Should dogs wear coats and boots in winter?

Many dogs don’t need coats in cold weather but in some cases it would be poor welfare for a dog not to wear one.   Dogs with fine natural coats that were bred for a hot climate such as greyhounds or whippets, elderly or sick dogs that are unable to walk fast, dogs suffering skin disease that have a sparse coat or dogs having chemotherapy are all examples of dogs that definitely need wrapping up in winter!

Should dogs wear shoes in winter?

In most cases, no, however it is important to examine your dog’s pads and in between the pads regularly to check for cuts or foreign particles that might have lodged there.  Cuts on pads can easily become infected and it is important to get advice from your vet if that has happened.  He or she may recommend that your dog wears a waterproof boot to go outside particularly if the paw is bandaged.  When there is salt on the roads it is advisable to wash your dogs feet when you return home and if the pads look dry you can apply a dry skin cream such as Eucerin.  Dogs in this country only need to wear boots if they have had an operation on the foot or if the skin is damaged.  Boots can help alleviate the discomfort of corns on the pads.