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 protective rubber 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
o 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.
o 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!
o 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
o *NOT FOR USE ON ESCALATORS
o 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.
o 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.
o 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.
o 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.
o Pawz do 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.
o 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.
o Can also prevent slipping on hardwood and tile floors
Photo: three colorful dog socks with black rubberized feet and black cuffs
EZ-Paws
o
o
o
o
o
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
o 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).
o 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.
o Boot liners can also be purchased directly through The RuffWear company. Bark n’ Boot
liners are made specifically to enhance the fit and comfort of your RuffWear boots.
Resources
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*Musher’s Secret info at www.musherssecret.net 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 www.pawzdogboots.com 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 www.neopaws.com 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 www.ruffwear.com 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 hover around 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.
o 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)
o 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.
o 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.
o 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
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K-9 Top Coat “Arctic Fleece Bodysuit” $75-$85 – www.k9topcoat.com 888-8335959; can be purchased directly, or through North Coast Pets
www.northcoastpets.com 888-858-7387
Photo: black Labrador retriever with gray muzzle and red collar standing in the snow wearing a blue Arctic Fleece Body suit
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K-9 Top Coat “Kodiak” $80-$100 – www.k9topcoat.com 888-833-5959
Photo: white dog with brown ears wearing red and black Kodiak Top Coat with reflective piping along the side
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Ruffwear “K-9 Overcoat” $64.95 – www.ruffwear.com 888-783-3932; can be
purchased directly, on Amazon, or through retail & online pet stores
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In Canada: RC Pet Products “Double Diamond” $50 – www.rcpets.com 604-3256695 (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:
o Yaktrax over shoes, to grip the ice with coils instead of spikes for less risk of hurting
a dog’s paws through a misplaced step.
o 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. A route 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 can be added to a support cane
to better grip the ice, although extra caution is necessary to prevent contact
with your dog’s paws.
Resources
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Yak Trax “Walker” $19.95 - www.yaktrax.com 866-925-8729; 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
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Lightweight ID Canes - Ambutech, Mobility and I.D. Canes www.ambutech.com
(800)561-3340. Prices vary.
Support canes –Ambutech (above) or better selection at MaxiAids
(www.maxiaids.com)
http://www.maxiaids.com/products/10816/Ambutech-Adj--Support-Cane--3341-in--White-Red.html
http://www.maxiaids.com/products/10686/Ambutech-Folding-Adjustable-Cane-T-Handle-33-37in.html
http://www.maxiaids.com/products/1140/Wooden-Cane-for-the-Blind-andVisually-Impaired.html
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Ice Grip Tip –
http://www.maxiaids.com/products/1131/5-Prong-Ice-Grip.html
Photo: close-up of a silver metal Ice Grip cane tip with four spikes at the bottom
http://www.maxiaids.com/products/1964/Adjustable-Cane-With-Safety-Ice-Tip.html
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.