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!
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
These are the ones I got my girl. She really doesn't mind them as she realizes they are protecting her paws.
Thank you!! He’s wearing Pawz they’re almost like a ballon so they form around his paws and stay on really well. We bought him a few other really nice hard bottomed boots but they just kept falling off or making him uncomfortable. When we took these off his paws they were still warm and he had an awesome time, would definitely recommend!
I'm a huge fan of Pawz boots: https://www.amazon.com/Pawz-Water-Proof-Dog-Small-2-Inch/dp/B001J22876/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1504185233&sr=8-3&keywords=Pawz
They are basically just paw shaped balloons. Easy to get on, they do a great job of keeping salt and ice from getting between the pads and they are easily replaced if one gets lost or torn.
Booties would be ADORABLE!!!!
Another (slightly less Princess- glamorous) option are these balloon type things: https://smile.amazon.com/Pawz-Water-Proof-Boot-Small-2-Inch/dp/B001J22876/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1488218792&sr=8-1&keywords=balloon+shoes+for+dogs
We used them for one of my dogs who has irregularly shaped feet/legs (paws are HUGE but super skinny legs so booties don't work for him) and it took some getting used to but was worth it. It's sort of like putting a condom on a dog's foot? LOL
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
Put it in a balloon or (better yet) rubber dog boot, put a dab of silicone around the wires in the neck and zip tie it shut.
https://www.amazon.com/Pawz-Water-Proof-Dog-Small-2-Inch/dp/B001J22876
Have you tried these?
They are basically balloons and tough to get off.
They're actually "balloons". Probably the same brand that we use on our Beagle.
https://www.amazon.com/Pawz-Water-Proof-Boot-Small-2-Inch/dp/B001J22876
I came here to recommend Mushers Secret, but for a Bichon, I would probably just get pawz dog boots as long as he will wear them.
I'm sure it's not the solution for all dogs, and I'd never force an unwilling dog- I'd shape the behaviour. That's a good point to keep in mind if the dog doesn't seem to be "getting it", though. I wonder if using some sort of invisible boot product would help, or if holes could be cut in these balloon style boots to allow for nails to poke out but pads to be protected.
edit: come to think of it, there's actually a Nail Maintenance For Dogs Facebook group with almost 2k members, which I'm sure would have some creative solutions.