Dog paw protectors keep your dog’s paws safe against the cold snow, hot pavement, or sharp rocks. Depending on what climate you live in or how you spend time with your dog, having dog paw protectors on hand can make it easier to go on long walks with your pup no matter the weather. Check out our review of the best dog raincoats to find a coat for your dog to use with the paw protectors to comfortably walk in the rain.
We reviewed dozens of dog paw protectors to figure out which were the best. We looked at price versus value, available sizes and colors, and customer reviews. We evaluated the dog paw protectors for additional features, such as velcro closures, that make the protectors easier to use.
Our top pick, Musher’s Secret Pet Paw Protection Wax, offers some of the best protection for your dog’s paws. It combines healthy healing factors with long-lasting protection. That way, your dog’s paws will be healthier over time.
The 5 Top-Rated Dog Paw Protectors
Editor’s Picks | Brand | Rating |
---|---|---|
Best Overall | Musher’s Secret Pet Paw Protection Wax | 4.4 |
Runner Up | Organic Nose & Paw Wax Balm for Dogs | 4.5 |
Best Budget Buy | Weixinbuy Dog Socks | 4.1 |
Best Dog Pad Protectors | VALFRID Dog Paw Protectors | 3.6 |
Best Paw Protection Wax | Paw Nectar 100% Organic and Natural Paw Wax | 4.5 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Our Top Pick: Musher’s Secret Pet Paw Protection Wax
Musher’s Secret Pet Paw Protection Wax is our top pick for dog paw protectors. When it comes to dog paw protection, it has the best combination of protection, comfort, and health features that you can find. You can get it in multiple container packs or in a larger 7 oz. container so that you are prepared to protect your dog through long heat or cold spells.
One of the best features of Musher’s Secret Pet Paw Protection Wax is that it comes promotes healing alongside protection. Many dogs that need paw protection suffer from cracked, itchy, and damaged skin on their paws. Musher’s Secret Pet Paw Protection Wax forms a protective barrier that prevents further damage but applies nutrients and moisturizers that promote healing. Over time, the skin on your dog’s paws will heal, and look and feel much healthier.
Musher’s Secret Pet Paw Protection Wax Key Features:
- Available in containers up to 16oz
- Contains Vitamin E for moisturizing properties
- Beeswax-based formula
- 100% natural ingredients
Our Runner Up Pick: Organic Nose & Paw Wax Balm for Dogs
Organic Nose & Paw Wax Balm for Dogs is our runner up pick for dog paw protections. While it did not get the top spot, it offers a lot of value in terms of protection and healing. It is USDA -approved and produced in the U.S. under strict quality control guidelines.
One of the best features of Organic Nose & Paw Wax Balm for Dogs is that it is tough enough to be used on dog paws, but it can be used on any piece of exposed skin. Many owners use it on paw, noses, elbows, and anywhere that healing protection is needed. It contains many of the same healing properties as our top pick, so you can use it often to promote better skin for your dog.
Organic Nose & Paw Wax Balm for Dogs Key Features:
- USDA-certified organic
- Fast-acting soothing
- Can be used daily
- Useful for any piece of exposed skin
Best Budget Pick: Weixinbuy Dog Socks
Weixinbuy Dog Socks are our best budget pick for dog paw protectors. Although there are a lot of dog socks out there, these offer the best protection value for their price. Start at just $3 for a pack of four, you can get a lot of these for lasting protection whenever and wherever your dog needs it.
One of the best features of the Weixinbuy Dog Socks socks is that they are designed to be comfortable. Pets’ feet are exposed to the elements regularly, and that can lead to constant wear. These socks are designed to help your dog resist the elements by forming a thick barrier that also helps keep their paws farm. Plus, they have anti-slip paw prints printed on the bottom so that they are useful anywhere.
Weixinbuy Dog Socks Key Features:
- Anti-slip design
- Available in eight color and four size options
- Washable and reusable
- Easy to keep with you at all times
Best Dog Pad Protectors: VALFRID Dog Paw Protectors
VALFRID Dog Paw Protectors are our best dog pad protectors pick. Dog pad protectors are an effective way to protect just the parts of your dog’s paws from the ground. They stick on with a long-lasting adhesive that is safe for dogs. Since they are a thicker protection option than other options, these pads are extremely effective against hot and cold surfaces.
One of the best features of these paw protectors is the added cushioning that they provide. Being a somewhat thick pad that your dog stands on, they provide an added layer of cushioning much like the padding in shoes. This can be far more comfortable for older dogs, or dogs that generally walk on hard, abrasive surfaces. These pads protect their feet from scratches, hot and cold, sharp objects, and other hazards found in urban areas or near rocky roads.
These pads also come with anti-slip patterns on the bottom. With up to 14 contact points with an anti-slip silicone gel, your dog won’t slide on smooth surfaces like tiled floors. These pads also help protect your hardwood floors and furniture from accidental scratching damage.
