Dogs Coats And Clothing Guide
You might think that your dog’s fur is enough to keep them at the right temperature throughout the year. However, this is not always the case and you should consider exploring options like dog coats. You may need to consider using clothing like waterproof dog coats to ensure that you won’t have to worry about your pet getting too cold, particularly through the winter months.
This guide will cover the different types of dog clothing that is available as well as answer questions such as whether dog clothing works and how it can help your pet. As well as looking at options for different seasons, this guide will discuss whether clothing is more important for certain breeds and how clothing can help animals with anxiety.
Why Do Dogs Need Clothing?
There are numerous reasons why dogs need to wear clothing. While a dog’s natural coat will provide protection and insulation from the weather, some dogs will require additional warmth, particularly through the winter months. This will often be because they have lighter layers. It’s important to be aware that not all dogs are bred for colder environments. However, at the same time, some dogs such as Huskies may not need to wear coats during this time of year. A dog may also benefit from certain clothing if they are suffering from health issues that have weakened their immune system or affected their coat, such as Cushing's disease or hypothyroidism.
Dog Winter Clothes
In the winter, your dog can be exposed to the chill. Certain dogs are more vulnerable to cold weather and some will lose heat far more rapidly compared to other breeds. Dogs can also suffer from frostbite. This can impact their paws, ears and tail. This is because the body constricts vessels in these parts to push blood to the core and protect internal organs.
Dog Summer Clothes
Many dog owners will shave their dogs in the summer in an attempt to keep their pets cool. However, many people do not understand that by shaving their animals, they are removing the natural insulation that is provided by their fur. As well as this, if a dog has light-coloured skin, then it can suffer from skin damage when exposed to harsh rays of the sun. This is one of the main reasons why working dogs will wear lightweight summer dog coats.
What Are The Summer Essentials For Dogs?
Dogs can benefit from summer clothing to keep their bodies at the right temperature and avoid injuries. One important point to keep in mind is that dogs do not have the predominant sweat glands that humans have. Their main response to get rid of excess heat is by panting. As such, the right clothing can be essential for keeping your dog cool.
Dog Shoes For Walking
The ground can get incredibly hot through the summer. Walking on a hot surface can hurt or even damage your dog’s paws. That’s why you should explore getting dog shoes for walking. The right shoes will protect their pads from the hot surface. If you can’t touch the ground with the back of your hand for a full seven seconds it’s too hot for your dog. Dog’s do sweat through their pads, so remember to remove their shoes regularly and dry their feet off.
Dog Shirts For UV Protection
Dogs can get sunburned just like humans. They can even develop skin cancer if they are exposed to strong sunlight for a long period. One of the ways that you can avoid issues here is by making sure that you invest in a dog shirt that provides UV protection. This will keep your dog safe from the sun’s most powerful rays. These sun shirts should cover the most vulnerable part of the dog - their chest, belly and neck.
Cooling Vests for Dogs
Dogs with double coats or thick fur can get incredibly hot in the summer. One of the ways that you can help with this issue is by using a cooling vest. A cooling vest is designed to deflect the sun’s rays, keeping your dog at the right temperature when they are outside. These vests are also good for dogs with short noses and compromised airways that have difficulty getting rid of excess heat by panting.
What Are The Winter Essentials For Dogs
If you are dressing your dog for winter, then you need to think about how to keep them warm and ensure that their body remains at the right temperature. You also need to make sure that your dog is protected from issues such as frostbite. Even if your dog loves the cold - and many do - you should avoid spending hours outside when the temperature is low. You also need to watch for signs that your dog is suffering including blisters, discolouration, and pain or cold in a particular area.
Dog Booties for Cold Winter Walks
If you are taking your dog out on a winter walk, then you should consider using some dog booties. These will protect your dog’s feet and their paws from the winter chill. This is particularly important if they are walking and snow and ice. However, do note that the ground can still be too cold for your dog’s paws even if it isn’t frozen.
Winter Coats For Dogs
If your dog is older or has health problems, then you should think about getting a winter coat or jumper. This can also be useful for certain dog breeds with very short hair that need extra warmth through the winter months. A good rule of thumb is that if it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your dog without a coat to keep them warm. Be careful when indoors though, most dogs will not need a coat when inside in winter, especially if you have heating.
Raincoats For Dogs
Some dogs love splashing around in the rain. However, if it’s cold and raining then your dog can get cold. They can develop issues with their skin if they are exposed to the rain for too long and not dried off. A raincoat can keep your dog warm and dry when the weather takes a turn for the worst.
Do Different Breeds Require More Clothes?
When deciding what clothes to get for your dog, you do need to think about the breed. Some breeds will need UV protection more than others whereas other breeds will require jumpers through the colder months of the year. You might also need to think about getting the right clothing if your dog has long or short legs to match the needs of their body.
What Dogs Need UV Protection?
