Winter Gear for Dogs in Canada: Coats, Booties & Paw Care
Canadian winters are no joke, and not every dog is built for them. Here’s how to tell if your dog needs cold-weather gear, and how to choose coats and booties that they’ll actually tolerate.
Which dogs need a coat?
Double-coated northern breeds (Huskies, Malamutes, Bernese) are usually fine in the cold. But short-haired, small, senior, and puppy dogs lose heat fast — if your dog shivers, lifts paws, or rushes back inside, they need a layer.
Aim for a coat that covers the chest and belly, where dogs lose the most heat, with a snug-but-not-tight fit you can slip two fingers under.
Booties: more than cute
Road salt and ice-melt chemicals burn paw pads and are toxic if licked off. Ice balls form between toes on long-haired dogs. Booties solve both — look for grippy soles and adjustable straps, and let your dog get used to them indoors first.
No booties? Wipe paws with a warm damp cloth after every walk and consider a paw balm.
Sizing tips
Measure your dog’s back length (collar to tail base) for coats and chest girth for the fit. For booties, measure paw width on a flat surface with weight on it. When between sizes, size up for layering room.
Walk-safe in winter
Keep winter walks shorter in extreme cold, stay off frozen ponds, and rinse off salt at the door. A reflective coat helps in the long Canadian nights.
Gear up at our dog apparel and outdoor section — shipped fast across Canada.