My Boston would not tolerate any boots other than this style (I called them balloon shoes, they're exactly like balloons). They don't really help much with cold, although not being in direct contact with snow would allow her to stay out a little longer. They're great for grip though. No joke, she never minded them at all. After putting regular boots on her she wouldn't walk, and flail until they'd fall off. These things she instantly went around running. They make an awesome little squish noise too.
I got them on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Pawz-Water-Proof-Dog-Small-2-Inch/dp/B001J22876/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1516396192&sr=8-1&keywords=dog+balloon+shoes
I personally wouldn’t buy too much gear until you see how they react to the colder temps. Depending on their age and (dog) coat type, they may or may not need/want coats. I had an older Beagle in Chicago and she definitely needed a coat. My young golden doodle could play in the snow all day and only wore a coat on the very coldest of days. Coats that are waterproof and easy to get on and off are best. Be aware that some coats have a little hole for your harness/leash connection and some don’t.
You’re right to be concerned about the paws. Not only the salt, but little ice balls tend to form between their paw pads which can be painful. I’m a big fan of the disposable ballon like Pawz boots. You can get several wears out of them and once you get the hang of it, they are easy to get on. I’ve tried more expensive boots in the past, but they were tough to get on and you’d more often than not lose one in a snow drift. Your pup will walk like a nut job at first, but will settle in. (And I swear they eventually understand the boots are helpful.)
If your dogs refuse the boots, I’ve heard people rave about musher’s paste.
It’s been my experience that most younger/medium aged dogs absolutely love the snow so I don’t think you’ll have a problem. If you have an older pup with arthritis, winter can suck.
Good luck!
Not OP, but I’ve moved out to Phoenix. It’s extra hot here, so we make sure to take precaution for our staffie.
I bought these off of amazon: https://www.amazon.com/QUMY-Waterproof-Reflective-Velcro-Anti-Slip/dp/B07JNSLSH8/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=dog+shoes&qid=1559446027&s=gateway&sprefix=dog+shoes&sr=8-3
They were a decent price and they stay on our dogs feet pretty well.
Here's an amazon link. The brand is Pawz and they come in different sizes! Pawz Red Water-Proof Dog Boot, Small, Up to 2-1/2-Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001J22876/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_onqhEbRPXJSNC
Yes boots! Slick floor? Boots help. Hot pavement? Boots help? Needles on sidewalk? Boots! Hiking or exploring on rough terrain? Boots!
Ruffwear are nice, but I personally can't justify the price. Especially if a dog is still growing. These are almost as good - My SD has climbed mountains with me in them, walked on asphalt in 110 degree heat, and trekked all around Portland at night (needles)
QUMY Dog Boots Waterproof Shoes... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LYITJ4S?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
QUMY Dog Boots Waterproof Shoes for Large Dogs with Reflective Velcro Rugged Anti-Slip Sole Black 4PCS (Size 6: 2.9"x2.5"(LW), Red) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JNSLSH8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_NowKf5lije18d
This seems to be them. Found them on amazon comparing the photos.
I really recommend paw covers. Some dogs (including one of mine) really don't have good protective pads and will freeze to the ice without them. My guy is an escape artist in them, so I put him in these ridiculous suspender booties called Walkee Paws when there is snow/ice and in the summer when the pavement is hot.
What about boots that aren’t boots? These have been in my Amazon cart for a while, I’ve never tried them but they look really interesting. And poor reviews be damned, if sized right I feel like these could be a great solution?
Never mind, found them quick. Doggy Shoes
i have those same shoes for my pup, whos a staffy/boxer/dalmation, very short hair, he gets to wear sunscreen as well. those shoes are rubber at the bottom like regular shoes for humans, they're not vinyl or whatever like socks. Heres the link, they're made specifically for these scenarios. One key thing to note is, sure dogs cool down from their pads, but that is not the only way to cool dogs down. They also cool down via their mouth, so as most dog owners should do when they live in areas where it gets hot, they should bring water and a bowl to help manage the dogs body temp.
My dog also has very weak paw pads and it's so sad to see her when she's in pain. We have bought her Pawz rubber boots that really works great for our dog (they can be used multiple times). She still has arthritis in the paws, but she's on medication for that and with the Pawz she can have a pretty normal life :)
Your dilemma is so tough, and there is no correct answer and only you know what is best. It is not selfish to want to expand your interests and it's also not selfish to want to keep the dog either. Having a dog comes with a lot of responsabilities and sacrifices, and it's not a bad thing to recognise that your situation maybe isn't optimal for a dog right now. But then a dog also enriches one's life tremedously and a lot of the practical issues around keeping a dog can be solved with a doggy daycare or finding a retired person that wants to help with walks during your workdays.
Since getting our dog the Pawz we have brought her on trips that require a lot of walking, our dog is small at 16 lbs so we can put her in a backpack when she gets tired, and she can manage up to about 8 miles a day on her own (Even if she'd want to walk further though!) without having to be kept still afterwards.
