Winter Pet Apparel and Footwear

Hi everyone, and thanks for joining me on this episode of Val Talk’s Pets! Here we are at the end of February, and in many climates, there is still a fair bit of winter left. Dog coats and boots are still high on the list of purchases. So, let me give you the options and the honest truth on winter pet apparel and footwear.

Coats and Sweaters

Does Your Dog Need a Coat or Sweater?

Not all dogs require a sweater or coat. Generally, dogs with hair, rather than fur, need extra warmth. For example, a husky or malamute does not need a sweater, whereas a Doberman or Boxer, despite being large dogs, often require something warm due to their short coats.

Many smaller dogs wear coats, sometimes for fashion but also because their silky or thin hair does not retain warmth effectively. However, some small breeds, like Pekingese, Corgis, and small Spitz breeds, have a natural fur coat that provides sufficient insulation.

Choosing the Right Winter Apparel

Sweaters are typically worn in the fall and early spring, while coats, snowsuits, and parkas come into play when temperatures drop. Raincoats are useful in wet weather, sometimes worn over a sweater for extra warmth and to keep the dog dry. When selecting winter apparel, check if the outer layer is water-resistant or waterproof.

Snowsuits offer full-body protection, preventing snow buildup on the legs. They are especially useful for dogs that romp in deep snow rather than walking on cleared paths.

Harness Compatibility

One common issue pet parents face is fitting a harness over a winter coat. Brands like Canada Pooch and Bailey & Bella have designed coats with built-in harnesses, simplifying this process. If your dog wears a separate harness, ensure the coat has a slit for leash attachment.

Sizing and Fitting

The biggest challenge in fitting coats and sweaters is lack of preparation. Weight is not a reliable indicator of size—consider the difference in shape between a 60-pound Labrador and a 60-pound Bulldog. Most coat labels provide sizing charts that require chest, back, and sometimes neck measurements.

Many pet parents rely on guessing, leading to frequent returns. If a coat is returned with hair inside and missing labels, it often ends up as waste, contributing to environmental impact. A simple measurement beforehand can prevent unnecessary waste and frustration.

Sweaters tend to be more forgiving, as they have some stretch and typically come in standard small, medium, and large sizes. However, checking the size chart for specific measurements is still advisable.

Footwear for Dogs

Why Boots Are Necessary

Footwear for dogs is a complex topic. Some dogs walk on heavily salted streets, which can crack and damage their paw pads. Others struggle with freezing temperatures, lifting their paws to avoid the cold ground. In such cases, boots provide crucial protection.

Types of Dog Boots

Balloon Boots

Balloon boots resemble small rubber balloons and come in disposable sets. They are excellent for protecting against salt and snow but offer little warmth. On a difficulty scale (1 being easy, 10 being hard), they rate around a 4 or 5 once you get the hang of putting them on.

Soft Shell Boots

These boots feature a sturdy sole, a soft upper portion, a Velcro strap for securing the boot, and an elastic pull at the top. They provide warmth and protection against salt and snow but require a proper fit to ensure they stay on.

Hiker Boots

Hiker-style boots, such as those from Tundra and Canine Equipment, have excellent treads, double Velcro closures, and a gusset for a secure fit. Some brands sell them in sets of two (front and back) for a better fit, as dogs often have different-sized front and back paws.

Fleece Traction Boots

These boots provide traction indoors but may become wet if used outside. They are best suited for dogs needing extra grip on slippery surfaces indoors.

Suspender Boots

Canada Pooch’s suspender boots gained popularity but have mixed reviews. They attach to straps running up the legs and along the back, securing all four boots in place. However, they can take up to 20 minutes to put on, and some dogs refuse to walk in them. While successful for some, the high return rate suggests they are not a universal solution.

Winter Apparel for Cats

While less common, some cats enjoy outdoor adventures in the snow. Snowsuits and boots for cats are available, though they are often modified versions of small dog apparel. If your cat enjoys winter outings, these could be worth exploring.

Pet Eyewear

Goggles for dogs protect their eyes from snow, ice, bright sunlight, and glare. While they can be useful, not all dogs tolerate them well. My dog, Tundra, has blue eyes, so I am mindful of the brightness affecting his vision. While he owns a pair, he is not particularly fond of wearing them.

Final Thoughts

The key takeaway? Measure, measure, measure! Come prepared with your pet’s measurements or bring them to the store for a fitting. If you purchase an item on a guess, handle it carefully so it can be returned if necessary.

Lastly, assess whether your dog actually needs winter apparel. I once witnessed a couple arguing over whether their dog needed a coat—only to reveal the dog was a husky! Unless a husky is elderly or has a medical condition, it does not require a coat.

Winter can be a fun season for pets if they are dressed appropriately. Enjoy the snow while it lasts, because flea and tick season is just around the corner! Noooo! But that’s a topic for another day. Keep researching, because as I always say, knowing is caring!

If you enjoyed this episode, please check out my other episode Winter Care and Tips. Thanks for Listening!

Tagged as: Dog Snowsuits,  Cold Weather Pets,  Pet Fashion,  Dog Boots,  Winter Pet Care,  Pet Sweaters,  Dog Coats,  pet winter apparel,  Dog Goggles,  Dog Footwear,  Dog Eyewear,  Cat Winter Gear.