As temperatures drop, dog owners may wonder whether their furry friends need winter clothing to stay safe and warm during the cold season. Not all dogs need a winter coat, and in some cases the added layer of warmth can do more harm than good. However, given the right conditions, most dogs can benefit from an added layer of protection from the elements. Find out below when it is safe and necessary to put a winter coat on your dog.
Why do people buy winter clothes for their dogs?
Sometimes the decision to put a winter coat on a dog is purely emotional. Walking your dog in cold temperatures can be emotionally distressing due to worry about your dog. Since most dogs need time outside to go to the bathroom and release excess energy, it’s no surprise that dog owners take a rather safe approach.
Other times, the decision may be driven by fashion. In 2019, the American Pet Products Association reported that $16.01 billion was spent on pet clothing, collars, leashes, toys and technology products last year, up 7% from the previous year. The industry is moving toward a “more humanistic approach,” pushing brands to offer designer pet products, including a wider variety of dog clothing options.
Use these tips to keep your dog safe and warm in the winter.
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Should you put a winter coat on a dog?
Many factors come into play when deciding whether or not to put a winter coat on your dog. It’s important to consider the cold, the wind, whether or not it might get wet, and how sunny it is before taking your dog out. When in doubt, play it safe: you can always take off the coat when your dog seems to be getting too hot. Anytime you’re out in the cold and see your dog shivering, seeking warmth, limping, slowing down, or acting anxious or stressed in any way, it’s time to come inside.
The dog’s age, health and acclimation to cold temperatures should also be considered. Old, very young, and sick dogs may have difficulty staying warm even in mild conditions, while a healthy, cold-accustomed adult dog may be quite happy even in very cold weather.
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Which dogs need a winter coat?
Small dogs have a relatively larger surface area through which to lose heat than large dogs, so all other things being equal, smaller dogs benefit from fur at higher temperatures than larger dogs. Some breeds that fall into this group are Chihuahuas, Toy Terriers and Miniature Pinschers. Body fat helps retain heat, so a thin dog like a Whippet or Greyhound will often appreciate a coat more than an overweight dog. Dogs with very thin fur can get cold quite easily, so they are usually good candidates for a winter coat.
On the other hand, large dogs with long or thick fur that have a thick double coat rarely require a winter coat. In fact, its weight can reduce the natural insulating properties of the dog’s fur. Dark fur also absorbs more heat from the sun than light fur. Activity generates a lot of heat, so any dog will be warmer when running than when standing still. The following dogs should rarely (if ever) wear a winter coat due to their size and long or dense fur:
- Huskies
- Newfoundland
- Chow Chow
- Pomeranian
- Komondor
- Havanese
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Bearded collie
- Great Pyrenees
Before choosing whether or not to put a winter coat on your dog, ask your vet for advice on your dog’s specific case.
How to choose a winter coat for a dog
Once you’ve determined that your furry friend can use a winter coat and you’ve gotten the green light from your vet, you’ll need to decide what type of coat your dog needs. First, consider the type of material the coat will be made of. Ask your vet for recommendations on materials compatible with your dog’s coat type.
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WARNING
Some fabrics can cause allergic reactions in some dogs. Watch for repeated itching, sneezing, hives, swelling of the face, ears, lips, eyelids, or earlobes, red and inflamed skin, diarrhea, and/or vomiting.
Also, consider measuring your dog before purchasing a winter coat, as the size depends on your dog. Use a tape measure to record your dog’s measurements, which will help you determine whether a particular item of clothing will fit. You want to be sure that the coat you choose isn’t too tight, loose enough to drag on the ground or fall off, or prevent your dog from moving normally.
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