When does your dog need a coat?
A winter coat is becoming the norm for many dogs
Ensuring the well-being of your dog is of the utmost importance to any pet owner. As an essential member of the family and best friend, your dog deserves the best possible care. Using a dog coat is one of the ways to ensure your dog’s comfort and safety during outdoor activities. But how do you know if your dog really needs a coat? And if so, under what conditions?
Contrary to popular belief, a dog's fur provides ample protection regardless of the weather conditions. Dogs have been bred for a variety of purposes around the world, resulting in different coat characteristics that are adapted to local climates.
As dogs have become companions and family members, various breeds have spread across continents and climates. This means that some dogs today live in environments very different from their original habitat. This is why dog clothing has become increasingly popular among pet owners.
Knowing the specific needs of your dog's breed helps you provide the best possible protection against the weather. Some dog breeds are not suited to cold climates and their coats do not provide enough warmth in freezing or windy conditions. The size of the dog also plays a role in its tolerance to cold.
dog coat | Capy™
Clothing suitable for all weather conditions
In cold weather , you should consider dressing your dog in a jacket or jumpsuit. Freezing temperatures can be especially difficult for short-haired or hairless breeds, as well as small dogs whose body temperature drops quickly—for example, Whippets and Chihuahuas tend to get cold easily. Hairless dogs, such as poodles, may also need extra protection from the cold.
In particularly cold weather or during long outdoor activities, it is advisable to dress even dog breeds that usually do without extra layers. Your dog's behavior can indicate the need for a coat: if your pet shivers, frequently lifts its paws or seeks warm places when outside, it usually needs a winter dog coat.
A dog winter coat has become a standard piece of gear for many dogs these days. During periods of intense cold, layering provides extra protection and warmth for dogs that are sensitive to the cold. Layering a coat and a suit helps retain warmth and protect against the cold, making outdoor activities more enjoyable and safer.
Dog Coat | Scots™
Rainy weather can be unpleasant for us humans, but also for some dogs. If your dog refuses to go out in the rain or immediately stops at the door, it is worth trying a dog raincoat. Rain or snow can completely penetrate your dog's fur. A dog raincoat or waterproof suit keeps your dog dry, protects its skin and coat from excessive moisture and reduces the risk of cooling. This is especially important for small dog breeds and those with a thin undercoat. In addition, using a coat makes it easier to keep your dog and your home clean, since you do not need to wash their fur after each outing or worry about muddy traces inside.
Dog Coat | Impy™
Winds can be problematic , especially for small dog breeds, older dogs, and puppies. Strong winds quickly remove body heat and cause shivering, even in mild weather. A dog windbreaker jacket provides extra protection in such circumstances.
Your dog's activity level affects how quickly he may need extra heat. Less active or calmer dogs will cool down more quickly than their energetic counterparts. It's important to consider individual differences to ensure each dog gets the protection they need from the winter cold.
Older dogs or those recovering from illness may be particularly sensitive to the cold. Older dogs are generally more sensitive, regardless of breed or coat thickness, due to age-related health issues that can impair their ability to maintain body temperature.
For older dogs or those recovering from illness whose immune systems may not be working as efficiently as healthy young dogs, it is essential to provide extra warmth through appropriate clothing such as coats. Dogs with arthritis also benefit from windproof jackets that keep muscles and joints warm.
Puppies are often more sensitive to cold, regardless of their breed or coat thickness, because their ability to regulate their body temperature is not yet fully developed. Small puppies need to be protected not only from frost, but also from rain and strong winds.
Short-haired and small dog breeds tend to be more vulnerable in cold, wet weather than larger dogs with thick fur. Breeds such as the Podengo, Miniature Pinscher, and French Bulldog are known for their short coats that make them susceptible to feeling the cold more quickly, necessitating the almost mandatory use of jackets during winters and the cooler days of fall and spring.
Small breeds such as the Yorkshire Terrier, Dachshund, Jack Russell Terrier, as well as companion breeds like the Bichon Frise and Havanese, benefit greatly from wearing a coat because their small size allows them to lose body heat more quickly.
So, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Siberian Huskies and St. Bernards usually do not need extra warmth in winter, but waterproof jackets prevent their fur from getting wet on rainy days, ensuring their comfort in all circumstances. Remember that every dog is unique and breed alone is not enough to accurately determine your dog's needs.
How to Choose the Right Coat for Your Dog
Choosing the right dog coat may seem difficult at first, but by considering these few key factors, you will find the best option to suit your best friend's needs:
Think about the need and purpose , and how they will be served most effectively. For example, is the purpose to keep your dog warm throughout the winter by protecting him from cold wind and snow? Does your dog only need a protective shell against rain and wind that also improves his visibility in dark environments?
Short-haired dog breeds living in colder climates benefit from quality winter jackets, but rainy days by comparison only require an investment in a good pair of waterproof dog rain gear.
Pay attention to sizing to ensure comfort and ease of movement. A fit that is too tight restricts mobility and causes discomfort, while a fit that is too loose does not provide adequate coverage, defeating the purpose of the garment.
To ensure correct sizing, measure your dog's back length, chest girth and neck girth before purchasing. For jackets and overalls, back length determines size.
For jumpsuits, if your dog's measurements are between two sizes, a smaller size will fit him better.
For coats, choose a larger size if the back length of the product can be adjusted.
Use our :
Coat Size Calculator
Test it and give us your impression by joining our VIP list on sanedoggy.com.
Also benefit from a 10% discount on our sanedoggy.com store with the promo code MANTEAU 10
