Do Dogs Need Coats in the Winter? 7 Myths and Facts
[ad_1]
Winter’s chill is making its presence known in many areas, and as we dig to the back of our closets and coat racks for parkas and seasonal outerwear, we wonder — do dogs need coats in the winter, too? Canine couture is popular, so whether your dog roams in a sweater, hoodie or goes au naturel when mother nature bites at the thermometer, we’ve got the facts — and the fictions — on coats and sweaters for dogs.
1. Fiction: All dogs need to wear coats to protect them from the cold.
Do dogs need coats or sweaters to ward off winter chills? Photography by Liliya Kulianionak/Shutterstock.
Fact: The first thing that people might wonder when thinking, “Do dogs need coats?” is — “Do ALL dogs need coats?” Not all dogs need a coat or sweater to keep them warm when venturing outside, but shorter-haired breeds, senior dogs, puppies and dogs with medical conditions do benefit from the additional warmth. Seek pet apparel that adequately covers the neck and belly, and also allows for neck-to-tail protection. One of my favorite winter finds is the Quinzee from Ruffwear, which I chose based on the above features and the cuteness factor, too.
2. Fiction: All dogs can become accustomed to wearing a coat.
Fact: Some dogs are uncomfortable wearing apparel and should never be forced to do so. While many dogs benefit from the additional layering in colder temperatures, try letting your dog wear the coat in the house for minutes at a time. If he or she is not responsive — or does the famous “freeze in place” pose — scratch the idea and move on.
3. Fiction: Larger dogs do not need to wear winter coats or sweaters.
Fact: When thinking, “Do dogs need coats?” some might automatically rule out bigger breeds. Some dogs were bred with a thicker or a more dense coat, including the Idiatrod-savvy Siberian Husky. But other bigger breeds might benefit from a coat, so assess each individual dog. Greyhounds are more sensitive to the colder weather, for example, so this particular breed could use the extra layering.
4. Fiction: If it looks like a sweater and acts like a sweater, it will keep my dog warm.
Fact: This is so not true. I like to get waterproof dog clothes for my Dexter, a Cocker Spaniel, so his thicker hair can stay dry on our winter snow-covered-sidewalk jaunts. In addition, waterproof apparel keeps him dry from dew-coated bushes and grass at the park. Much like my own winter coat does for me, a polar-fleece lining gives dogs comfort while protecting against colder temperatures.
5. Fiction: A dog’s coat should be snug to keep him or her as warm as possible.
Fact: Another question that goes along with, “Do dogs need coats” — “How should dogs wear coats?” Remember the kid from A Christmas Story, whose mom bundled him up and then he could not move? Consider your dog’s mobility. Just as you need to move in a coat, so does your dog. Snug but not tight is a good rule.
Make sure there are no additional hanging zippers, snaps or parts that can rub or irritate a dog. Dexter will wear apparel as long as it doesn’t interfere with his “man parts.” Pay attention to where any Velcro straps or fasteners lay against a dog’s coat. Being able to try clothing on at the store helps a great deal.
6. Fiction: A dog’s pads are resilient and will protect him or her from nature’s elements.
Fact: Chemicals can be absorbed through a dog’s sensitive pads. In turn, those chemicals (such as what’s found in antifreeze) can be licked by dogs and cause severe problems. I use Musher’s Secret on my dog’s feet and have given this product as a stocking stuffer to dog-loving friends and family in the past.
Some people opt for dog booties, which is a smart idea in the winter months. Wash dog pads off thoroughly after a walk, perhaps using some warm water and a washcloth to melt any ice balls that may have formed on the bottom of their feet.
7. Fiction: Coats and hoodies must look heavy to adequately protect dogs.
Fact: Technology has evolved in the human-outerwear market, and the same holds true with our canine counterparts. Thin is the new thick in outerwear. Check labels and do research before making an investment. Heavier does not mean better; in fact, if a coat is too warm, dogs can overheat, so use caution.
How to measure your dog for a coat
Something else you might wonder when thinking, “Do dogs need coats?” is — “How do you measure your dog for a coat?” If you order a personalized jacket or sweater, keep in mind that many stores will not allow coats to be returned. So, measure your dog adequately before making any parka purchases.
Here’s how: With the dog standing up, run a tape measure from the base of the dog’s neck (where the collar would sit) and to the base of the tail. The majority of dog clothes use this measurement. Knowing your dog’s chest measurement will ensure a good fit, too.
Still stumped on what sort of dog jacket to get for your pup? Check out these 11 types of dog coats right here >>
Tell us: Does your dog wear coats, sweaters or other protective clothing items in the winter months? What kinds do you use? Let us know in the comments!
