The Best Dog Boots in Canada
With the weather we have in Canada always changing from rainy, to sunny, and then eight months of winter – it’s important to have proper footwear, and that includes for your dog! Ice and frozen sidewalks can injure or harm their paw pads, rugged as they are naturally.
Our list below covers the best top-rated dog boots for your pup to keep their feet safe and sound in any weather and helps take the guesswork out of your search.
Our top picks
How to choose dog boots
When you’re looking for booties for your dog, keep these factors in mind:
Size – One of the most important measurements to take for well fitting dog boots is their ‘ankle’ section where the boots need to be tighter to ensure a good fit. Their front and back paws are usually different sizes, which is why a lot of brands will sell dog boots as either 4-packs or 2-packs so that you are able to pick and choose best.
The other measurement is to be sure that the boots aren’t too big or too small, since you don’t want to accidentally end up with chafing or blisters.
Type – There are different types of boots for your dog, including different seasons. Some are more for rain and wet conditions, and others are more properly for cold winter boots that have additional traction for ice. There are also models for hot weathers and surfaces.
Traction – You might not need a lot of traction if you’re going out into rain puddles and hot sidewalks, and this goes together with the Type section above. Not all boots have the same traction and grip, even if they look the same so be sure to check before you purchase.
Best dog boots for cold winters
Pysolen Winter Dog Boots
If you’re looking for dog boots that can conquer walks outside during the winter, these might just be the ticket. They have reflective strips on the ankle section for safety, easy to adjust Velcro for the straps, and a printed anti-slip sole made of soft but durable rubber that’s perfect for ice and snow.
The cow grain leather is impact and water resistant, making it easy to clean. The main part of the boot is made from a breathable and waterproof fabric that keeps water out while ensuring that your pets paws don’t get wet and cold in the muck outside.
They come in sizes two to eight, that covers most breeds of dogs from small greyhound sized feet to larger breeds such as retrievers, etc.
Pros
- Great grip.
- Comes in many different sizes.
- Reflective strip on ankle.
Cons
- Might take a few tries to fit your dogs’ paws correctly.
Best dog rain boots
Rubber waterproof booties
Waterproof and easy to clean materials are usually a great idea for dog boots, and if you live somewhere rainy or go for frequent forest or beach walks, these waterproof dog boots can help.
They’re made from a PU like material that makes them waterproof and stylish, while being easy to maintain and wipe down. They’re easy to take off and put on, with the Velcro strap being supportive but not loose. There are two straps adjusted to keep your dogs’ feet firmly in the right spots.
A warm inner lining makes these double as great winter boots as they keep the wet snow out, while the non-slip hard rubber sole makes for a safe playtime on ice or in the rain while you’re out for walks and runs with your dogs.
Pros
- Doubles for winter with the warm inner lining.
- Cute design.
- Easy to clean.
- Fully waterproof.
Cons
- Might not have all sizes for certain breeds.
Best dog boots for hot summers
Breathable mesh dog boots for hot pavement
Summers can get hot, and you definitely don’t want your best friend burning their paw pads on the concrete when it gets unbearable out there. These adjustable breathable mesh dog boots help to keep their feet cool while the non-slip waterproof soles keep their paws off the cement. They’re thick rubber and won’t slip when walking across any water while out and about.
They’re perfect for indoor/outdoor activities during every day, hot days, and the rainy ones. There is a small zipper and adjustable Velcro strap to ensure that their boots will stay put properly after you’ve put them and have them situated. Even while running, walking, etc.
Pros
- Breathable mesh.
- Adjustable.
- Lightweight.
Cons
- Works best for smaller dogs or breeds with small feet.
Best dog boots for hiking
Waterproof grip dog boots
When you take your dog for hikes and long walks, you want their paws to be protected. These durable and rugged boots are top-rated for just that. They come in an array of fun colours if you’d like to match attire with your dog, and they also come in multiple sizes that should fit most breeds.
They have two adjustable straps, and the sole is anti-slip and very grippy on wet surfaces. Can be tricky to put on at first, but once they’re in, they should be comfortable. According to most reviews from pet owners, the only downside is that they aren’t as waterproof as they seem on the purchase page, but everything else is exactly as intended.
Pros
- Rugged and durable.
