Photo: a man steps sideways into the street from an uneven snow bank, using a long white cane while his black Labrador Guide Dog follows on leash behind him.

Winter Survival Guide

Cold and snowy winters pose unique challenges for many guide dog users. Advanced mobility skills and established partnerships can help GDB teams through the worst of it, but – in many cases - additional gear is essential for safe winter travel. Below are some considerations for extreme winter conditions, and a list of resources.

Paw Protection

This is often the most pressing concern for a guide dog’s welfare during winter months.Salt and ice-melting chemicals create a burning, painful mess on sidewalks and streets, and an alternative to Ruffwear boots is sometimes needed. In recent years, a combination of Mushers Secret Paw Wax and lightweight protectiverubber booties has been the favorite alternative approach. Here are some details and considerations.

Photo: a white plastic tub of Musher's Secret paw wax with blue and white label; lid is open to show clear wax inside tub

Musher’s Secret

  • A creamy wax that moisturizes dry, cracked pads, and provides a layer of protection when paws are naked or if salt/chemicals get inside booties.
  • Apply every few days by rubbing into pads and between toes. Best done on tie down or at night so it can dry while dog rests. It is non-toxic, does not stain, absorbs quickly and makes your hands soft!
  • Paw wax can make non-carpeted floors slippery. Apply when your dog is resting on carpet or other soft surface to allow time for absorption into the paw pads.

Photo: close-up of purple rubber disposable boot encasing a dog's paw

Pawz

  • *NOT FOR USE ON ESCALATORS
  • The thin rubber layer of Pawz allows a dog to feel the ground as normal, so resistance to walking in these booties is not typical.
  • Size; almost all of our dogs wear a size Large (purple) in the Pawz Disposable booties. The boots are made of natural rubber, like a thick balloon, and will “suck in” on themselves to mold to the foot when the dog starts walking. Err on the larger size! Too small makes them prohibitively tight around the ankle. They are color coded by size, but all sizes can now also be found in black.
  • The top must be stretched wide to put over the paw, and stays tight during wear. The top should sit BELOW THE DEW CLAWS, with dew claws on the outside and not covered.
  • Check all toes and toenails once the booties are on, to make sure everything is comfortable and not being pulled by the rubber. Tugging on the end of the bootie (near the toenails) can be helpful to make sure it’s fitting properly.
  • Pawzdo not breathe, so they should not remain on a dog’s feet for long periods of time. This is especially true indoors where it’s warmer and sweat can build up inside the booties.
  • Three full sets of booties are included per pack (12 individual booties). One set can usually be worn several times, until holes develop from toenails or normal wear & tear on surfaces. While still in tact (no holes or rips) they can be rinsed off at home. If moisture gets inside, they can be refreshed with a pinch of talc, corn starch or baby powder once dry.
  • Can also prevent slipping on hardwood and tile floors

Photo: three colorful dog socks with black rubberized feet and black cuffs

EZ-Paws

  • Cotton/spandex material sock dipped in rubber
  • Waterproof paw area protects from the elements (including hot pavement)
  • Pull on and off like a tight sock; more durable than Pawz Disposable booties
  • Can also prevent slipping on hardwood and tile floors
  • *NOT FOR USE ON ESCALATORS

Other paw protection considerations

  • Ice melting products can be toxic; wipe down paws and coat with baby wipes or a wet towel after walking outside. Lukewarm foot baths can be nice, too (an empty baby wipes tub works well).
  • Regular baby socks can be used as a protective boot liner for warmth in winter, to absorb sweat in summer, or to prevent rubbing all year round.
  • Boot liners can also be purchased directly through The RuffWearcompany. Bark n’ Boot liners are made specifically to enhance the fit and comfort of your RuffWearboots.

Resources

  • *Musher’s Secret info at 860-345-4888; can be purchased on Amazon and at almost any online pet store. Less common in retail stores, but some do carry it. *Alternative products are not as good. Around $10 for 2 oz., $17 for 7 oz.
  • Pawz info at 718-369-8883; can be purchased on Amazon and at almost any retail or online pet store. SIZE LARGE. $16-$18 for 12pk
  • EZ-Paws info at 888-364-7463; size varies, size chart available which requires paw measurement. Around $28.00 for a set of four booties.
  • Baby socks can be purchased anywhere baby clothing is sold, and Bark n’ Boot liners can be purchased at 888-783-3932; $14.95 for a set of four.

