Fido fashion: Dog boots offer protection and comfort

Dog boots can give a dog better traction on ice and waxed floors, and protect sensitive paws from damage. Salt on sidewalks and roads is especially damaging to paws, and a dog is apt to ingest it while trying to lick it off. Rocks, snow and ice can also pose hazards.
Dog boots are also useful for keeping a dog’s toenails from digging into upholstery or pool liners. Prices range from less than a dollar per paw for disposable (but reusable) dog boots, up to about $15 per paw for more durable models.

Fit is important, of course. If a dog boot is too small, it’s not only difficult to get on, but can cut off circulation or hamper motion. Dog boots that are too large come off – a major complaint in owner-written reviews. Most dog boots come in six or seven sizes, with paw measurement charts for fitting.

There's a tradeoff between water protection and breathability. Water-resistant dog boots offer more protection in deep snow or treks through puddles, but shouldn't be left on too many hours because they're not breathable. For short walks, this isn't a major consideration, but some dog owners prefer to apply protective creams on paw pads instead of boots (see below).

Best dog boots overall

We found the best comparison review of dog boots at The New York Times, where five brands are tested on a Chihuahua -- a small breed (not easy to fit) with especially sensitive feet. Some dog boots are judged much easier to put on than others, an important factor when you think about putting on four boots several times a day.

Top ranking goes to the Foufou Aspen Booties (*Est. $50 for four). A zipper plus Velcro fasteners make these dog boots easier to put on than the other four brands tested. This boot also earns praise for combining fashion with substantial soles. It comes in six sizes.

Disposable, reusable dog boots

Pawz waterproof disposable dog boots  (*Est. $11 for 12) also earn praise in the comparison tests at The New York Times as cute, functional and surprisingly durable. Available in bright colors, Pawz are like little rubber balloons, powder-coated inside. They protect against salt and various chemicals as well as snow and ice. The main drawback noted is that they can be difficult to put on, according to owners rating them at Amazon.com and Petco.com.

Dog boots for hard-to-fit dogs

Most dog boots come in sets of four, but since front and hind paws can be different sizes, some – such as Neo Paws Regular Performance (*Est. $20 for two) – are often sold in pairs. Combining neoprene uppers with tough soles, Neo Paws come in 11 sizes. The main drawback, noted in The New York Times review, is that they’re not as fashionable-looking as some other boots.

Dog boots for long hikes

For more rugged outdoor hikes in cold weather, Neo Paws also makes tougher but pricier Neoprene Orthopaedic High Performance dog boots (*Est. $30 for two). The heels are reinforced. These boots are available in 10 sizes, but are not recommended for small dogs weighing less than 15 pounds.  

We found more reviews from hikers for the Ruff Wear Barkn Boots Grip Trex (*Est. $60 for four), available in six sizes. The Ruff Wear boots earn mostly positive reviews from about 60 owners at REI.com, especially if “socks” (liners, *Est. $10 for four) are worn under them. Long, well-documented tests of the Ruff Wear Barkn Boots Grip Trex by five hikers at BackpackGearTest.org give the boots mixed reviews.

Some owners at both sites report that their dogs just don’t tolerate the Ruff Wear boots, or that the boots slip off or wear too fast – and in some cases, even caused irritation and bleeding. These boots are also reviewed at dogtime.com, but the dog-boot reviews at this blog are so uncritical that they lack credibility.

Budget dog boots

Woof Hoofs (*Est. $25 for four), made of neoprene, come in seven sizes and separate styles for summer and winter. A video review by the originator tests the Woof Hoofs on an 18-mile hike over rough terrain. These dog boots earn reasonably high marks from half a dozen or so owners at Amazon.com. They come in seven sizes plus a special-order XXXL.

Protective creams are a good  alternative

It's clear from reading owner-written reviews that no one brand of dog boot fits every dog, even when size charts are followed with care. So you may need to experiment a bit. Be sure to introduce new boots with patience and praise, and check the dog's paws often to be sure the boots don't rub or cut off circulation.

Another way to protect a dog's paws is to apply a protective cream, such as Musher’s Secret (*Est. $14 for 200 grams). This product earns a high average rating from about three dozen owners reviewing it at Amazon.com.  A similar product, Tuf-Foot (*Est. $10), also earns high ratings there, but is reviewed by fewer owners.

Making your own dog boots

We found quite a few articles online with instructions for making your own dog boots. Sewing.org publishes a do-it-yourself guide for making dog boots from fabric plus Velcro tape. You can even make dog boots using duct tape.