As the temperatures are getting lower and the weather is already quite cold, you still have to take your pet outside for a walk several times a day regardless of the weather conditions.
Many people wonder if they should put winter coats on their dog during the winter or if their fur is enough to keep them warm.
As a general rule dogs that live where temperatures are greater than 45 degrees (F) typically do not need to wear 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.
Not every dog needs protection from the cold, however, there are a few breeds of dogs that do need to wear dog winter coats or some sort of protection from the cold weather.
Which dog breeds need winter coats ?
1. Smaller dog breeds have a smaller temperature storage area than larger dogs, so they do need some winter clothing. Breeds belonging to this group are toy and miniature dog breeds such as: Chihuahua, Terrier, Pinscher, Maltese.
2. Also, very slim dogs like Greyhounds will appreciate it if you keep them warm during winter walks.
3. Dogs that have their fur clipped or shorn like the Poodle will also need to wear a coat
4. Finally, senior dogs with conditions such as arthritis or weak immune systems may need some protection from the cold weather. As the dog ages, heat regulation may not be functioning as it should, despite the thick fur of the dog.
Which dogs don’t typically need to be dressed in winter ?
The opposite of the above list are larger dogs with long and thick fur, which do not need dog winter coats. Also, dark fur absorbs more heat in winter than light fur.
In fact, the weight of the coat could reduce the insulating properties of the dog’s fur, so you need to pay attention to the thickness of the material – to keep it warm enough, but not to burden your pet.
If your dog is amongst the group that needs a winter coat, look for a coat that protects its belly and neck primarily. The coat should extend from the base of the tail to your dog’s neck, but you should watch the length, as coats that are too long can make going to the bathroom impossible.
As we mentioned, the coat should not be too tight so your dog can move freely. You’ll want a coat that fits snugly instead.
You might be interested :
5 Dog Walking Tips Every Owner Should Know
How To Treat a Dog Cold – 6 Ways for Treating Dog Colds
How Cold Is Too Cold For a Cat ?
