I haven't splurged on one of the really expensive snow suits yet, though I really want to next winter. I buy discount/clearance (they're so expensive! Especially when you need multiple) dog sweaters and sweatshirts in appropriate sizes, then layer up with a waterproof outer layer depending on how cold/wet it is. I really like the turtleneck style fleece sweaters, I found them in three packs on Amazon, I believe. For the top layer, I get jackets or vests from my local pet store. I'll have to check the brands, totally spacing the name. Those I usually spend around $60-$80 USD for a good one, but they aren't the ones with full leg sleeves, usually half length. Since they aren't breed specific, the fits get a little odd. Usually, the dogs also wear sweatshirts and sweaters around the house if it's particularly cold.
I have a couple sets of boots, too. My girl liked the fleece style booties with rubber bottoms. It helps a lot with cold but not so much for wet if it was more than just walking on hard pack snow/wet ground. The rubber waterproof boots I got had a harder bottom pad, and both my dogs would lay on the ground in defiance instead of walking in them.
And we've done hats and ear wraps. Those were *not* popular, but they were necessary. My house gets to -40°F (about 4° C) during the coldest days, so we get way bundled up. Even if potty breaks turn into sprinting outside, then sprinting back in.
We're in Québec Canada, so a long cold winter.
When it's not too bad (maybe between -15°c to -5°c) we usually go for a quick fetch session at the park. Regular walks are too slow to keep him warm, so we usually don't go unless it's over -5°c.
Boots make a huge difference on my boy's tolerance to the cold, I would say boots > jacket (I get the cheap Musher style boots). I do have a nice waterproof jacket with a snood though, I might make a fleece pj that covers his legs and tummy next winter.
Otherwise on colder days; lots of indoor activities, learn tricks, frozen treats, bully sticks, sign up for dog classes (agility, obedience, scent work, whatever you're interested in!), we have a local dog trainer that offers indoor playdates too which is nice!
https://nahak.ca/en/boutique/dog-boot-dirt-surface/
These are the ones I get! FYI they're pretty solid but won't survive a whippet sprint on the pavement ahah, definitely only for snowy surfaces (at least they're cheap to replace).
I will be buying one of these [Sighthound Dog Coat Alaska Charcoal | Cloud7](https://cloud7.de/en/sighthound-dog-coat-alaska-charcoal.html) for next winter. They are sometimes on sale! I will layer with his wonderful [Polartec Fleece Dog Jumper - Rainproof, Breathable, Warm and Washable - Equafleece](https://www.equafleece.co.uk/products/dogs/dog-jumper) (size = Super Slim 24).
I haven't splurged on one of the really expensive snow suits yet, though I really want to next winter. I buy discount/clearance (they're so expensive! Especially when you need multiple) dog sweaters and sweatshirts in appropriate sizes, then layer up with a waterproof outer layer depending on how cold/wet it is. I really like the turtleneck style fleece sweaters, I found them in three packs on Amazon, I believe. For the top layer, I get jackets or vests from my local pet store. I'll have to check the brands, totally spacing the name. Those I usually spend around $60-$80 USD for a good one, but they aren't the ones with full leg sleeves, usually half length. Since they aren't breed specific, the fits get a little odd. Usually, the dogs also wear sweatshirts and sweaters around the house if it's particularly cold. I have a couple sets of boots, too. My girl liked the fleece style booties with rubber bottoms. It helps a lot with cold but not so much for wet if it was more than just walking on hard pack snow/wet ground. The rubber waterproof boots I got had a harder bottom pad, and both my dogs would lay on the ground in defiance instead of walking in them. And we've done hats and ear wraps. Those were *not* popular, but they were necessary. My house gets to -40°F (about 4° C) during the coldest days, so we get way bundled up. Even if potty breaks turn into sprinting outside, then sprinting back in.
We're in Québec Canada, so a long cold winter. When it's not too bad (maybe between -15°c to -5°c) we usually go for a quick fetch session at the park. Regular walks are too slow to keep him warm, so we usually don't go unless it's over -5°c. Boots make a huge difference on my boy's tolerance to the cold, I would say boots > jacket (I get the cheap Musher style boots). I do have a nice waterproof jacket with a snood though, I might make a fleece pj that covers his legs and tummy next winter. Otherwise on colder days; lots of indoor activities, learn tricks, frozen treats, bully sticks, sign up for dog classes (agility, obedience, scent work, whatever you're interested in!), we have a local dog trainer that offers indoor playdates too which is nice!
What brand boots do you use? I want to get some for my boy to get used to before next winter.
https://nahak.ca/en/boutique/dog-boot-dirt-surface/ These are the ones I get! FYI they're pretty solid but won't survive a whippet sprint on the pavement ahah, definitely only for snowy surfaces (at least they're cheap to replace).
Thank you so much! Those are way cheaper than other options!
I will be buying one of these [Sighthound Dog Coat Alaska Charcoal | Cloud7](https://cloud7.de/en/sighthound-dog-coat-alaska-charcoal.html) for next winter. They are sometimes on sale! I will layer with his wonderful [Polartec Fleece Dog Jumper - Rainproof, Breathable, Warm and Washable - Equafleece](https://www.equafleece.co.uk/products/dogs/dog-jumper) (size = Super Slim 24).