Quicklinks:
- Do Golden Retrievers Need Snow Boots?
- What Are Snow Dog Boots For?
- Getting Your Golden Retriever Used To Snow Boots
- Alternative To Snow Boots
Do Golden Retrievers Need Snow Boots?
As winter approaches, it’s important to remember that your golden retriever may also need some protection from the harsh weather. No matter how hardy your retriever may seem, their paws should be protected from ice, snow, salt, and ice melt chemicals. Snow and icy particles can collect between their toes easily. Not only that, but you need to take into account that most salt used for roads and de-icers are toxic to dogs. Consider keeping their feet warm—and safe—with winter dog boots.
What Are Snow Dog Boots For?
Just like human boots, dog boots are made and designed to protect your dog’s feet while out they’re out for a walk. Dog snow boots are ideal in areas where there is a risk of your golden retriever getting a puncture wound. They can also protect your retrievers’ paws when they’re walking on a hot sidewalk, hot sand, or from ice and snow, road chemicals and salt. Dog boots have also been used to help to prevent “toe-curling,” which can occur in more senior dogs with arthritis, spinal disease, and generalized weakness. Here are a few things to keep in mind before buying dog boots.
Sizing
Dog snow boots can come in different sizes. Some list the shoe size by weight, while others go by foot length, so you’ll need to measure from the heel of your golden retriever pad to the tip of their toenail. Size can also vary across different brands, so double-check with the brand’s sizing chart against your retrievers measurements for the best possible fit. It’ll probably take a few tries for your retriever to feel comfortable wearing their snow boots, but if the shoe fits, most dogs learn to tolerate, even enjoying the sensation.
Waterproof Vs. Water-Resistant
Note that water-resistant dog shoes are not the same as waterproof dog shoes. Water-resistant dog boots will help keep the water from getting to your retrievers’ paws during snowy or rainy conditions. But for more rugged advents that involve walking in standing water, creeks, or soft, wet snow, waterproof snow boots will provide greater protection against more harsh elements.
Traction
To ensure that your retriever doesn’t slip on ice, finding a good snow boot that has good traction is incredibly important. Try looking out for boots with rubber soles with grooves at the bottom that will offer better stability. This material is also more durable and puncture-resistant, so the dog boots are less likely to get damaged.
Getting Your Golden Retriever Used To Snow Boots
When first fitting and acclimating your golden retriever to their new boots, do it in an area of your house that doesn’t have a slippery floor, like linoleum, so your retriever has an easier surface to walk on while they’re getting used to them.
Most dogs won’t immediately enjoy the sensation of having the boots on their feet, so it’s best to work on a gradual desensitization plan. Start by placing a boot on each paw, rewarding your retriever with their favourite treat or something else that they enjoy. Remove the boot and place on another paw, following the same procedure, rotating to each paw, then gradually put on two paws, then rotate those two feet, until you eventually work up to having your retriever wear all four boots at once.
Alternative To Snow Boots
Paw Balm: Before taking your retriever for a walk on snow or ice, rub some paw balm on your retrievers’ palms. Doing this will minimize any dry skin or damage to their paws by salt. Make sure to reapply some paw balm once you’ve returned from a walk. Having paw balm on hand is a good way to keep your retrievers’ paws soft and supple during the cold months. You can find it at a pet store or there are lots of vet-approved products with online retailers.
Keep a Towel on Hand: When taking your retriever out for a walk in the snow, make sure to wipe down their paws afterwards. This will help minimize any salt, ice, or other residue that could damage their paws. If you’re concerned that your retriever has walked in salt, consider dipping each paw into a bucket of lukewarm water and then towel drying.
Keep Walks Short: During extreme conditions, it’s best to make the walks shorter for your retriever. Being out in the cold too long is dangerous and could lead to frostbite. Keep in mind, if it’s too cold for you, then chances are that it’s too cold for your dog too. If you decide to take your golden retriever for a walk, then you may want to consider putting a coat or jacket on them.
