Importance of Dog Coats
Dog clothes are not just about making our dog look fabulous and adorable. As a matter of fact, dog coats or dog sweaters are very essential in certain weather conditions. In order for you to know if your dog needs a winter jacket then you should continue reading this article.
Dog coat and skin supplement
First, let’s know about the advantages of dog coats.
Dog sweaters and coats act as insulators for your pet when the ambient temperature is low. Jackets can also act as windbreakers to shield your pet from the nasty sting of the windchill, which can make it feel a lot colder outside than it actually is.
In addition, coats can protect your pet from getting wet, whether it’s caused by snow, sleet, or rain. Being wet can quickly affect your dog’s body temperature if the weather is cool.
Meanwhile, there are different types of coats for our dogs:
- Dog coat for winter
- Dog coat with harness
- Dog coat for thinning fur
- Waterproof dog coat
- Dog Raincoat
On the other hand, our beloved dogs still like to spend time outside during the colder winter months, but do they need protective clothing such as sweaters and coats? In most cases, the answer is no. Most dogs have enough fur to keep them warm outside during the winter.
However, when making the decision on whether to put warm winter clothing on your dog, consider the following:
- Size of your dog
- Breed of your dog, and;
- The temperature outside
Also, here are the four tips to help you determine when a dog should and shouldn’t wear a coat.
Dog coat types for small breeds
1. Small Dogs
Very small dogs have a harder time retaining body heat, so they may need a sweater or coat when outside for extended periods of time during the winter.
If your dog is a short-haired breed or a breed that is originally from a warm climate, they may also need cold weather wear. These breeds include dogs such as the Chinese Crested, Chihuahua, and Italian Greyhound.
2. Dogs with Lots of Furs
Dogs that have long hair such as the Pomeranian, Chow Chow, Husky, and Great Pyrenees do not need additional clothing during the winter.
3. Outside Temperature and Length of Time
Additionally, the outside temperature and length of time outside should also be considered when deciding whether or not your dog needs to wear a coat. Dogs in temperatures greater than 45 degrees typically do not need protective clothing. If your dog will only be outside for 10 minutes or less, they typically do not need any clothing except in extremely cold climates.
4. Don’t Wear Indoors
It is important to remember that coats and sweaters on dogs should only be worn if needed when they are outside in very cold weather. Dogs should not wear these clothing items in the house as they can overheat easily. Clothing items should always be removed from the pet after they are no longer needed to prevent chafing and irritation of the skin.
Remember to use your best judgment this winter on whether or not to put a coat on your dog. But if you are thinking of buying a winter coat or a dog jacket for your furry friend then it should also be warm, water repellent, windproof, a reflective vest, and should be a breathable fleece. If you are unsure, just ask your veterinarian! Better yet, ask a veterinary expert.