January is Walk Your Dog Month!
January is Walk Your Dog Month, a reminder that regular walks matter year round, even when the weather is not exactly inviting. The idea behind Walk Your Dog Month dates back to efforts by pet welfare groups and trainers to encourage consistent daily walks after the holiday season, when routines can slip and winter weather makes it tempting to stay indoors. Walks support physical health, mental stimulation, and behaviour, and they are just as important in January as they are in July.
For many of us in Ontario, winter walks also come with snowbanks, icy sidewalks, and a lot of road salt. That is where thinking a little more intentionally about paw care can make winter walks more comfortable for everyone.
What Winter Can Do to Your Dog’s Paws
Snow and cold on their own are not always the issue. The real trouble often comes from ice-melting salts and chemicals, which can irritate paw pads and cause dryness, cracking, or soreness. Ice can pack between toes, and repeated exposure to cold, wet surfaces can make paws more vulnerable over time.
Dogs that walk frequently on sidewalks, roads, or parking lots are especially exposed. Even dogs who love the cold can end a walk licking at their feet or hesitating to step forward if their paws are uncomfortable.
A Simple Layer of Protection for Winter Walks
One option many dog parents explore during winter is protective boots, and PawZ Rubber Dog Boots are designed with exactly this kind of everyday protection in mind. They are made from natural rubber, which allows dogs to still feel the ground beneath them. This helps maintain balance and confidence, especially on slippery surfaces, while creating a waterproof barrier between their paws and snow, ice, and salt.
Because the rubber is flexible, the boots move with your dog rather than against them. Many dogs adjust quickly once they realise they can still walk normally and feel their footing.
More Than Just Cold Weather Use
Winter is often the season that gets people thinking about paw protection, but these boots can be helpful beyond snowy walks. They help keep paws cleaner by limiting contact with slush, mud, and grime, which can be especially useful during freeze-thaw cycles. They also offer traction on smooth indoor floors, something that can be helpful for senior dogs.
PawZ boots are often used short-term to protect healing paws, prevent licking, or keep bandages clean while still allowing a dog to get outside for fresh air and gentle movement.
Fit, Comfort, and Everyday Use
PawZ boots are designed to fit snugly without restricting circulation. They are meant to be worn during walks or outdoor activities, not all day long. Most dogs are comfortable wearing them for an hour or two, then having them removed once they are back home and resting.
Sizing is straightforward and you can use the PawZ sizing guide so you can measure your dog’s paw and choose the right fit. There is also a short how-to video on the PawZ website that shows how to put them on, which many people find helpful the first time they try them.
The boots are reusable, easy to rinse clean, and made from biodegradable rubber sourced from rubber tree sap. When they eventually wear out, they can be disposed of responsibly.
Finding Them Locally at Jade’s Pet Boutique
PawZ Rubber Dog Boots are available at Jade’s Pet Boutique, located inside the Peterborough Humane Society.
Our boutique pricing is competitive, and you will not pay more shopping at Jade’s than you would elsewhere. Every item in the boutique is thoughtfully sourced and curated with the support of our partners at Canpet, with a focus on practical, well-made products that support animal wellbeing.
Purchases at Jade’s Pet Boutique help support the work we do every day at the shelter, caring for animals and supporting pet families in our community.
As Walk Your Dog Month continues, winter walks do not have to stop. With a little planning and the right protection, they can stay comfortable, safe, and enjoyable for both you and your dog, even on the coldest days.
