In autumn and winter is again time for a dog coat. This is much more about functionality than the fashion aspect. Therefore, this article is mainly about what you should definitely consider when choosing a dog coat for your four-legged friend. Dog coat selection
Many dog owners still consider coats for our four-legged friends to be frills and superfluous. But especially for our senior dogs and dogs with joint diseases, they perform well and provide protection from adverse weather conditions. It keeps your dog warm and protects against cold and moisture moving into the joints.
So it makes sense not only for short-furred dogs. Dogs with longer coats that are already older or have musculoskeletal problems, such as osteoarthritis, spondylosis or hip dysplasia, also benefit tremendously from a protective dog coat.
How you can tell that your dog is cold? Dog coat selection
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?
Of course, we humans are often guided by visual aspects when choosing a dog coat for our four-legged friend. However, other factors should definitely be in the foreground. I have summarized which ones they are here:
- When it comes to the dog coat, functionality is paramount. There are great materials that keep wind and water out and provide good protection – while being breathable and cozy soft on the inside.
- In any case, the coat should be washable, because especially in winter in mud and snow pollution is almost impossible to avoid.
- A good fit of the coat is indispensable. It should be comfortable and not too small. If it is too short at the back, cold quickly draws underneath.
- The belly should also be kept nice and warm. Many coats are unfortunately still cut so that although the back is covered. But then the belly is completely free and unprotected. There again your dog freezes, pulls in the belly and cramps. This, of course, has the effect of creating tension in the back.
- For your dog to move well in his coat it is very important that it does not cut in and restrict him in movement. If the coat cuts in under the legs or normal movement is not possible, it can cause pain and your dog will not like wearing his coat. Dog coat selection
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. With my Snowy, for example, it was very important to me that the coat is a little longer on the hind legs – and thus perfectly protects her weak points. Dog coat selection
Most dogs very quickly gratefully accept the coat and feel the benefits. Of course, there are also those who need a moment to “get used to it” and don’t really like to move around in it at first. You should show patience here and give your dog the opportunity to get used to the coat and not immediately throw in the towel. Dog coat selection
All the love, your Tina
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