VALFRID Dog Paw Protectors Key Features:
- Available in a 24 or 40 piece pack
- Available in sizes up to XXXL (80lb dogs)
- Anti-slip padding
- Long-lasting adhesive
Best Paw Protection Wax: Paw Nectar 100% Organic and Natural Paw Wax
Paw Nectar 100% Organic and Natural Paw Wax is our best paw protection wax pick. Paw protection wax offers a thicker layer of protection than other liquid-based protectors. It dries quickly and forms a thick barrier for your dog’s feet. Many dog owners prefer it to other options for its healing properties as well as its effectiveness at providing protection without other drawbacks.
One of the best features of the 100% Organic and Natural Paw Wax Heals and Repairs Damaged Dog Paws is its application process. It comes in a wide 2oz container which is big enough to fit your dog’s paw in. You can apply it directly to the area that needs coverage by placing your dog’s paw lightly in the container. the wax coats just the protection area and dries quickly. That way, you can get a thick enough coating on without rubbing and possibly hurting your dog’s cracked or irritated skin.
100% Organic and Natural Paw Wax Heals and Repairs Damaged Dog Paws Key Features:
- 100% organic ingredients
- 2oz container
- Thicker coating
- Direct paw application
Who Should Buy Dog Paw Protectors
Many dogs of all sizes benefit from dog paw protectors. The paw protectors can keep your dog’s feet dry and comfortable while in the snow or on wet ground. Some models even have traction pads that provide dogs with additional stability on slippery terrain.
If you live in a warm climate and walk your dog frequently on paved sidewalks or asphalt streets, dog paw protectors can keep your pet’s feet from getting burnt from the very hot pavement. With direct sunlight, pavement can quickly become too hot without you realizing it. Pet owners can avoid burning their dog’s feet by using dog paw protectors.
Dog paw protectors can also help dogs with allergies avoid stepping in common allergens when they walk outside. It can help senior dogs have traction inside the house if they have been having trouble getting around without slipping. The protectors can also protect furniture from dog nails.
Important Features to Consider
Dog paw protectors should have several important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting a set of dog paw protectors:
- Size. Some dog paw protectors come in a variety of sizes to fit small toy sized dogs to larger breeds like Labrador Retrievers. You’ll want to make sure to carefully measure your dog’s foot against the specific model’s size chart to ensure that you order the right size.
- Non-slip soles. Non-slip soles have traction materials on the bottom of the protector to prevent pets from sliding around on slippery ground.
- Fabric. There is a wide range of fabric choices available, from lycra to cotton and nylon. Each material has different water resistance properties and weight.
- Closure. Some dog paw protectors have snaps, elastic, or velcro straps to help stay on your pet’s paws.
- Waterproof. If you plan on spending time in the snow or rain with your pet, choosing dog paw protectors that are made from waterproof material is a must.
- Reflective material. The reflective material placed on some dog accessories can help improve the visibility of your pet in low light conditions or at night.
- Weight. Since your pet will be wearing these, you don’t want to choose a material that is too heavy for your pet to comfortably carry. A heavy boot could make it difficult for your pet to walk in.
- Machine washable. If your pet wears the paw protectors outside, there is a good chance that you will need to clean them. Having the ability to throw them into the washing machine is a great feature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are dog paw protectors and how do they work?
Most dog paw protectors work in a similar way to a pair of shoes or socks. You put the protector on your dog’s foot and secure it using the elastic band, snap, or velcro strap. The fabric and sole of the dog paw protector put a barrier between your dog’s foot and the ground. It is an ideal solution for pets who walk on rocky terrain, go hiking with their owners, or need to go on walks in rainy or snowy conditions.
How do I stop my dog’s paws from burning?
Using dog paw protectors can help keep your dog’s paws from burning from the hot ground. Just make sure the dog paw protectors are safe to use in hot conditions, as some models are designed for snow or to provide traction in the house. Avoiding walking your dog during the hottest part of the day can also reduce the chance that their paws will burn from the hot ground.
Can snow hurt a dog’s paws?
Snow can hurt a dog’s paws in a few ways. First, freezing conditions can cause damage to the paw. Some dogs are bred to be more cold-resistant than others. Small, short-haired, and thin dogs could have a much more difficult time regulating their body temperature in freezing weather. Second, salt, which is used to help melt snow, is often found where it snows as the city authorities try to break up the snow quickly. This can be irritating to dog paws.
What can I put on my dog’s paw pads if they get cracked, burned or are bleeding?
You can put some topical over the counter paw salve or ointment on your dog’s paws in the event their paws are cracked, burnt, or bleeding. You can wrap their paws in gauze bandages and cover their feet with the dog paw protector so your pet won’t easily remove the bandage. However, it is always a good idea to have any injury evaluated by your local veterinarian.