Dressing Your Dog for Winter: A Guide for Dog Owners
Dog clothing is a controversial topic among pet owners. Some love to dress up their furry friends and have a wide range of clothing options, while others argue that dogs don’t need clothes because they already have a natural coat that keeps them warm. So who’s right?
To answer this question, several factors must be considered, including the dog's breed, coat quality, age and general health.
Which dogs are good to dress in winter?
About 30% of dog breeds are very sensitive to cold. Man has bred various dog breeds to have a range of coat characteristics, from hairless to full-haired. In addition, many breeds have been removed from their natural environment and moved to very different climates. In most cases, we keep our dogs in warm houses all year round, even when it is cold outside. Given these facts, we have domesticated dogs and should adapt our care for them accordingly, including clothing them.
Cold winter temperatures, when the temperature drops to freezing or below, can cause problems for some dogs and sometimes even put them in danger. This is especially true for certain dog breeds and dogs:
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Hairless breeds have no natural protection. They are usually small dogs, such as the Chinese Crested, the Peruvian Hairless Dog or the Mexican Hairless Dog, and they need special care in winter. They certainly cannot go out without a coat, boots or other clothing.
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Short-haired breeds are a little better protected, but you still have to be careful during the winter. It is possible to take them out for a few minutes without dog clothes, but for longer outings, it is recommended to dress them. There are some exceptions, some breeds of short-haired dogs of large or medium size are much better protected and it is not necessary to put dog clothes on them. This is the case for Rottweilers and Dobermans. On the other hand, it is not a given that these dogs cannot wear clothes in winter.
The difficulty for small breeds is that their bellies are closer to the ground, which can affect their thermoregulation. In comparison, small dogs are at greater risk than large ones.
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Older dogs lose the ability to regulate their temperature.
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Puppies are more likely to get cold because they are not yet very well adapted to the cold.
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Dogs who are sick or recovering from a cold are very susceptible to colds. This is because they move less and do not warm up by moving, and their bodies use up a lot of energy trying to recover.
On the other hand, dogs with thick, double coats, bred for cold weather, as well as active, healthy dogs, may not need to wear clothing. However, if they are exposed to extreme conditions for an extended period of time, it may be helpful to dress them.
Here are some tips for dressing your dog:
1. Temperature variation to which the dog is exposed
Dogs should be dressed if there is a large temperature difference between indoors and outdoors and if they are going to be outside for a long period of time.
2. Weather conditions and length of stay outdoors.
There is a difference between going for a walk when it is freezing but the sun is shining and when it is raining and the wind is blowing. You need to consider the weather conditions your dog will be exposed to and decide whether and how to dress him accordingly. Also, there is a difference between a half-hour walk and a day trip.
3. Check your dog's comfort
It is important to supervise dogs when they are dressed outside, to ensure they are not overheated or uncomfortable, and to adjust their clothing if necessary. Additionally, some dogs may feel comfortable wearing clothing, while others may find it restrictive or irritating. It is important to respect their feelings.
4. Choose your clothes and slippers carefully
It is important to consider not only the dog's physical needs, but also their comfort and behavior. It is important to choose comfortable, breathable clothing that allows them to move freely and to monitor their behavior to ensure they are not stressed or uncomfortable. It is also important to ensure that the clothing does not restrict their movement or vision and does not pose a choking or ingestion hazard.
Dog clothes are available today for different types of weather: raincoats, winter coats, vests and dog booties. Always consider all the aspects listed above when choosing suitable clothes.
