When the temperature drops and the sidewalks turn icy, dog boots stop being a “cute extra” and become real winter essentials. Cold ground, road salt and hidden ice can all hurt sensitive paws, especially for small breeds, seniors and short-haired dogs.
To help your pup stay warm and safe this season, we’ve put together a simple three-piece winter kit: fleece-lined dog boots, a classic cable knit dog sweater and soft dog ear muffs. And because Christmas is around the corner, all three products are now 40% off (limited-time) on SmartPetTools.
In this guide, you’ll learn why dog boots matter in winter, how our sweater and ear muffs complete your dog’s cold-weather outfit, and how to choose the right size so your best friend looks cute and feels comfortable.
Why Dog Boots Matter in Winter
Bare paws on winter streets face a lot of hidden risks. Ice and packed snow can create sharp edges that scratch or crack paw pads, while de-icing salts and chemicals can irritate the skin and cause dryness or redness. On very cold days, sensitive dogs can even start to shiver and lift their paws from the ground after just a few minutes outside. American Kennel Club+1
Well-fitted dog boots add a light, protective layer between your dog and the ground. They:
Block direct contact with ice, snow and road salt
Give better traction on slick sidewalks and stairs
Keep paws warmer, which supports overall body temperature
Cut down on the mud and slush your dog tracks into the house
Our own Dog Boots – 5 Cozy, Protective Benefits for Cold Weather Walks are built with a textured anti-slip sole and a soft interior so your dog can walk more confidently, even on wet or icy ground.
3-Piece Winter Kit: Dog Boots, Sweater & Ear Muffs (All 40% Off)
1. Fleece-Lined Dog Boots: Everyday Winter Paw Protection
For daily walks, short potty breaks and snowy park adventures, our fleece-lined dog boots are the foundation of your winter kit. You can choose between:
No Fleece (Standard) – a lighter option for cool, damp weather
With Fleece Lining – extra-cozy for very cold days and snow
Both styles feature an adjustable drawstring at the ankle to help the boots stay on, plus reflective details for better visibility during early-morning and evening walks. Right now, these dog boots are 40% off, so it’s a good moment to pick up a second pair or mix colors for different outfits.
Dog Boots – 5 Cozy, Protective Benefits for Cold Weather Walks
2. Cable Knit Dog Sweater: Warm, Photo-Ready Layer for Small Dogs
A warm body helps warm paws do their job even better. Our Cable Knit Dog Sweater – 5 Cozy Benefits for Small Dogs gives your pup the same feeling you get from your favorite winter knit.
Key details:
Soft, non-itchy yarn that small and medium dogs can wear all day
Stretchy turtleneck to shield the chest and neck from cold wind
Ribbed edges to keep the sweater in place without squeezing
For Christmas photos, this classic cable pattern looks beautiful under tree lights or by the fireplace. Pair it with matching dog boots and you’ll have a holiday-ready outfit that is both practical and adorable – and, for now, also 40% off.
3. Dog Ear Muffs: Calm, Cozy Support for Noise-Sensitive Dogs
Winter and Christmas bring not just cold, but also noise: thunderstorms, holiday parties, guests, vacuum cleaners and sometimes fireworks. If your dog is noise-sensitive, our Dog Ear Muffs – 5 Powerful Calming Benefits for Noise-Sensitive Dogs can help.
The soft fleece snood design:
Gently hugs the ears and neck to slightly muffle loud sounds
Provides a swaddling, secure feeling around the head
Doubles as extra warmth for ears on cold, windy walks
Use the ear muffs together with dog boots and the cable knit sweater on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve to help your dog feel safer when guests arrive or when fireworks start outside. For a limited time, the ear muffs are also included in the 40% off winter sale.
Dog Ear Muffs – 5 Powerful Calming Benefits for Noise-Sensitive Dogs
For more general tips on helping noise-sensitive dogs cope with loud sounds, you can check resources like the AKC guide to noise-sensitive dogs. American Kennel Club
How to Choose the Right Size of Dog Boots and Winter Clothes
To get the most from your dog boots and clothing, a good fit is essential.
For dog boots:
Have your dog stand on a sheet of paper.
Mark the back of the heel pad and the tip of the longest toe.
Measure the distance between the two marks.
Compare this measurement with the size chart on the dog boots product page.
The boots should be snug but not tight. If your dog is between sizes or has very fluffy paws, choose the larger size so the paw can spread naturally when walking.
For the cable knit sweater:
Measure chest girth at the widest part of the ribcage.
Measure back length from the base of the neck to the base of the tail.
Use chest girth as your priority when selecting between sizes S, M, L or XL.
A correct fit lets your dog move freely, lie down comfortably and wear a harness over or under the sweater.
Safe Winter & Christmas Walk Tips with Dog Boots
Even with good dog boots, a few simple habits will keep your dog safer and more comfortable:
Keep walks shorter on very cold or windy days. Tiny, short-haired and senior dogs are more vulnerable to cold stress. American Kennel Club+1
Rinse and dry paws after walks. Boots catch most of the salt and dirt, but a quick wipe or rinse helps keep pads healthy. American Kennel Club
Watch for signs of discomfort. If your dog starts lifting paws, shivering or slowing down, it may be time to head home.
Introduce new gear slowly. Let your dog sniff the boots, sweater and ear muffs, reward with treats, and start with short indoor sessions before going outside.
With these habits, your dog boots, sweater and ear muffs become tools for comfort, not just accessories.
Limited-Time Winter Sale: All Three Essentials at 40% Off
To celebrate the winter season and upcoming Christmas holidays, we’ve put all three Dog Sweater products on SmartPetTools at 40% off: