Vet warns pet owners against putting boots on dogs in cold weather

Gregory Robinson

Published November 18, 2024 9:24am Updated November 18, 2024 9:24am

Yorkshire Terrier little dog and its owner, snow winter background. Small, cute doggy in suit with pink boots. Copy space — A vet has explained why there is ‘no real need’ for dogs to wear boots (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

A vet has shared a major warning against putting dogs in shoes, even when the temperature drops to freezing lows in the next few days.

With yellow weather warnings issued by the Met Office and snow predicted in parts of northern England, Wales and Scotland this week, many people are wondering if it’s even too cold to walk their dogs.

Although dog walkers may feel tempted to put shoes on their dogs to keep their paws warm, vet Dr Anna Foreman has shared her advice about how to keep your dog warm without boots, which she deems unnecessary.

‘As long as owners wash and dry their dog’s paws thoroughly after a walk, there is no real need for outdoor boots,’ she tells Metro.

‘These boots are prone to causing a dog distress (dogs are not used to wearing shoes like we are), are easily lost, and are unnecessary in most cases.’

Anna also said that dog’s paws have ‘shoes already’ in the form of their pads.

‘These hard, leathery “soles” prevent injury to the softer skin surrounding and delicate structures underneath,’ she adds.

‘They can be cut or penetrated with sharp objects, and so if a dog becomes suddenly lame, their pads should be checked thoroughly as well as the rest of their leg.

Dog terrier in winter coat — Boots might be cute but they’re ‘not needed’ according to the vet (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

But there are certain conditions in which Anna would suggest a dog wear boots in snowy weather.

‘If a dog is slipping in the wet, ice or snow, their pads are becoming chapped and sore, or the skin of their feet (or the dogs themselves) are not tolerating being washed, boots can be considered,’ she explains.

And there’s one item Anna, Everypaw Pet Insurance’s in-house vet, swears by when it’s cold: raincoats, for pooches who don’t have an ‘innately waterproof coat’.

She suggests: ‘The easiest way to find out is by exposing your dog to the rain (or a shower at home!) and then feeling under their fur to the skin underneath

‘If their deeper fur and skin is dry and warm, their outer hair coat is keeping them dry. If the deeper fur and skin is wet or cold then this means an external waterproof coat may be more appropriate to keep them dry.’

To keep your dog safe and comfortable during a walk, it’s important that they aren’t too hot or too cold.

Some canines have innately warm and waterproof coats and piling on the layers could make them feel uncomfortable.

Dog owners should invest in a high visibility collar, lead, accessory, harness or coat to make your dog stand out in conditions with low visibility.

How to keep your dog safe in snowy weather

Wrap up warm – grab a waterproof coat just for your dog to make sure they’re not shivering when they’re outside. This is especially important if your dog is elderly or has a short coat, like greyhounds and staffies.

Check your dog’s paws – salt and grit on the roads could get stuck in your dogs paws, causing irritation and pain. Have a proper check of your dog’s paws when they return inside, and give them a good dry with a towel to remove salt, grit and snow.

Make sure they have a warm and cosy bed – dogs also need a warm and toasty spot to run to after having fun in the snow, just like us. Make sure they have a bed away from draughty areas.

Do some indoor exercise – you may need to shorten your usual daily walk to make sure your dog doesn’t get too cold or tired (and save yourself, too). Make sure they remain active with plenty of toys and puzzles indoors to prevent boredom.

Avoid rivers and lakes – an iced over body of water is far too tempting for most dogs, who’ll want to slide around. You don’t know how stable that ice may be. It could shatter, leaving your dog in danger.

Never leave your dog in a car unattended – the same rule applies all year round. In the winter, a car’s interior can get very chilly.

Know the signs of frostbite in dogs – signs of frostbite in dogs include very pale skin with a blue tint, skin that feels very cold or brittle to touch, blisters, and sore, red areas.

If you notice any symptoms, don’t blast your dog with a hair dryer or stick them next to a radiator. Instead, warm a towel in your clothes dryer or on a radiator, then gently apply the towel to the affected areas. Go to the vet if the areas go darker.

The freezing cold, unsettled weather we’re seeing right now is down to high pressure retrogressing towards the Atlantic and chilly winds arriving from the north-northwest.

Over the weekend, the lowest temperature recorded was at at RNAS Yeovilton, in Somerset, which was -0.9C, but forecasts predict London (normally milder than the rest of the country) could see the mercury drop to -3° by Wednesday.

The UK Health Security Agency issued a warning that the low temperatures could cause a greater risk to life for vulnerable people, while National Rail said trains across the country could be affected, and urged anyone planning to travel to check their journey before heading off.