A dog coat is no frills
Dogs also freeze – that once first of all and benefit from a dog coat. Whether your dog is cold does not necessarily depend on the density and length of the coat. It is quite individual from dog to dog. In general, it is said that a dog that is regularly and extensively in the fresh air does not need the additional protection of a coat. The regular walks allow the body to get used to the different conditions of the seasons.
However, it should also be noted that in the times when our four-legged friends live with us in the house, and in the winter like to be at the mercy of temperature differences of 25 degrees and more. When they have to go from the cozy warm house out into the cold for a walk, they have to deal with these very temperature differences – and can freeze.Of course, depending on the density and texture, the fur keeps warm for some time. But our four-legged friends also cool down. The cold attacks especially through the paws, head and abdominal region and it can make our dogs sensitively cold. This is intensified when the dog has to walk on a leash and cannot move freely and “warm up”.
When should you definitely not go without a coat?
Yet, wearing a dog coat is often dismissed as a fashion fad and unnecessary coddling. However, for me, there are clearly dogs that benefit greatly from wearing a coat – regardless of coat texture, size, or breed. Especially dogs with joint diseases such as osteoarthritis, spondylosis, HD and ED benefit in wet and cold weather. So do dogs with neurological conditions such as herniated discs or cauda equina compression syndrome. Also seniors who can no longer resist the cold as much as a young dog, a coat does a lot of good.
When do I recommend a dog coat for a healthy dog?
Many dog owners say: “If the dog is sick ok, but why should I put a coat on a healthy dog?!”. Quite simply; if a dog has very short fur, has no undercoat, is very slim like e.g. greyhounds, speak no sufficient fat layer. But also when a dog has to wait e.g. in the car in order not to get hypothermia. Just like very small dogs or puppies.
How you can tell that your dog is cold? Dog coat
Dogs that are cold hold themselves tense, huddle together, pull up their bellies, shiver, and are reluctant to go outside. Also, tapping from one paw to the other or lifting paws indicates that the quadruped is cold. To freeze, by the way, is not less unpleasant for our four-legged friends than for us humans. When your dog is cold, he tenses his muscles and keeps himself tense. The inevitable result is painful tension. At the same time, freezing is stress for your dog. By the way, when I’m cold, I get in a bad mood – it’s no different with our dogs.
What to consider when choosing a dog coat?
As much as we humans are influenced by optical factors. When it comes to the dog coat, functionality is paramount. There have long been great materials that keep wind and water out and offer good protection – while being breathable and cuddly soft on the inside. Also, the coat should be washable. In addition, you should pay attention to a good fit. The coat should not cut, not restrict movement and keep the belly nice and warm.
In addition to dog coats “off the rack”, there are now also more and more offers for custom-made. This ensures an optimal fit and special requirements can be taken into account. I have attached importance to the fact that the coat of my Snowy especially at the hind legs is cut a little longer to keep hips and knees warm.
Many four-legged friends immediately feel comfortable in their coat, while others don’t really want to move around in it at first. Please give your dog a chance to get used to it, show patience and don’t give up right away. Dog coat
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