Winter Coats

Some conditions aren’t safe for anyone, so our teams are best advised to stay indoors when the wind chill dips 15, 20 or 30 degrees below zero. On most days, though, life must proceed as usual through typical winter weather where temps often hoveraround or just below the zero mark. Cold tolerance definitely varies from dog to dog, but many will benefit from an additional layer of warmth if outside more than a few minutes in frigid weather. This is especially true when waiting at bus stops,or for lights to change at windy street corners, etc.

Winter coats for dogs are best purchased at a store where they can be tried on for size and individual fit, but ordering online is definitely an option. Here are some suggestions for purchasing a coat, either in a store or online.

  • An ideal coat will have two layers of protection to fit under the harness; a thin nylon outer layer for wind and snow resistance, and a fleece inner layer (microfleece is best for comfort and allows more room for the harness)
  • If the above type of coat is unavailable or too costly, a single layer of fleece, or an inexpensive knitted “doggy sweater” that isn’t too bulky will do. Some grads add the GDB rain coat as a wind/snow resistant outer layer, but only if it fits easily over the warmer material.
  • The harness will require adjustment to accommodate a winter coat (an instructor or the Support Center can provide instructions if needed).In some cases, a longer belly strap may be necessary.
  • For dogs needing extra warmth and protection, some guide dog handlers use a streamlined fleece bodysuit for full coverage; only the product below (K9 Top Coat “Arctic Fleece Bodysuit”) is recommended due to low profile and ease of movement.

Resources

  • K-9 Top Coat “Arctic Fleece Bodysuit” $75-$85 – 888-833-5959; can be purchased directly, or through North Coast Pets 888-858-7387

Photo: black Labrador retriever with gray muzzle and red collar standing in the snow wearing a blue Arctic Fleece Body suit

  • K-9 Top Coat “Kodiak” $80-$100 – 888-833-5959

Photo: white dog with brown ears wearing red and black Kodiak Top Coat with reflective piping along the side

  • Ruffwear “K-9 Overcoat” $64.95 – 888-783-3932; can be purchased directly, on Amazon, or through retail & online pet stores
  • In Canada: RC Pet Products “Double Diamond” $50 – 604-325-6695 (British Columbia); can also be purchased on Amazon

Other considerations for winter travel

Footing and balance can be treacherous in snowy/icy areas for even the most agile and athletic of folks. Things that can help:

  • Yaktraxover shoes, to grip the ice with coils instead of spikes for less risk of hurting a dog’s paws through a misplaced step.
  • Canes can be indispensable:

Long canes provide valuable tactile information on winter routes which vary a great deal from day to day or hour to hour. Aroute can change completely as snow, ice and slush is reshaped through daily temperature changes, car tires and foot traffic. A lightweight, collapsible cane is easily carried and can be used as needed to assist with travel in this ever-shifting topography.

Support canes are sometimes helpful for people experiencing additional winter balance difficulties. Collapsible versions can be carried and used as needed on icy days. A prong or spike cane tip canbe added to a support cane to better grip the ice, although extra caution is necessary to prevent contact with your dog’s paws.

Resources

  • Yak Trax “Walker” $19.95- can be purchased on Amazon, and through many retail or online stores. They are sold at big box stores like Target and Wal-Mart.

Photo: close-up of Yak Trax on a pair of brown leather boots, worn by someone walking through the snow and ice

  • Lightweight ID Canes - Ambutech, Mobility and I.D. Canes (800)561-3340. Prices vary.
  • Support canes –Ambutech (above) or better selection at MaxiAids (
  • Ice Grip Tip–

Photo: close-up of a silver metal Ice Grip cane tip with four spikes at the bottom

Photo: white and red support cane with inset photo close-up of rubber tip with a single safety spike

Photo: a black Labrador Guide Dog waits on leash behind a snow mound while his handler investigates the buried corner with a long cane.