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{"id":10357,"date":"2021-05-31T16:28:00","date_gmt":"2021-05-31T09:28:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/allaboutsheepdogs.com\/?p=3333"},"modified":"2021-05-31T16:28:00","modified_gmt":"2021-05-31T09:28:00","slug":"do-german-shepherds-need-snow-boots","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/do-german-shepherds-need-snow-boots\/","title":{"rendered":"Do German Shepherds Need Snow Boots? (Answered!)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Many kinds of dogs have been bred especially for the purpose of pulling sleds and working in snow and freezing temperatures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, their feet were able to adapt well to the intense cold. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, their paw pads are not affected by ice or by running on frozen snow trails on a daily basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

German Shepherds have been bred and used for herding<\/a> and for guarding sheep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They had to deal with the elements very frequently, and even sometimes worked in extreme weather conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So did this cause German Shepherd feet to become resistant to snow and ice? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or, in very low temperatures or freezing snows, do German Shepherds need snow boots?<\/p>\n\n\n

[wpsm_toplist]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do German Shepherds Need Snow Boots?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

German Shepherds have many things to their disposition which assists in protecting them from the cold and minus temperatures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Their thick and dense double coat protects them from the cold and helps in keeping them warm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Their size and bulk also helps to keep them insulated from within. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As well as that, their origins often involved working with sheep even in very cold or extreme winters of Germany.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This made them able to withstand and adapt to freezing temperatures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are also physically active dogs, and will likely keep on the move in the cold to make sure they stay warmth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, German Shepherd’s feet were not meant to walk and run in the freezing snow and ice for many hours at a time.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

They do well for the most part in the snow, but not for extended periods of time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, in some temperatures, their paws may be predisposed to frostbite. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

[amazon box=”B089RJBPHR”]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, German Shepherds need snow boots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your German Shepherd is just going for a short walk on a winter day it will not do his feet any harm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yet, a few hours walking through freezing snow in very cold temperatures can be very dangerous. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this case, you will need to provide your German Shepherd with [amazon link=”B089RJBPHR” title=”snow boots” link_icon=”amazon” \/]. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Do German Shepherds Need Snow Boots?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

German Shepherds need snow boots because it can be painful for them to walk on snow or on freezing terrain for long periods of time.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

This is due to the fact that their paw pads are sensitive to the cold. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wearing snow boots will protect these dogs’ feet from any damage they could receive from being predisposed to extreme temperatures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The snow boots will keep your German Shepherd’s feet safe from any discomfort, abrasions, scrapes, bleeding, and ice burns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Against Ice Burns<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ice burns could happen if your German Shepherd’s paw pads are in contact with a freezing cold temperature for an extended time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Against Ice Balls<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ice balls could also form between the toes and cling to longer fur on the bottom of the paws. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This could lead to pain and potential ice burns for your German Shepherd as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Against Frostbite<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Moreover, German Shepherds could get frostbite from lack of blood flow when they walk in the snow for too long. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frostbite can especially be painful when their feet begin to thaw out and warm up, allowing the blood flow to return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Against De-icing Salt<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As well as that, your German Shepherd could walk into a patch of toxic de-icing chemicals or road salt. This can be very irritating and abrasive to his feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some cases, the salt could be so big that it could pierce the skin between your German Shepherd’s paws pads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, if your German Shepherd ends up with irritated or inured feet from road salt, he will naturally want to lick his feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The road salt may cause your dog to feel nauseous and extremely thirsty, and it may drastically raise his sodium levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Proving your German Shepherd with snow boots will prevent all of these dangers he could be predisposed to from the snow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Temperature Do Dogs Need Boots?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Some dogs have more resistant paw pads than others, especially breeds that were used for sledding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some dogs love the snow and the coldness from it may not seem to bother them at all. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, temperatures below 30 Degrees Fahrenheit may require your dog to wear boots to protect their feet.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

This is especially true for small dogs, or dogs that are not adapted to walking on freezing cold snow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