Thumbnail: Photography ©Limourri | iStock / Getty Images Plus.
This post was originally published in 2012.
Plus, check out some data on dogs and winter coats here >>
Read more about dogs and winter on Dogster.com:
[ad_2]
Source link
I’m not sure where you’re getting your info, but great topic.
I must spend some time finding out more or figuring out more.
Thanks for great information I used to be on the lookout for this information for
my mission.
Can you tell us more about this? I’d want to find out more details.
Everything is very open with a really clear description of the issues. It was definitely informative. Your website is very useful. Thanks for sharing!
Howdy would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re using?
I’m going to start my own blog in the near future but I’m having a hard time making a decision between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.
The reason I ask is because your design and style seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique.
P.S Sorry for being off-topic but I had to ask!
My partner and I absolutely love your blog and find most of your
post’s to be precisely what I’m looking for.
Do you offer guest writers to write content in your
case? I wouldn’t mind creating a post or elaborating on many of the subjects you write regarding here.
Again, awesome blog!
Very good post! We will be linking to this particularly great
post on our website. Keep up the great writing.
Heya i’m for the primary time here. I came across this board and I to find It
truly useful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to offer one thing
again and help others like you aided me.
I’m curious to find out what blog platform you are
utilizing? I’m experiencing some small security problems with my latest website and I would like to find something
more safeguarded. Do you have any solutions?
With havin so much content and articles do you ever run into any issues of plagorism or copyright violation? My website has a
lot of exclusive content I’ve either written myself or outsourced but it looks like a lot of
it is popping it up all over the web without my permission. Do you
know any solutions to help reduce content from being stolen? I’d really
appreciate it.
Very quickly this web page will be famous among all blogging and site-building users, due
to it’s pleasant content
I used to be able to find good info from your blog articles.
I’m curious to find out what blog platform you are using?
I’m having some small security problems with my latest site and I would like to
find something more secure. Do you have any solutions?
Howdy! Would you mind if I share your blog with
my myspace group? There’s a lot of people that I think would really appreciate your content.
Please let me know. Thank you
Great info. Lucky me I discovered your blog by accident (stumbleupon).
I have book marked it for later!
Outstanding story there. What occurred after? Good luck!
I think the admin of this web page is in fact working hard in support of his website, as here every data is quality based data.
I’m not sure why but this web site is loading incredibly slow for me.
Is anyone else having this problem or is it a problem on my end?
I’ll check back later on and see if the problem still exists.
Excellent post. I’m facing a few of these issues as well..
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about Small Business Resources.
Regards
bookmarked!!, I like your web site!
Do you have any video of that? I’d want to find out some
additional information.
This post provides clear idea for the new viewers of blogging, that really how
to do blogging and site-building.
These are genuinely wonderful ideas in concerning blogging.
You have touched some fastidious factors here. Any way keep up
wrinting.
My brother suggested I might like this blog. He was totally right.
This post truly made my day. You cann’t imagine simply how much time I had spent for this info!
Thanks!
Thanks for any other great article. Where else may just anybody get that type of information in such a
perfect means of writing? I’ve a presentation subsequent week,
and I am on the search for such information.
I was recommended this web site by my cousin. I’m not sure whether
this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my difficulty.
You are amazing! Thanks!
Take advantage of credit you already have on your Chase credit
card to get a versatile, lower-APR loan, with funds deposited straight into your bank account.
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you writing this article and also the rest of the site is also very good.
Players wanting to boost their possibilities of winning will
appear for casinos with the highest payouts.
I quite like looking through a post that can make people think.
Also, thank you for allowing me to comment!
I really love your blog.. Very nice colors & theme. Did you build this web site yourself? Please reply back as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like to find out where you got this from or exactly what the theme is named. Many thanks!
In addition to Aviator, Fortunate Block also provides other provably fair games, such as dice, hi-lo, keno, and
mines.
Beware, though — its wagering needs of 35x are a little on the high
side.
It has grow to be like walking into a candy shop,
where you can get whatever you wish!
Most on-line casinos offer profitable welcome bonuses to entice
new players.
You’ constantly come across distinct varieties of blackjack, roulette,
and baccarat.
Here are what we honestly think are the ideal operators readily available for you in 2023.
Foreigner-only casino development in Korea is a play on booming
Chinese tourism.
As a country with a growing affinity for digital payments, South Korea has numerous exchanges on the web.
Good post! We are linking to this particularly great
article on our website. Keep up the good writing.
