a lot of people—us included!
—will likely stay with this option.
If your dog is a pro at booties, WagWellies might be the right choice for you. They're utterly adorable and very durable, and come in sizes XXS to XL—not to mention several very fun colors. Try them on at the shop to make sure the fit works for you and your dog.
That said, there is a reason warmer booties, like Muttluks (which we also carry), exist. Some of you have dogs who LOVE this weather and will join you for longer outdoor adventures. Vesper would be a perfect candidate for something like that...if he would let us put things on his feet.
Which brings us to the third option: paw wax. Booties aren’t for everyone. But unless your dog is toilet-trained (or litter box trained), there’s a good chance you’re going to have to take them outside at some point. Wax, like our little rubber booties, creates a barrier to protect your dog’s paws from salt—and also from snow balls piling up into those furry toes (like Vesper’s). Slather it on before you send your pup outside; wipe it off when they come back in. Done! And onto the next adventure...
Stay safe—and warm!—out there!