If your pup isn’t a natural cold weather dog, or if you’re traveling to a snowy location then winter dog gear is a necessity. We recently traveled to Sun Valley, Idaho where the temperatures were freezing! We already had a Ruffwear insulated dog jacket, but we decided to also purchase Ruffwear dog boots because he was a little reluctant to walk on the ice and snow, and we had a lot of outdoor activities planned for our trip.
Some dogs are made for the snow and have thick coats to keep them warm. However, this isn’t the case for our pup and his thin coat. So, the Ruffwear insulated jacket and boots saved the day, and allowed us all to enjoy the Sun Valley snow.
Below is my honest review and tips for the 3 Ruffwear items that we purchased and have been using. But to get to the point – I do recommend these items. So, keep reading for why I like them, some things to be mindful of, and a couple of tips. We tried many options before selecting these, and hope this helps you to select the right option for your pup.
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Ruffwear Quinzee Jacket
This jacket is insulated and packable. It’s perfect for a romp in the snow. My favorite features are that it takes up little space in luggage, has side buckles to get on and off easily, and is weather resistant. This style of jacket is also great for taking your pup outside to go potty – especially for boy dogs since there’s minimal fabric on the underside of the jacket. Think of this jacket like your lightweight puffer that you wear more than any other coat…. but for your dog!
Ruffwear Climate Changer Dog Fleece
This jacket is perfect for walks in the cold! However, for playing in the snow or a little bit more wet conditions, I’d recommend the Quinzee jacket, which repels the water. Our pup is in-between sizes because he’s still a puppy. So, the fleece jacket is a little longer than it should be on the underside, which can get in the way when going potty. However, once he grows a little bit, this jacket will provide the necessary warmth. What I like most about this jacket is that it’s so easy to get on. Simply pull their legs through the holes, and zip it all up! It also has a notch to attach a beacon or light, with reflectors all around.
Ruffwear Polar Trex Dog Boots
These boots are made for the snow. But do agree with many of the existing reviews, they seem to do best in packed snow or ice. Occasionally, they have come off when playing in the deep snow. But once you’ve used them enough, getting them back on is a breeze.
The first time wearing them is always a little awkward, and at the same time entertaining. So, give your dog some time to get comfortable with them. After a couple of short wears, they will be ready to go on an adventure.
The boots have a good grip and are very durable. It honestly does take some time for the humans to figure out the boots, the best angle to get them on, and then how tight to get the Velcro straps. But you’ll quickly get the hang of it, and your furry friend will thank you for it.
The only downside (besides slipping off occasionally), was that snow does get packed in the top of the boot. This is likely a combination of it being a little too big and the design. Ruffwear does sell socks that complement the boots, which would help, so I’ll try those out next time.
Our dog (Cooper) hated being on the cold, icy ground on our trip to Sun Valley, Idaho. He at some points refused to continue walking. But once we got him in his Ruffwear dog boots he was totally fine to walk around! They were a lifesaver – both because he could now go to the bathroom (we were staying at a hotel), but also because he could enjoy the outdoors with us.
Tips for Dog Boots:
- Practice putting on the boots before you take your pup out on a long winter adventure. This gets them used to the process, and feeling of wearing them, and helps you get the routine down easily.
- When in deep snow, check your pup’s paws often to make sure the booties are staying on. This way if one does fall off, then you can easily locate it.
- Use treats to distract your pup when putting them on the first couple of times. This way it gives you time to figure them out and rewards the dog for allowing them to go on easily.
- The boots come in pairs because typically the front and back paws aren’t the same size. So, make sure to take time to ensure you’re getting the right size for your dog.
