Do Dogs Need Coats On Winter Walk? - Dogs Vet Gear Guides

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Do dogs need a winter coat to keep warm during winter walks? Get the latest pet accessories and dog products on DHgate.com.

• Winter is a fantastic time of the year everyone, including your dogs and pets', looks forward to; thanks to the snow everybody plays with and displays their creativity. However, winter is known for its coldness in most parts of the world, and even your dog is not let out of the experience.
  So we prepare ourselves by fetching enough woods to warm the house during this period, buying the perfect winter head warmer and jackets to keep us warm throughout winter, getting the ideal winter.
  In all these, it rarely comes to mind to think that your dog will need some warmth during winter too. However, people ask a common question: Do dogs need a coat or winter? Well, maybe dogs don't need random fashion clothing, but some dogs do need a winter coat and gears to keep them warm. In this article, you will be learning if it's essential to wear a winter coat for your dog and other winter gear needed to keep your dog warm throughout the period.

• Do Dogs Need Coats during winter?
  While dogs were created for outdoor life, the moment they were domesticated made it an opportunity to live a better life than they lived in the forest. Some dogs do not need a coat or jacket to keep them warm when outside. Still, other dogs like the shorter-haired puppies and dogs with health challenges need all the care they can get, including keeping them during the cold. Getting some dogs a winter coat is non-negotiable, as it allows them to go out of the house and remain comfortable during the cold weather. Dog's fur protects them and regulates undue weather conditions such as heat and cold.
  Usually, suppose a dog is not comfortable with wearing a coat. In that case, they typically show discomfort by being restless and trying hard to get rid of the clothing. Still, an average dog can benefit from the extra warmth received in cold temperatures, especially dogs not made for cold winters. The daily walk can become undesirable and uncomfortable for dogs during cold weather. Knowing how important being outdoors is to dogs, the only way to help them out is to wear a winter coat to keep them from freezing. If you have a dog and have never considered wearing it a winter cloth, now is the time to do that. Your dog needs protection from cold too. Although some dogs were bred in warmer climates, making them unaccustomed to the cold temperature, the general idea is to ensure that large dogs with thick and dense furs are protected from freezing temperatures. Some breeds of dog that ought to be protected from undue weather are;

  • Small puppies can't easily make and retain body heat to keep them warm. Examples of such dogs are; French bulldogs and Chihuahuas.

  • Breed of dogs with long but clipped hair like Poodles. Grooming can inhibit the natural protection of their furs.

  • Breeds with lean bodies and short hair like Whippets and Greyhounds.

  • Chinese crested dogs

  • Mexican hairless breed

  • Old/senior dogs are susceptible to conditions like arthritis or low immunity. As dog ages, the ability to regulate heat may reduce, making dogs with thick- fur uncomfortable during the cold. Aside from old dogs, sick or dogs with health challenges need winter coats. A healthy senior dog already used to cold weather can be comfortable with a freezing temperature.

• If you are outside in the cold and your dog becomes uncomfortable, like shivering, looking for warmth, getting anxious, and slowing down, that means you need to go inside. And if you wear a winter coat for your dog and observe it's getting warm and uncomfortable for your dog, that means you should take the coat off.
  How to know when if your dog needs a Coat
  If your dog needs a winter coat, here are some things to take note of:

  • Dogs bred for warmer climates

  • Slender dogs

  • Dogs with short fur

  • Shivering or staying calm in cuddled body position

  • When the outside temperature is low

  • Feels reluctant to take a walk outside

• Apart from these tips, don't wait until your dog becomes uncomfortable during cold before wearing a winter jacket. If your dog hasn't been wearing a winter coat and you now think they should but don't know how to choose one for your dog, all you need to do is get approval from your dog's vet and a recommendation for the best material suitable for your dog's fur. After getting the required information, the other thing to consider is buying a winter that fits your dog. If you don't know your dog's measurements, use a measuring tape to get your dog's size. It is essential that your dog feels comfortable in their coats. If you want a customized coat for your dog, you need to know their measurements because most stores do not allow coats to be returned once shipped out. If you don't know how to measure your dog, here is how to measure it to ensure a well-fitted coat.

  • Ensure that your dog is in a standing position

  • Run the measurement tape from the base of the dog's neck down to the bottom of the tail

• How to choose materials for your dog

  • If you decide to buy a coat for your dog, start with a lighter material to prevent overheating your dog and making them uncomfortable. After seeing how your dog feels, you can then move to a thicker material. Choosing a waterproof coat is better if your dog gets wet.

  • Consider a fluorescent material if you take your dog out in the dark during the winter.

  • Avoid wearing the jacket for your dog indoors to avoid getting heated quickly. If you want to wear a coat for your pet, model it for outdoor purposes only.

  • Choose a light jacket or sweater if your dog has thick fur. A Winter jacket is suitable for small dogs or dogs with thin coats.

• Your pet's body is not the part that needs to be warm like their paws need some warmth as well. Hence, your dog needs maximum heat to keep them from cold. Here are Vet gear guides to protect your dog during winter.
  Dogs Vet's Gear Guides during Winter
  Boot
  Your dog's paw can get wet and cold too. During winter, salt is poured on the road to defreeze ice. If your dog step's on the salt, it can cause harm to the dog from trying to lick their paw. Hence, ensure that you wear them water resistance and fitted boots or use a Velcro or strap to fasten the boots to their feet. A good quality boot can protect your dog paw's from harmful elements they may encounter during the walk.
  Winter Coat
  All dogs do not need a winter coat, but some dogs can benefit from using a winter coat. For example, dogs with a thin layer of fat or short, sick, and dogs used to a warmer climate can benefit from wearing a coat during winter. If you consider buying winter coats for your dog, consider purchasing a waterproof layered coat for increased protection against cold weather.
  Winter Sweater
  Everyone wants to maintain warmth as much as possible. However, some dogs require extra support to stay warm during winter. Examples of such dogs are old dogs finding it difficult to regulate body temperature and smaller dogs with short fur. With the perfect winter sweat, your dog will get added warmth if you decide to get them one. It is ideal for indoor use and not suitable for harsh outdoor cold temperatures.
  Paw Wax
  Your dog's feet go through hard times as well. The cold period is usually challenging for your dog, especially the paws. While walking in the cold weather and coming in contact with harmful elements, your dog's feet will have some protection with the paw's wax. The paw wax protects their fetes from corrosive rock salt, prevents snow from piling up between the toes, and gives extra traction on indoor surfaces like the floor or hardwood. If your dog is not comfortable wearing boots, applying the paw's wax can be a better option for them.
  Heated Dog's Bed
  Your dog may already own a bed, but a heated bed is an excellent way to provide dogs with the needed warmth in the house. In addition, the heated bed offers them comfort and security all through the season. Apart from that, it is highly beneficial to seniors older with health conditions and for dogs with short hair or low body fat. However, the heated dog's bed is not recommended for outdoor use and is unsuitable for big-sized dogs.
  Dog Beds
  Some dogs are bred to adapt to the harsh cold condition, but sleeping on the hard floor or tiles during winter may not be comfortable for your dog. If your dog doesn't own a bed, now is the time to get them one. Sleeping on a bed any time of the year makes dogs comfortable and offers some warmth.
  Dog House Heater
  During winter, the heater comes in handy to keep your room warm and everyone indoors. Dogs living outside the home need a heater to warm their space. In addition, the heater protects your dog from weather that makes them cold such as snow and rain.
  Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
  Which dog breeds needs winter coat?
  Despite being trained for the outdoor life, some dogs can withstand the harsh weather, while other breeds need warmth during the winter season. Breeds of dog that needs winter coat are:

  • Chihuahuas

  • Greyhounds

  • Yorkshire Terriers

  • Poodles

  • Whippets

  • French Bulldogs

• How can I keep my dog warm during winter?
  If your dog doesn't have a winter coat, the best way to keep them warm during winter is to wear a winter coat and other gear guides necessary to offer maximum protection against cold. For example, you can use a dog house heater, dog heated beds, and a winter coat.
  Do indoor dogs need a winter coat?
  Dogs staying indoors do not need a winter coat, but that doesn't mean they can't keep warm. Instead of wearing a coat, indoor dogs wear a sweater, especially during extreme temperatures.
  Do dogs need a coat in the rain?
  Not every dog feels comfortable wearing a coat in the rain. Despite the protection it offers, your dog may not desire wearing one. Some raincoats can be stifling for the dog, and the only way to be sure your dog needs is to observe how they feel after wearing one. Also, if you want to buy one for your dog, choose a coat that is water-resistant and yet breathable.
  Can a dog walk in snow without shoes?
  Yes, a dog can walk in the snow, but that does not mean they don't feel cold or wet when they walk without shoes. When dogs walk in the snow, it can be harmful to their sensitive paws when they have contact with elements that can hurt them. The best way to protect their feet is to wear high-quality, comfortable shoes to keep their paws clean and dry.
  Conclusion
  The winter period can be extremely cold for both humans and animals. Although most dogs are bred to survive outdoors, some breeds of dogs cannot comfortably live outdoors in cold weather. So, we should keep in mind a few things. As dog ages, their ability to maintain and regulate body heat reduces, making it essential to provide them with additional warmth like coats, sweaters, boots, and beds. If you have a dog and you are unsure of choosing a winter coat for them, you can speak with your vet for recommendations. They will help you to choose the right one for your dog according to your needs. And if you decide to choose a winter coat or material for your dog and you need a reliable place to purchase them, I recommend DHgate to buy varieties of dog clothing.