About Mukluks for Dogs

Traditionally, mukluks are boots made of waterproof or water-resistant animal skin, lined with fur, and worn over multiple pairs of socks. Dog owners who enjoy wearing mukluks can now give their four-footed friends the same protection from winter weather by outfitting their dogs in mukluks made for dogs.

  1. About mukluks for dogs

    • A number of companies specializing in dog clothing and accessories make mukluks for dogs, including Muttluks, UltraPaws and K9 Top Coat. Prices range from $35 to $55 per set of four mukluks, depending on the manufacturer and size.

    Materials

    • Most dog mukluks are made out of a heavy-duty nylon or leather for the uppers; leather or recycled tire rubber bottoms (soles), and nylon straps. Fleece lined mukluks for winter weather include polyester fleece---sometimes made from recycled materials---inside the nylon and leather boot. Mukluk cuffs are made of either a cotton or cotton-polyester blend with elastic to fit snugly around the dog's legs. Some models also come with reflective waterproof patches or 3M Scotchlite reflective straps on the outside for nighttime use or use in the rain and other low-visibility conditions.

    Durability

    • Muttluks state that their products generally last for about three years of regular use, noting that boots used on concrete will wear out faster than those used on natural surfaces. You can expect the same wear from dog mukluks as from your own shoes with the same thickness of sole. Cleaning salt and dirt off dog mukluks will extend their life, just as it does for shoes.

    Why to use mukluks

    • There are a number of reasons you might want to put your dog in mukluks. One is to protect your dog's feet from salt and ice during winter weather. Balls of ice can build up quickly between the pads of your dog's feet when he is in the snow, and these can become painful and damage his skin. Salt, spread on sidewalks to melt ice, can also irritate or injure your dog's feet, especially if she has cracks in her pads or sensitive skin. Dog mukluks can also be used to give dogs extra traction when hiking or climbing on rocks or on slippery surfaces like newly polished or refinished wood or laminate floors. They can also protect feet from dirt and contaminants while your dog is healing from surgery or a wound.

    Sizing

    • Sizing varies by company, but most manufacturers make a wide range of sizes for dogs all the way from tiny teacup Chihuahuas to bear-like Newfoundlands. Sizing is based on the width of the dog's paw. If your dog is between two sizes, always choose the larger size---you can always adjust it using the fitting straps to be properly snug, but a too-small size can hurt your dog's feet.