I every time used to study paragraph in news papers but now
as I am a user of web so from now I am using net
for articles, thanks to web.
When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added”
checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get several e-mails with the same comment.
Is there any way you can remove people from that service?
Thank you!
If you are going for best contents like I do, only go to see this website all the time
as it gives quality contents, thanks
I savor, lead to I found just what I used to be taking
a look for. You’ve ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man.
Have a great day. Bye
That is why Texas Hold’Em is the quintessential game
for an Aquarius.
Invited to attend a meetup in an Illinois remote cornfield, they are brutally beaten there with baseball bats, stripped of their garments and buried alive in a shallow
grave.
Bitcoin withdrawals are processed within three small business days while bank
transfers are processed from 5-7 days.
We also cover every little thing that you will
We are normally working on expanding our library of free casino games.
There are, on the other hand, a lot of distinctive methods to happiness – just like in life!
The gridded type, numbered 1 to 80, that players use to
location keno bets.
They are identified for their user-friendly interface
and generous bonuses, such as a welcome bonus for new users.
Enhance your betting limit slightly and place a straight up bet on the most well known number.
No one particular would blame you for feeling hesitant about
signing up to play at an on line casino for the very first time.
In addition, the casino has a superior reputation with various sponsorships and has
a native token.
I like this post, enjoyed this one regards for putting up.
This is a topic which is close to my heart… Take care! Where are your contact details though?
I could not refrain from commenting. Perfectly written!
I want to to thank you for this good read!! I certainly loved every little bit of it. I’ve got you saved as a favorite to check out new stuff you post…
I absolutely love your site.. Excellent colors & theme. Did you make this amazing site yourself? Please reply back as I’m hoping to create my own personal website and would like to know where you got this from or what the theme is named. Thank you!
Good blog post. I certainly appreciate this site. Keep writing!
I have been surfing online greater than 3 hours lately, but I never found any fascinating article like yours. It is pretty value enough for me. In my view, if all site owners and bloggers made excellent content as you did, the net will probably be much more helpful than ever before.
Hello, Neat post. There’s a problem together with your website in internet explorer, might check this… IE nonetheless is the marketplace leader and a large section of other people will miss your wonderful writing due to this problem.
As I website owner I conceive the content material here is real fantastic, appreciate it for your efforts.
bookmarked!!, I like your site!
Having read this I thought it was very informative. I appreciate you finding the time and energy to put this information together. I once again find myself personally spending a lot of time both reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worthwhile!
Howdy! I simply want to offer you a big thumbs up for the great information you’ve got right here on this post. I’ll be coming back to your blog for more soon.
Greetings, I believe your web site could be having browser compatibility problems. Whenever I look at your blog in Safari, it looks fine however, when opening in IE, it has some overlapping issues. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Aside from that, fantastic website!
That is a really good tip particularly to those fresh to the blogosphere. Short but very accurate information… Thanks for sharing this one. A must read article!
Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular article! It is the little changes that produce the biggest changes. Thanks for sharing!
Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon on a daily basis. It’s always useful to read content from other authors and use a little something from other websites.
May I just say what a comfort to find somebody that really knows what they are discussing on the internet. You definitely realize how to bring a problem to light and make it important. More people really need to read this and understand this side of the story. It’s surprising you aren’t more popular since you surely have the gift.
Very efficiently written post. It will be useful to anybody who usess it, as well as yours truly :). Keep up the good work – can’r wait to read more posts.
What i don’t understood is actually how you’re not really much more well-liked than you might be right now. You’re so intelligent. You realize thus considerably relating to this subject, made me personally consider it from numerous varied angles. Its like women and men aren’t fascinated unless it is one thing to accomplish with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs nice. Always maintain it up!
Your style is very unique compared to other folks I’ve read stuff from. Thank you for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I’ll just book mark this site.
I enjoy reading through a post that will make men and women think. Also, thanks for allowing for me to comment!
Having read this I thought it was really enlightening. I appreciate you finding the time and effort to put this short article together. I once again find myself spending way too much time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it!
I could not resist commenting. Very well written!
I seriously love your site.. Pleasant colors & theme. Did you create this site yourself? Please reply back as I’m attempting to create my own personal blog and want to find out where you got this from or what the theme is called. Kudos!
Hello there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it is truly informative. I’m going to watch out for brussels. I will appreciate if you continue this in future. Many people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!
Oh my goodness! Incredible article dude! Many thanks, However I am having problems with your RSS. I don’t understand the reason why I can’t join it. Is there anybody else getting the same RSS issues? Anyone that knows the solution can you kindly respond? Thanx!!