German Shepherds may be big, bulky, strong, and with a thick coat, but their paw pads are sensitive to the cold. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is why it may be the best for them to wear snow boots at that temperature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do German Shepherds Tolerate Snow Boots?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A lot of German Shepherds will tolerate snow boots because they are obedient dogs and will want to listen to their owner.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

After they had become adjusted to them, they will not mind having them on their feet when out walking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, some individuals are just not able to handle them. They may try to take them off or chew on them in an attempt to remove them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is important to get your German Shepherd used to wearing snow boots gradually. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How To Get Your German Shepherd Used To Snow Boots<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

First, allow him to sniff and inspect the boots. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

By putting them near to his food<\/a>, he may associate them with a pleasant thing and be less wary of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Put the snow boots on your German Shepherd so that he can adjust to wearing them. If your dog acts calm when wearing them, reward him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Only make him wear the boots for short periods at a time, increasing the length of time gradually each day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reward your German Shepherd when he acts calm and peaceful in them and walks around with the boots on his feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After a while, your German Shepherd should be happy to go for walks in the snow wearing his snow boots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Always be sure to double check that your dog’s boots are comfortable for him, not too tight, and do not rub off his skin. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Otherwise, they could be irritating and cause just as much harm as walking on cold snow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dog Snow Boots Alternatives<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Some owners may find that even after training their German Shepherd, he still simply does not tolerate wearing snow boots. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He could not enjoy walking in them or refuses to adjust to them, as German Shepherds can sometimes be stubborn. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What do I do in this case?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you find your German Shepherd not liking the experience of snow boots, there are many alternatives to try out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These things can be just as effective as boots in protecting your dog’s feet from snow and ice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dog Paw Balm<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

[amazon box=”B077GD8YPD”]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many dog paw balms that you can use to apply on your German Shepherd’s feet before going out in the snow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These balms form a protective film over your dog’s paw to safeguard them from snow, ice, and road salt. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are also very moisturizing and help keep your dog’s paws healthy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The [amazon link=”B077GD8YPD” title=”paw balm” link_icon=”amazon” \/] will prevent dry and cracked paw pads from the harsh, cold, damaging snow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They moreover help repair, soothe, and heal faster any irritations caused from walking in the snow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trimming The Hair Between Your Dog’s Toes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

[amazon box=”B010WG8DDC”]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

German Shepherds have long fur between their toes which could result in ice getting trapped and building up in between. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The long hair can even lead to wet snow clinging to it and freezing over. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To reduce this, and therefore the risk of ice burns and frost bite, [amazon link=”B010WG8DDC” title=”trim the hair” link_icon=”amazon” \/]between your dog’s toes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clean Your Dog’s Feet Off When You Get Home<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

After a walk in the snow, make sure you clean your German Shepherd’s paws with water when you get home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also thoroughly wipe them with a washcloth or towel dipped in warm water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will remove any ice or snow clinging to your dog’s paws and remove any chemicals or road salt. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dry your German Shepherd’s feet well afterward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trim Your Dog’s Nails<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

[amazon box=”B07S1W15YD”]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A German Shepherd with nails that are too long can walk in a way that will put more pressure on his paw pads. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, icy cold snow or frozen over ground can wear your dog’s paw pads down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In conclusion, why do German Shepherds need snow boots?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to their feet being sensitive to extreme cold temperatures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, going for long walks or running for extended time periods in snow and ice can harm their paws. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They may end up irritating the skin of their paw pads and it could result in bleeding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They can also be prone to ice forming between their toes, ice burns, frostbite, and damage to the skin and paw pads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, road salt can not only be harsh on the paws, but also hazardous to health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[amazon link=”B089RJBPHR” title=”Snow boots<\/strong>” link_icon=”amazon” \/] are great in guarding your German Shepherd’s feet against these factors. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

They will protect your dog’s feet on long walks in the snow, and when the temperature drops to 30 Fahrenheit or lower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alternatively, there are also a few other things, like proper grooming, washing of the paws, and paw balms, which too work effectively against snow.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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