How to Make Snow Boots for a Dog

Taking care to protect your canine from the harsh weather of the cold winter months is just as important as keeping him cool in the summer. Dogs with shorter coats often require doggie sweaters and booties to protect them from the chilly winds. Although dogs with long, thick coats do not require additional clothing, it is still vital to protect their paws. The pads of a dogs paw are exposed to ice-crusted, freezing snow that can cause frostbite. Make a pair of snow boots for your long- or short-haired dog to keep her paws toasty warm.

Measure from the bottom of your dog’s paw when standing to a few inches above the ankle bone. Measure the width of your dog’s paw. Draw a rectangle on a piece of paper the same height and width as these measurements.

Cut out the rectangle to use as a pattern. Place the rectangle on top of a piece of fleece fabric. Pin it in place along the edges. Cut the fabric around the edges of the pattern. Repeat this step to make another fabric rectangle.

Cut a circle of vinyl fabric that is slightly smaller than the width of the rectangle. Leave about 1/2 inch of space from the edge of the circle to the edges of the rectangle.

Place the vinyl circle at the bottom end of one of the fleece rectangles, about 1/2 inch from the base of rectangle. Sew the vinyl circle in place to act as a non-slip sole for the bootie.

Cut a piece of the fuzzy side of the Velcro about 2 inches shorter than the width of the rectangle. Repeat with the rough side of the Velcro.

Wrap a piece of elastic around your dog’s ankle so that it is snug, but not so tight that the dog is uncomfortable. Cut to this measurement. Use thicker elastic and Velcro for large dogs and thinner elastic and Velcro for small dogs.

Place the fuzzy piece of Velcro so that it is centered in the ankle area of the bootie. Tuck the end of the piece of elastic underneath the Velcro so that it protrudes perpendicular and to the right of the fabric rectangle. Pin the elastic in place.

Sew around piece of fuzzy Velcro to the fleece rectangle, catching the elastic in the stitching. Take the rough piece of Velcro, place it face down and sew it to the other end of the elastic.

Position the fleece rectangles together so that the vinyl sole is on the inside. Make sure to tuck the elastic in between the two fleece rectangles so that it is not protruding. Pin around the edges of the rectangles to hold them together.

Sew together the two long sides and the short side near the vinyl sole. Leave the short side near the ankle open. Turn the bootie right side out and slip it over your dog’s foot so the vinyl sole is at the bottom of the dog‘s paw. Pull the rough end of the Velcro around the ankle and secure it to the fuzzy Velcro. Repeat Steps 2 through 10 for the other booties.