HOW TO MEASURE THE SIZE OF A DOG COAT?
To start, the most important measurements are chest girth and back length. Measure from the base of the neck (where the collar sits) to the base of the tail. It is best to measure your dog while standing to accurately determine the length of the back that will ultimately be covered by the coat. The head should be straight. A well-fitting coat should be neither too short nor too long. Manufacturers' sizing charts will indicate whether the side length of the coat is shorter or longer depending on the model.
coat size calculator
When it comes to sizes, only the length of the back itself, excluding the neck and tail, is important. The chest circumference is measured at the widest point. Therefore, you should wrap the tape measure slightly around your dog's chest to get the correct width. As a general rule, the measured chest circumference is longer than the length of the back. This is also the case for the dachshund, a relatively long breed.
After taking these two measurements, you can use the back length and chest girth to find the right size for your dog's coat. Most dog clothes come in a range of sizes from XXS to XXL, and sometimes as many as 12 different sizes. Depending on your dog's build, breed-specific sizes may also be available. You'll learn more about these later in this guide. You've found the right size for your dog when they can move around fairly freely and the coat doesn't bunch up or get cut up as they move around. It's often helpful to try on a few sizes and styles on your dog when choosing a dog coat, so you can find the perfect fit for you and your furry friend.
WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A HIGH QUALITY DOG COAT?
Not every dog enjoys putting on a coat or sweater. To ensure your pet doesn't develop a negative association with clothing, it should be as quick and easy to put on as possible. Ease of use is key.
A dog coat should allow plenty of freedom of movement and not restrict your dog. In fact, he should be able to romp around as usual. A well-fitting coat should not pinch the front or back legs and should fasten without pressure. It should be comfortable and barely noticeable to your dog when he is wearing it.
The coat can also be uncomfortable for your dog if he moves around when walking. Finding a good fit without the coat twisting is essential to ensure his comfort. Today, there are sophisticated systems with elastics and stopper cords to make the coat as flexible and adjustable as possible in terms of the back length. It is also recommended to use dog coats with Velcro closures, which can be put on in the blink of an eye and can be easily adjusted at the chest. Velcro remains one of the few fastening techniques that stays in place without slipping after closing. At the lower abdomen, the coat must therefore offer your pet sufficient freedom of movement.
Dog Coat | Dragon™
Depending on your dog's preference for a harness or collar, you may also want to consider dog coats with openings for them. With a zipper or slit, your dog can wear his harness comfortably, hidden under the coat, and you can still easily reach him to attach the leash.
In accordance with its intended use, the dog coat must be waterproof, warmly padded and insulating. It is therefore a question of choosing a suitable outer material, as well as the inner lining and padding, according to the individual needs of your dog and your preferences. You can find more information on this in the previous point "What material for a dog coat?" Choosing a fabric that does not rustle is often overlooked, but it contributes greatly to the well-being of your dog. A dog jacket should therefore be as quiet as possible in its movements, so that your pet has as much fun romping around in it as usual. A long, integrated collar makes the dog coat even more comfortable. It protects your darling from drafts and rain and provides extra warmth.
TIPS AND TRICKS
Dog coat or sweater?
Dog sweaters are generally not waterproof. They are usually made of wool, cotton or fleece, which makes them more suitable for dry weather above 5° Celsius. Some dogs, especially those without an undercoat, can get cold quickly even indoors in winter. A dog sweater can therefore be a comfortable way to keep them warm and improve their well-being. However, if temperatures are close to 5° Celsius or below in winter, experts recommend that chilly dogs use a coat for outdoor walks. A coat not only provides warmth, but also protects against wind and rain. If you are planning long excursions in the snow with your pet, a dog coat is also the best choice.
Dog Coat | Tricot™
There is another lesser-known option: dog overalls. These are especially useful for greyhounds, as they provide extra warmth around the belly, back, neck and legs. In cold weather, these overalls cover the entire dog, except for the legs, head and lower belly. For dogs that get very cold, these overalls are ideal to wear under a winter coat.
How to put on a dog coat?
As we mentioned in the section "What are the benefits of a quality dog coat", a suitable coat should be easy and quick to put on and take off. Most outdoor dog coats are put on over the head and then secured with a belly strap. This belly band can go from side to side or be put on at the front, at chest level, between the two front legs and then closed at the belly. The closures are usually Velcro, snaps or belt-like straps. The coat should never be tied or buckled too tightly, but should always allow sufficient freedom of movement.
Combining the coat with a harness is no problem. If the dog parka has an opening for the harness, simply put it on underneath and attach the leash to the slot provided for this purpose. If the dog coat you have chosen does not have an opening for the harness, in most cases you can have your four-legged friend wear the harness over the coat without much effort. People and dogs who prefer to wear a collar can continue to do so when using a dog coat. To do this, either attach the leash to the collar via the collar of the coat or use an opening provided for this purpose, if one exists.
How do I get my dog used to wearing a coat?
It is best to put your dog's coat on at home, in a safe place, before a long walk. Let your four-legged friend wear the coat for a few minutes so that he gets used to it. Only when he feels comfortable inside should you start going out with the coat. Your little friend will quickly realize that it is much more pleasant to walk with a coat on winter days and not be cold.
Coats for aging dogs and dogs with osteoarthritis
Not only dogs with thin undercoats benefit from dog coats in cold weather, but also older dogs with reduced muscle mass and bone and joint problems such as arthritis. For these dogs, wearing a coat in winter has several benefits. Due to pain and lethargy, these dogs often have difficulty staying sufficiently active and therefore warm up through exercise. In addition, the immune system of older dogs is weaker than that of younger dogs, so a dog coat can provide additional protection.
COATS FOR SPECIAL BREEDS OF DOGS
Dog coats today come in a wide range of sizes to fit different breeds. Breeds like dachshunds, French bulldogs, greyhounds, pugs or small breeds like chihuahuas and pinschers have unique body shapes, so a well-fitting coat is essential to keep them warm and comfortable.
In Dachshunds, a shorter chest and longer back are ideal. French Bulldogs need a broader chest and a wider collar to accommodate their head. Greyhound coats should have a narrower collar and chest, as well as a longer back. These specially designed coats not only look stylish, they also provide optimum comfort for your dog.
COATS FOR LARGE DOGS
Although large dogs appear strong and powerful, some breeds have thin undercoats and can get cold very easily. Rhodesian Ridgebacks, for example, come from warmer regions and therefore have a single coat. Other large dog breeds with thin undercoats include Poodles, Dobermans, Weimaraners, and all breeds of Greyhounds and Terriers. Labradors, on the other hand, have an undercoat; they are generally very active animals, but even they may need a heated coat as they get older.
Dog Coat | Thicky™
Fortunately, there are now a wide range of XXL dog coats available that will keep your dog warm and comfortable during the winter months. These coats can also be helpful for dogs with joint problems.
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