- Comes in multiple colours.
- Easy to adjust.
Cons
- Not the best waterproofing.
Best dog boots for pets that drag their feet
RC Pet Products
Some dogs tend to drag their feet as they walk, just as us humans do. This can damage their feet, toes, and hurt their walking in general – leading to hip issues, ankle and mobility issues, etc.
These protective socks help against those damages and are more comfortable for extended periods of time than regular dog boots are. Coated in an anti-slip grip, they help with traction and protect your dogs paws from scraping on the floors, decks outside, or even in dirt or grass while walking. Sidewalks as well.
These comes in multiples sizes from XX-Small to XL that should fit most dog breeds.
Pros
- Anti-slip coating.
- Indoor/outdoor.
- Protects paws.
Cons
- May not be enough for all dogs.
Best dog boots with suspenders
ADJUSTABLE FIT Black Boot Leggings
WalkeePaws is a highly rated and top-selling maker of dog boots and dog leggings. If you’re looking to try dog boots with ‘suspenders’ to get a better and more secure fit, you may want to try them out. They come in multiple colours, styles, and sizes across their site. Their sizing has also changed over the years to include longer straps for tall dogs with small paws such as greyhounds.
The leggings section has a water-resistant comfortable fabric, and the boot itself is a waterproof rubber boot that has anti-slip grip and traction nubs all over it which is perfect for the rainy, icy, and hot sidewalks and weather we deal with at all times of year in Canada.
Shipping and returns are very easy with WalkeePaws and they include a great guide on how to fit your pet correctly with their boot sizes and styles.
Pros
- Fits better than regular boots with their design.
- Great customer support.
- Water-resistant fabric.
Cons
- Some dogs may dislike the over the back design more than regular booties.
Our methodology
For this article, we compared the best and top-rated dog boots on Amazon and across other retailers available within Canada. We considered models that would fit different dog breeds, sizes, and budgets, while taking into consideration multiple situations such as extremely cold weather, hot summers, and rainy days.
Frequently asked questions about dog boots and shoes
How do dog boots work?
Dog boots work for your pup by keeping the footpads dry and creating an insulating layer around it, same as what boots do for us. They can walk for longer outside in the cold and rain, and it helps keep their feet safe and more comfortable.
Are dog boots worth it?
They can be worth it if you go for walks outside throughout the year, and especially since in Canada it’s more snow and ice than not – it can be very well worth it to protect your dogs’ feet and paws against the elements.
How do you put on dog boots?
The easiest way to put on dog boots is when they’re standing, so that when they step down again it’s generally a better fit on their foot. If you have a smaller dog that you can just easily hold, that works best for them.
Slide their boots onto their feet and make sure that their ankles and feet are supported and fit inside properly so that they can walk properly. It may take a few tries and allow your dog time to get used to them being around as well before you even put them on. Offer treats and positive reinforcement.
How to keep dog boots from falling off?
The best advice is to make sure that they fit properly and that the closure around the ankles is snug enough that your dog won’t fling them off easily or tear them off with their teeth.
How to size dog boots?
There are a few measurements you should take when you’re getting dog boots.
You can measure their front paws and back paws separately to make sure that you’re getting the right sizes for both sets. A fun trick is to place your dog’s paw on a piece of paper and press down lightly so it can mimic the spread their toes do while walking. Mark both sides, measure, and match that number up with boot sizes.
Another important measurement is around their ‘ankle’ area, as some dogs can have small feet and be big dogs. Such as like collies who are bigger but have thinner legs.
How to train your dog to wear dog boots?
Start by getting them on and then letting your dog wear them for a few minutes at a time, upwards to an hour or more once they’re ready. Don’t leave them on for any longer than four or five hours while you’re out, and don’t leave them unsupervised as they’re wearing them just in case, they get injured.
They may walk funny, sit still, etc. and be sure to encourage them with treats and positive reinforcement so that they associate the boots with good things.
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Updated date
April 19th, 2022
About the author
Nikki Lyka
Nikki Lyka is a reviewer and writer at Rank-It.ca that’s written about a variety of subjects from the best fantasy novels to travel guides and blogs. When she isn’t researching and typing up a storm, she’s generally found winding down with tea, video games, practicing aerial hoop, photography, and reading good horror novels.
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