Cold weather doodles!

[Haley, Yeti, and Phin]

It has been unseasonably warm here in southern Wisconsin (yay!!!!) but I'm afraid temps will probably start to dip soon and before we know it snow will be here. I'm wondering if anyone still takes their dogs for walks during the winter months. If so, do you use dog boots or sweaters and how long do you walk for? Yeti's coat is medium length I would say. We are hoping to let it grow out during the winter then cut it short again once spring is here. This will be yeti's first winter and my first winter with a dog so any stories & suggestions would be great!!

[Terry Lauzon]

Jazz (now 11 months old) loves the new snow we got this week. However she came home from her first serious walk (read frolic) pretty well covered, paws, belly, face ... It took more than an hour to thaw her out. Still undecided on boots or a coat. We are in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada and it will be around 0C or 32F for the rest of this week. More serous cold to come. Looking forward to snow shoeing with her but there's little chance she will walk behind me in my tracks. We will likely keep our walks to the golf course or forrest to avoid road salt and sand. 

Any advice on how to keep her from getting all balled up with snow is welcome. She's a mini ALD with a wavy coat currently a little long. I have trimmed her feet a little at a time to try to eliminate some of the snow building up around her toes. She's off to the groomers in a week or so still wondering how short to go.

[Stephanie and Ragley]

Get some boots. Just trust me- it's a life changer. We have Muttluks and they are fabulous

[Haley, Yeti, and Phin]

Do you happen to have a picture of what muttlucks you have?!

[Stephanie and Ragley]

[Haley, Yeti, and Phin]

Oh my ragley is so so so sweet :) does she get snow balls on her belly or legs?

[Stephanie and Ragley]

Some on her belly occasionally, but she rarely gets any on her legs when she wears her boots

[DonMarie and Picco]

They always looks so darn cute in booties!

[DonMarie and Picco]

WooHoo!  Zoom zoom zoomies!

[DonMarie and Picco]

Booties are the best way to go!  Just watch for those durable kinds. I bought some online and they were too stiff and never softened up. Picco refused to walk with them.  If you could try some on in a store first to get a better fit and check out the comfort that would be best.  Also some brands (I have Ultra Paws) have inner foam pads that help keep them from slipping off.   If I ever loose my current booties I'll try the Muttluks, I've been seeing that brand pop up alot.

[Haley, Yeti, and Phin]

Thank you all for the wonderful replies!
So far yeti has really enjoyed the cold (no snow yet thankfully). Im considering boots so we don't have to worry about licking his paws becoming an issue. I see muttlucks are popular, what ones do you guys own?!
I also see some people use wax on their paws. What exactly is that for?
I'm worried that his belly will get snowballs if we play in the snow. Yeti hates the blow dryer so I fear we will be living with a wet dog all winter haha

[Stacy]

We like the Ruffwear Grip Trex boots with the Vibram Sole. But we had an extenuating circumstance when it made boots emergent. I love that my hiking boots and my dogs hiking boots both have the vibram sole. I don't think that all dogs need boots with a vibram sole, but it makes me laugh a lot that Miss Katie has such fancy shoes!

[DonMarie and Picco]

Other products besides booties:    

I bought some of these leg wraps but still haven't tried them out. Should keep snow of legs in conjunction with booties.  http://www.ultrapaws.com/ultra-paws-leg-wraps/

Also, I've heard these bodysuits work well (other than costumes!) 

https://www.k9topcoat.com/product.asp?specific=jnnproo4