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. 

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. 

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.

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.