All the best to you! Tell your dog I said hi! :)
They're called Walkee Paws (cringe). I can't find the OP, so here's a link: https://www.amazon.com/Walkee-Paws-Adjustable-Leggings-Worlds/dp/B098MCM67R/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=21CC3Y0RYSEUZ&keywords=dog+leggings&qid=1645676170&sprefix=dog+leggings%2Caps%2C255&sr=8-3
I would recommend you get some, even if they are rubber booties. This will at least protect them from the salt. My girls feet don't get cold, but they hurt her when they get wet, salty, and the temperature is under 20 degrees. So I just have the little rubber booties from amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001J22876?psc=1&ref=ppx\_yo2\_dt\_b\_product\_details
PawZ Dog Boots | Rubber Dog Booties | Waterproof Snow Boots for Dogs | Paw Protection for Dogs | 12 Dog Shoes per Pack (Colored) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001TRF3QE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_FG4Y76AYN58GK3N86XK9?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
These are the ones I got my girl. She really doesn't mind them as she realizes they are protecting her paws.
I have my dog wear little booties on every walk - they're great in general, but especially in winter. fortunately, he's not fussy about the little balloon-kind. he won't wear a more human style boot.
In case any one is curious (they sell them at pet stores too):
https://www.amazon.com/PawZ-Booties-Waterproof-Protection-Colored/dp/B001TRF3QE/ref=sr_1_9
XSY&G Dog Boots,Waterproof Dog Shoes,Dog Booties with Reflective Rugged Anti-Slip Sole and Skid-Proof,Outdoor Dog Shoes for Medium Dogs 4Pcs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DD3SP4F/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_HYBZ5HZGNAEWVJQQXN60 - these shoes are awesome for my aussie
There are lots of sizes! Have you looked at these? What I do is cut off the top super tight part, makes it easier and for me they still stay on. https://www.amazon.com/PawZ-Rubber-Booties-Waterproof-Protection/dp/B001TRF3QE?th=1&psc=1
Amazon!
QUMY Dog Boots Waterproof Shoes for Dogs with Reflective Strips Rugged Anti-Slip Sole 4PCS/Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089T297HY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_BE2HT03ATWAYRRYCSAJT?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
We got the largest size of these for our pyr. She wore them for a week hiking in The UP and wore them again hiking. They worked great for keeping her paws clean and dry when hiking in mud/sand. They worked with her dew claws. She is a bit small for pyr because she’s a mix, but I think they’d work for your pup too.
QUMY Dog Boots Waterproof Shoes for Dogs with Reflective Strips Rugged Anti-Slip Sole 4PCS/Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073F5GQWM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_18KCZTNMWBT9XC3EQC3C
Longtime dog owner. My dog hated wearing boots. But, we both hated ending our walks within minutes because of the salt burns. I quickly got used to wearing Pawz (largely because he couldn't get out of them). https://smile.amazon.com/Pawz-Water-Proof-Dog-Boots-X-Large/dp/B009ONHFWA/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=dog%2Bpaw%2Bprotection&qid=1638896094&sr=8-8&th=1
Regarding the general cold, everything depends on their coat (thick, under, etc...). Huskies need nothing additional while a bulldog might appreciate the extra layer.
Check out walkee paws! They're the gold standard from what I have heard.
I use these below from Amazon, my 14lb dood can't get them off, but they're legit rubber balloons lol.
PawZ Dog Boots | Rubber Dog Booties | Waterproof Snow Boots for Dogs | Paw Protection for Dogs | 12 Dog Shoes per Pack (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009ONHFWA/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_KV4MDDJZT9G9Y4EJB18Y
I have these for my dog, and they work well in snow. I can’t speak to how they’d fair in the rain. I had other, more expensive ones that never fit quite right. These come in a broad range of sizes, and they have two Velcro straps so they stay on securely. My dog also has furry paws, which is why she wears boots in the snow, otherwise she gets ice clumps. You can trim your dog’s paw fur, but it doesn’t completely get rid of the problem.
Yes, it’s called QUMY Dog Boots Waterproof
They work great with long and short haired dogs.
QUMY Dog Boots Waterproof Shoes for Dogs with Reflective Strips Rugged Anti-Slip Sole Black 4PCS https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073F5GQWM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_25DC9FPRAQBPE4PJCQYK?psc=1
I’ve been using these shoes for years, when this brand was called My Busy Dog. The double Velcro helps keep them on even at a run (though they do rotate) and has a good rubber sole.
We have a 40# mix (75% BC, then cattle dog). For negative temps and salty sidewalks, we use Pawz (medium). She hates it, until she gets outside and starts walking and realizes she has superpowers. Other brands she stepped out of or didn't stay on.
These are the ones we use on walks, they stay on pretty good as long as he’s just walking.
Hey op. I got these for my dog and they have never even come close to coming off. Would def recommend
XSY&G Dog Boots,Waterproof Dog Shoes,Dog Booties with Reflective Rugged Anti-Slip Sole and Skid-Proof,Outdoor Dog Shoes for Medium to Large Dogs 4Ps https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DD3SP4F/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_B0ADMB6135RJWYYXQEKD?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
After using a few nice sets, I started using these rubber booties, that look like a cross between a condom and a water balloon. I think a 12 pack was 20 USD or something and they work really well and if you lose one it isnt the end of the world.
https://www.amazon.com/Purple-Water-Proof-Dog-Disposable-Reusable-Boots/dp/B001J1W76O