Dogs Try Snow Boots For The First Time: Cuteness Ensues [Video]

Fall is here! Time to put away the summer things and break out the cold weather wardrobe. These adorable dogs are no different, they are getting prepared for winter weather also.

Snow boots for dogs have come into to vogue over the past few years. Unfortunately, as well-intentioned as owners are in putting them on to protect their furry children’s paws, dogs don’t take to wearing footwear too well – getting used to them is a bit difficult. This video compilation from Funny Plox of dogs learning to walk in their new snow boots is cuteness overload.

Do dogs really need snow boots? There are two schools of thought on that.

The Institute for Creation Research says no. They argue that dogs are naturally equipped to withstand the cold, citing a Japanese study that found dogs have counter-current heat exchangers in their paws that prevent them from losing body heat through the soles of their feet. Cold blood in their paws is warmed before it goes back into the main blood supply, keeping their body temperature consistently warm, even when walking on cold surfaces.

Others don’t agree, though, saying that boots protect dogs from more than just the cold.

The Daily Puppy reports, although boots aren’t an absolute necessity, they may be a good option because snow, ice, and deicers such as salt can hurt dogs’ paws.

Snow and ice can clump up around dog’s paws and between their toes, irritating them. The dogs may try to gnaw on the packed snow or ice, making the problem worse. Long-haired dogs are most at danger from this problem, but it can happen with short-haired ones too.

Just like humans, if dogs are exposed to the cold long enough they can develop frostbite. Doggy snow boots will keep their paws relatively warm, and are especially good if the dog has a cold sensitivity due to a paw or nail disorder.

The Daily Puppy also says that boots protect dogs’ paws from toxic deicers. The salt used to melt away snow and ice can be toxic to a dog if he gnaws at his paws trying to remove packed snow or ice. It can also cause the skin on paws to become dry and cracked. If walking a dog on a sidewalk or roadway that has been treated with deicer, a thin layer of petroleum jelly will help protect sensitive paws, but boots may be a better option.

Can’t get enough of charming canines? Check out these cute dog photos at the Inquisitr.

Image via YouTube