Unless you live where the seasons never change and a perpetual summer is all you and your dog have to endure, perhaps you know a pup who might benefit from these winter weather tips. Cold temps, icy sidewalks, and ice melt are things we always protect ourselves against: we bundle up, slip on winter boots, and moisturize a hundred times a day to keep our skin from drying out. Dogs are much the same, though we sometimes forget how important it is to shield them from the elements. Check out the list below for a roundup of items your dog needs to stay comfortable and healthy when things turn frigid.
For Chilly Walks
Why we love it:
- 100% wool
- Colored with organic plant dyes
- Sizes from XXS–XXXL
A short stroll around the block with a brisk wind is no match for this wool sweater from Chilly Dog. They’re not itchy, but they are crazy warm and adorable on dogs of any size. Finally, our dogs can poop in comfort in the cold. Consult the sizing chart in the photos on Amazon for an accurate fit!
For Bare Paws
Musher's Secret Pet Paw Protection Wax
Why we love it:
- Contains Vitamin E
- Heals & moisturizes
- 100% non-toxic
Musher’s Secret, the best kept secret in all of dogdom. Or maybe not so much anymore. This little container of protective balm goes a long way on walkies in any harsh weather conditions. Gently rub into your dog’s feet to protect paw pads from hot and cold surfaces (and ice melt), and even help heal cuts and scratches. It’s also completely non-toxic if pups try to taste test.
For Frozen Ears
Why we love it:
- Keeps dogs’ ears and neck warm
- Available in small, medium, & large
- 100% acrylic yarn
We tried putting earmuffs on a dog, but it turns out those don’t stay on very well. If you find yourself rubbing your pup’s ears between your hands to warm them up after being outside, the “snood” might need to go on your wishlist. A snood is like a scarf and a hood in one, and helps to keep your dog’s ears and neck warm. These just so happen to be adorable because they’ve added animal ears.
For Long Winter Walks
Kurgo Loft Reversible Dog Coat
Why we love it:
- Reversible with reflective piping
- Comes in several colors and sizes XS–XL
- Easy zipper opening to clip leash to harness
- Water-resistant fabric
This rugged, quilted coat is made of Microtomic ripstop material that resists water and holds in warmth, but is very lightweight. It’s designed not to hinder movement, so all leg-lifting and zoomies are good to go. Flip it inside-out for a new look and play hard knowing Kurgo offers its hassle-free lifetime warranty.
For Icy Sidewalks
My Busy Dog Water-Resistant Dog Shoes
Why we love it:
- Anti-slip soles
- Easy to put on and remove
- Water-resistant fabric
Slipping these rugged boots onto your dog’s feet is easy, and for pups who live in cities or who enjoy hiking rough terrain, they can mean the difference between comfort and injury. Ice melt is often not pet-safe, so when dogs lick the salt off their feet after a walk, they’re ingesting chemicals that can potentially make them sick. Protective shoes keep the toxins off, and will help keep paws dry, warm, and protected against ice and snow.
For Dry Noses
Why we love it:
- Soothes and promotes healing for dry or cracked noses
- Organic, vegan, & made in the USA
- Fragrance-free
Just like winter weather goes hand in hand with chapped lips and dry skin, so too does it cause dry, cracked, or peeling dog noses. A jar of Snout Soother contains 100% organic, all-natural, and vegan ingredients including coconut oil, Vitamin E, and chamomile. Rub some of this balm into your pup’s nose (and try to keep them from licking while it absorbs), and you’ll start seeing results in less than a week!
For Outdoorsy Dogs
Petmate Indigo Dog House With Microban
Why we love it:
- Microban resists bacteria, mold, & mildew
- Roof vent for proper ventilation
- Currently available in Large & X-Large sizes
Some dogs refuse to come back inside once they’ve been allowed free reign of the yard, especially when there are snow drifts to play in. If you’re gifted with the presence of a cold-weather dog (shout out to the Husky parents), a dog house specifically designed to keep them warm might be in the cards. The Dogloo, as I like to call it, is designed with an offset doorway to protect from wind and rain, and the Microban material fights off stain and odor-causing bacteria, mold, and mildew to last years out in the elements.
For Diggers & Burrowers
Why we love it:
- Removable & washable cover
- Available in sizes small–extra-large
- Warm sherpa interior & microsuede exterior
Staying cozy and warm inside is just as important as it is outside. Dogs who love disappearing in a nest of blankets will LOVE this burrowing bed, with a sherpa fabric interior and soft microsuede exterior. And it’s not just for little dogs—this plush bed is available up to size extra-large with no worries about extra-large messes, because the cover is completely washable.