As you prepare for snowy dog park adventures and frosty walks in the dark, you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need to keep your dog safe and happy throughout the winter months.
Here are our top six must-haves for cold weather:
Snow Booties
Booties aren’t for every dog, and some do perfectly fine without them (even in very cold winters), so how do you know if you should get some for your dog – and how do you convince him to wear them?
Small dogs are more likely to lose body heat quickly in cold weather, and dogs weighing less than 20 pounds will likely benefit from wearing booties in cold, icy or snowy weather, says Dr. Suzy Fincham-Gray, a veterinarian and author.
“Take a look at your dog’s feet: hair growth between and around the paw pads can trap rock salt and ice particles that can cause painful irritation, so these dogs would also likely benefit from booties,” Fincham-Gray says. “Dogs with a history of orthopedic, joint or back problems may also benefit from booties to improve their grip on slick, icy surfaces and prevent further injury.”
To work properly, snow booties need to fit well. “Dogs’ feet, just like ours, spread when they bear weight, and ensuring the bootie is not overly tight around the foot pads is important,” Fincham-Gray says. “Booties with an adjustable top (Velcro is a good material for this) that can be fit snugly but not too tightly around the leg will help improve the fit.”
A Collar Light
As days get shorter, chances are a lot of your daily walks will happen in the dark when visibility is poorer. “By the time a car's lights really shine on you, you will be lucky to not be hit if they are not paying attention—there isn't much reaction time,” says Jme Thomas, animal welfare expert and executive director of Motley Zoo Animal Rescue.
A collar light can make a world of difference when it comes to nighttime safety.
“A flashing light and reflective leash or vest are good ideas for those going on long walks, especially in more rural areas where there are no sidewalks,” says Thomas. “When you have a flashing light or reflective leash, this will catch a driver's attention well in advance of their lights actually being on you.”
A Sweater
Even with their fur coats, dogs can lose heat through their skin, Fincham-Gray says. For dogs who are particularly sensitive to low temperatures, a dog sweater is a must during very cold winters.
“If your dog has a short, thin coat, a longer coat with little undercoat, like a Yorkshire Terrier, or has no hair at all, like a Chinese Crested, investing in some winter clothing so they can enjoy outdoor adventures all year-round is a good idea,” says Fincham-Gray. “Geriatric dogs are also less able to regulate their body temperature and may benefit from a jacket or sweater in colder weather.”
When choosing a sweater, the most important thing is fit. “Always pay attention to how the coat or sweater fits around, and particularly beneath, your dog’s chest and abdomen,” says Fincham-Gray. “The fit should be snug but with enough space for your dog to freely, run, play and do all the activities they love.”
Keep also in mind that sweaters are meant for cold but dry weather, so if your dog is going to venture out in the snow or rain, a waterproof jacket or coat might be a better choice.
A Weatherproof Coat
For snowy and rainy weather, a waterproof dog coat is the way to go. “Coats or jackets made of weatherproof fabrics can be great for wetter climates. Many have a softer, more flexible and comfortable lining material, which adds warmth beyond repelling rain,” says Thomas. “Simple raincoats without any lining can keep your dog from getting too wet, even in heavy rain.”
When choosing a jacket, always read the instructions for measurements carefully and ensure that both the length of the jacket and the measurement around the chest are correct for your pet, says Fincham-Gray.
“Jackets that are ill-fitting may get caught when your dog is running and playing or could restrict normal movement,” Fincham-Gray says. “As daylight hours decrease, jackets with reflective strips may also be beneficial if you are walking in high-traffic areas.”
A Heated Dog Bed
Heated dog beds can be a great option to provide relief for pets with chronic joint or back problems. “It is important, however, that pets with limited mobility are able to move themselves off a heated bed if they become too warm,” Fincham-Gray says. “With any kind of heated bed or pad it is very important that heat is never applied directly to an animal’s skin, as this can cause thermal burns.”
When in doubt, Fincham-Gray recommends testing the bed yourself by resting your hand on the surface of the bed and applying pressure before allowing your dog to use it.
Weight-activated beds are often the best option, as these turn on when the dog’s body weight is applied and turn off when they leave, according to Thomas. “There are also thin blanket-like ‘beds’ that have a foil inside that helps to reflect an animals' own heat back to them; this would be the safest bet of all the devices available as it will never cause your pet to overheat or malfunction and cause a fire.”
Paw Balm
If your dog doesn’t wear booties but does a lot of walking on harsh surfaces in the winter, using a paw balm can be a great way to restore moisture to his paw pads and protect against cracking.
“Keep in mind that these balms are no substitute for taking care of your dog’s paw pads in the winter,” says Fincham-Gray. “Ensuring their pads are clean and dry after each walk and removing any rock salt or other dirt embedded between the pads can prevent many problems — leaving a hand towel by the front door especially for this purpose can be helpful.”
When choosing a paw balm, Fincham-Gray emphasizes that you should always select a product that is safe for canine consumption. “Most dogs love to lick any product applied to their skin, so products with natural ingredients would be recommended,” she says. “Applying small amounts of a topical cream to dry areas of the paw pad may be helpful, but ensure that your dog’s paws do not become slick when applying this type of product in a home with tile or hardwood floors.”
All of the products in this article have been approved for use by Dr. Christie Long, PetCoach’s chief veterinarian.