Dressing your dog for the winter – National Post

Practical pieces of clothing to protect your canines
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Whilst testing out some new winter wear for myself, I noticed (it was super obvious,) my dog may be in need of some active outerwear, too. 
That said, I’ve never been one to ‘dress’ my dog up. Albeit domesticated, she is a wild creature which means she is built to be outside. They go everywhere naked afterall. 
But as a deep freeze continues here in Alberta, I wondered if there isn’t something practical behind designer duds for dogs.
Add to that the fact, my pooch is more of a delicate creature who requires pampering. While other canines prance about outside all cool and confident, my mutt has seemingly permanently secured herself to my sofa. Dog hair everywhere and all.
It’s her feet. She can‘t seem to stand, literally, being outside for more than a few minutes on extremely cold days before she drops, crumpled up in a helpless heap, pulling her icy paws up close in a clear protest to any further footsteps. 
That has all changed. 
Recently, I was gifted a pair of dog boots. We had pulled up at the off-leash dog park where I planted my girl at the entry to do her meeting and greeting. With just three legs, she doesn’t do long walks but happily acts as a welcoming committee, sniffing and sorting things out with dogs as they come and go. 
That’s when a giddy and wonderful stranger came running up ]with a pack of boots minus one. She demanded we take them and we felt like Cinderella when they fit.
These boots have been life-altering for my dog. 
Despite her enthusiasm, she can only go a half block at most when temperatures go below -20 C. If she tries to go further, I end up carrying her home. She’s 70 lbs. It’s not pretty.
The boots slip on, Velcro at the wrist and have a string that cinches it up at the top to keep them snug whilst running in deep snow. Rubber soles offer excellent traction, unleashing my happy dog who gallops like a loud and happy horse when her feet are protected.
Still not keen to dress her up for fashion, we’ve found a few clothing items and accessories which are perfectly appropriate if you want to prep your dog for winter outings.
We tried and loved these: Canada Pooch Slouchy Socks with rubber soles 
Where to buy: Nordstrom ($71.99)
We have these: Musher’s Secret is our year-round must-have. It is all-natural, wax-based cream protects paws from sand, hot pavement, ice and salt. It contains vitamin E to moisturize and keep pooches’ paws healthy. It also receives rave customer reviews.
Where to buy: Amazon ($36.99)
Saker Paw Balm comes in a trial size ($7.99)
We love our dog snood: It is basically a gaiter/neck warmer which, on a dog, seems ridiculous, until you’ve seen it work. Many snoods are sold as a way to, not only, keep your dog’s face, snout and ears warm but to calm them down for vet visits and car rides. 
Original Happy Hoodie ($17.18)
Basic snood ($12.99) 
We wear this at night: Masbrill light up, LED dog collar 
Where to buy: Amazon ($24.99)
Here are some other products with strong reviews that we intend on trying.
Canada Pooch Shiny Puffer Vest (water repellent and machine washable)
Where to buy: Nordstrom ($42.99 to $72.99)
Yidennick winter jacket with leash loop and zip closure. Great reviews on fit and function
Where to buy: Amazon ($24.99)
Norbi down winter jacket 
Where to buy: Amazon (Starting at $17.99)
Two-in-one, harness and cold-weather jacket (for small dogs)
Where to buy: Amazon ($22.99)
HBC Stripes, dog sweater. To sport a Canadian classic and keep the dog warm
Where to buy: The Bay ($30)
Canada Pooch Torrential Tracker rain jacket A must if we lived in Vancouver
Where to buy: Nordstrom ($53.99 to $59.99)
Slowton winter dog coat 
Where to buy: Amazon ($22.99)
Dexas MudBuster portable dog paw cleaner
Where to buy: Amazon ($25.99)
Tomsenn Dog Lion Mane — We could not resist this one. We cannot verify its functionality but can pretty much guarantee you and your dog will get a few laughs.
Where to buy: Amazon ($16.88)
We chatted with Mark Bewer, owner of the popular Calgary-based Unleashed (@unleasheddogsyyc) about canine winter wear essentials. 
Unleashed was opened nearly two decades ago to “create a store for the ‘whole dog’ inside and out.” That includes thoughtfully-designed gear, beds, toys and foods without toxic chemicals or ingredients — consistent with a holistic approach to pet health and “belief that our animal companions should be treated with the same respect and consideration for natural living that we give ourselves.”
So, dressing the dog goes beyond fashion? 
Yes. They don’t regulate their temperatures as well as we do. We need to keep in mind they are vulnerable and their fur coat isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. 
What are your thoughts on dressing your dog in the winter?
I see it all the time, the human being is bundled up and yet the dog is in the same outfit it is in July. Some dogs are built pretty well and don’t need a lot of help but many are just short-haired, smaller dogs and it’s too cold.
(You can always speak to your vet about the specific needs of your pup.)
What do you recommend for a good pair of boots and a winter coat? First, what should someone look for in boots?
Make sure they fit well, go on easily and don’t come off easily. There are a myriad of styles. We have one with a fleece boot with grippy bottom and two velcro ties. 
There are a lot of very cool technical boots out there but they have to be the perfect fit. They can also be very hard on their feet and dew claws can get bent backwards. So, you have to break them in. We encourage people to put the boots on in the house and let them wear them around to see if they work. Make sure they are the right size. Some people buy them in two sizes and return one.
Will most dogs let you put them on?
Do it while they are distracted and get them going and they won’t even know they are there.
What about coats and sweaters?
With the coats, it needs to be formed to the dog. Not like a wetsuit, there has to be enough room for movement to still have fun in the park and to still be able to do their business. 
(What your dog requires,) is very dog specific and activity specific. If you are sauntering through the neighborhood a sweater might suffice. But, of course, if you have a husky pulling you on cross country skis it probably doesn’t need anything, it’s acclimatized to it.
The majority of our dogs live in houses with us and don’t have the coats farm dogs have. We had an Australian shepherd and met her brother. He is an outdoor farm dog and their fur was completely different.
A snood will protect their nose and they are just adorable.
What about the wax-based paw cream?
It can protect from the salt but not really from the cold. It is a nice conditioner for the pads of their feet and keeps them more supple. If you work it into the fur the snowballs will be much less.
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