Tis the Season! Bone & Biscuit’s Guide To Winter Dog Accessories For Colder Weather

Winter and the holiday season are almost here, which means it’s time to gear up for cold temperatures – and we mean for you AND your dogs. There’s lots to love about the winter season, from playing in the snow to cozy nights by the fire. But with the cold climate also comes the need to keep your pets comfortable and safe against freezing temperatures. And being in Canada, the cold is bound to come knocking! That’s why it’s so important to find the right dog winter accessories and gear to keep everyone enjoying the best parts of winter.

To help Canadian pet parents and their dogs stay warm this winter, we’ve put together some of our top tips for accessorizing your pets against the winter chill, with tips and information from our wonderful store owners at Bone & Biscuit Trader Ridge and Westgate Drive in Grande Prairie!

Dog Winter Accessory Tips For Canadian Pet Owners

One of the best ways to keep your dog warm in winter is to use quality dog accessories, gear and winter pet products. While most dog clothing may seem like a fashion accessory, most accessories for dogs can also serve the practical purpose of keeping them warm (and keep them in style too). But along with the cute dog jackets and sweaters, there are plenty of other ways to keep your furry friend comfortable in icy weather and deep snow.

Here are some of the top tips in collaboration with our Grande Prairie pet store locations to keep your beloved dog warm this winter:

*Specific brands, products and item availability vary by location. Not all products pictured in this post are available at all of our locations. We recommend visiting or contacting your local Bone & Biscuit directly for more accurate product information and for advice on what specific product will best suit your needs.

Small dogs, delicate dogs and short-haired dogs are more prone to being cold in the winter. However, even larger dogs or dogs with thick further can experience the cold if you’re in an especially colder area in Canada. Dog sweaters, dog winter jackets and winter dog coats are a great way to help keep them warm and shelter them from snowfall as well. In extreme cases, try layering a dog sweater and dog coat for extra warmth.

With freezing temperatures in the air and the ground, it’s extremely important to protect their sensitive paws from frostburns and the chill. Winter dog boots will keep your dog’s paws nice and warm and provide extra protection against non-pet-safe salt. There are a variety of different types of dog boots to choose from, including sock boots and waterproof ones, that all help to protect your dog’s paws and keep your dog warm. They can also protect the pads from rough terrain and ice, and some can help with slippery surfaces as well.

It gets dark fast this time of year but don’t let that stop you and your dog from walking. Using a light-up dog collar or reflective gear can make you and your pet more visible to vehicles driving by, keeping everyone safe! Some dog vests and jackets also have reflective accents and strips built in, helping them hit two birds with one stone (warmth AND visibility). 

Cold weather can really affect your pet’s ears as they are more prone to frostbite. Try a dog toque, a pet snood or a scarf to keep those ears covered, dry and warm. They’ll look adorable, and have their ears protected against icy wind and snow!

We get it! Dog booties can be tricky for some dogs. A great alternative is paw wax, as it creates a barrier on the pad to protect against salt and can be more comfortable on their paws. It also prevents ice buildup and snowballing. 

Do you have an outdoor pet? Providing a heated water bowl will keep it from freezing, ensuring that your pet will always have access to water even in the snow. 

A heated dog bed and shelter will help your pet stay nice and warm. Don’t have access to plug a dog bed in? Try a self-heating bed that traps body heat. 

Bonus Tips for Protecting Your Pets In Cold Weather

Keep everyone safe from ice by using pet-safe salt. Normal sidewalk salt has chemicals that can burn and irritate paws, while pet-safe salt helps to avoid irritating sensitive paws.

Just like us, your pet may experience dry skin due to the cold, dry weather, and can be uncomfortable for your pet. Adding some omega oils to a pet’s diet can prevent dry skin from occurring. Some great oils to try are fish oil, coconut oil, flaxseed oil, camelina oil and hemp oil.*

Does your pet seem extra sore in the cold weather? Arthritis can become more visible and inflamed during the winter months. Add some glucosamine to your pet’s diet to provide comfort and ease pain.*

Sometimes, it’s just too cold to go outside. At around -7C, extended exposure can lead to frostbite and hypothermia in many dogs and puppies. We recommend limiting outdoor exposure for extended periods of time, and if it’s dangerously cold outside for you, it’s likely too cold for them. Getting an accurate outdoor thermometer can help you more accurately understand the current temperature.

We also recommend taking into account wind chill and precipitation when planning outdoor excursions with your pet and planning accordingly. But not every dog is the same, and some dog breeds are better equipped for cold weather than others: you know your pet and their limits for cold best. 

Visit Your Local Bone & Biscuit For High-Quality Winter Dog Boots And Accessories in Canada

Ready to gear up your pet for a Canadian winter in style? From high-quality pet accessories like dog winter jackets and boots to paw wax protectors and natural pet food and supplements, our boutique-style pet stores can help you find what you need for the season. Visit your local Bone & Biscuit today to pick up the perfect dog jacket, the best dog boots for your pet, or to get expert advice on accessorizing your dog for the winter today!

This post was created in collaboration with Bone & Biscuit Westgate Drive and Bone & Biscuit Trader Ridge in Grande Prairie. Thank you for your content contributions and Boneified Advice!

_{*Disclaimer: The contents of this blog post, such as any graphics, images, text and other material contained on this site are for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding your pet’s medical condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.}

_{If you think your pet has a medical emergency, call or visit your veterinarian or your local veterinary emergency hospital immediately. Reliance on any information appearing on this website is at your own risk. If you have medical concerns or need advice for your dog or cat, please seek out your closest holistic or integrative veterinarian.}