Certain dog beads are more likely to develop issues with sun cancer and may be more exposed to the threat from UV rays. This includes hairless dog breeds such as:
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Chinese Crested
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American Hairless Terrier
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Xoloitzcuintli
Dogs with thin, light coloured or white coats and dog breeds with light-pigmented noses are also more at risk from sunburn. This includes breeds such as:
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Collies
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Australian Sheepdogs
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Bulldogs and Bull terriers
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Whippets
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Dalmations
Even dogs that have thick coats but shed through the seasons can need UV protection because their coats can get very thin during the summer months.
If your dog loves to lie and sunbake in the sun - make sure they have some form of sun protection - particularly in the summer months.
What Dogs Need To Wear Coats or Jumpers?
Generally speaking, short-coated breeds will benefit from a coat or jumper through the winter months or when the temperature drops outside. Breeds like this include:
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Greyhounds, Whippets and Italian greyhounds
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Dobermans
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Staffordshire Bull Terriers
Dogs That Can Adapt To Winter Better Than Summer
Some dogs can adapt to winter far better than through the summer months and won’t have to worry as much when taking them out on walks when it’s snowing or temperatures are below zero. Their thick coat protects them against the elements and this is true for breeds like labradors, huskies and German shepherds.
Dogs That Can Adapt To Summer Better Than Winter
Other dogs find it easier to adapt to summer when compared with winter. They will love to lounge around on the beach or chill in the garden when it’s hot. Dog breeds like this include the:
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Chihuahua
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Australian Cattle Dog
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Ibizan Hound
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Afghan Hound
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Yorkshire Terrier
What Clothing Material Is Better For Dogs?
Choosing the right clothing material is important when selecting clothing for your dog. For instance, you need to make sure that it doesn’t hinder their movements. A dog still needs to be able to walk, run and play when wearing their clothes. Stretchy materials are ideal such as cotton and spandex. Breathability and airflow is also important - so high cotton content is ideal and avoid clothing that is too tight.
Generally speaking, wool should be avoided for dog clothing as it can itch and irritate your dog’s skin. It will also need to be hand-washed so it is best to use an item that is a synthetic mixture of cotton and washable wool. Mesh fabrics are also more breathable and perfect for summer dog clothing items.
How To Know Your Dog’s Clothing Size?
To get the right clothing for your dog, you will need to know the measurements of their chest, neck and backYou can use a tape measure to get these measurements.Put the tape measure around his neck where the collar usually sits and around his chest at the widest point. (This will usually be just behind the front legs). When completing the first two measurements, put two fingers underneath the tape. This will give your dog the amount of room they need to breathe comfortably. For the final measurement, put the tape measure from the base of the beck underneath where the collar sits to where their tail joins the body. You now have measurements for the:
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Neck
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Chest
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Back (Length)
These are the three measurements necessary to choose the right clothing. ou can get adjustable clothing if you can’t find your dog clothes that provide the perfect fit, or if your dog is still growing.
Why Do Dogs Need Shoes?
Dog shoes will help keep your furry friend’s feet safe from issues with ground that is too hot or too cold. The right shoes will protect from both frostbite as well as blisters or burns in hot weather.Dogs can also find it difficult not to slip on certain floors and wearing shoes or grippy socks can prevent them from sustaining an injury because they will provide an extra level of grip. This can also be helpful for older dogs who are a little unsteady on their feet.
Can Dog Clothes Help With Anxiety?
Dogs can develop anxiety due to certain environments or because they are worried about something that is happening. This can include being separated from their owner, noisy weather, or meeting new people. If a dog is anxious, they can show signs of aggression and fearThey can bark and pant and be destructive.
Dog clothing may help with anxiety. Some owners have found that shirts and jumpers help their dogs if they are suffering from anxiety. Other clothing can protect your dog from situations that cause them to feel anxious. For instance, you can get coats that have warnings to strangers not to touch or pet your dog. Other clothing provides constant pressure on key points across your dog’s torso,which has been found to be calming for some dogs.
Do Dogs Like Wearing Clothes?
Some dogs love wearing clothes, other dogs hate it, and some are completely indifferent. You will have more success if you introduce clothes to your dog when they are a puppy.. If they are older you can also let them sniff the clothing and gradually introduce it with lots of positive reinforcement. At the start, leave the clothing on for short periods of time and make sure there is lots of praise when your dog doesn’t object.You should try different materials and styles to find the option that is comfortable and that they like. Remember, it is possible that you have got the wrong size.
If your dog absolutely refuses to wear the clothing they need, then you’ll need to find other ways to protect them from hot and cold temperatures. This might include keeping them indoors or using sunscreen. You can get sunscreen that will help protect your dog from the sun and shade, fans and air conditioning can help them keep their cool. Extra bedding and a snug kennel can keep them warm in the winter.
Other Dog or Puppy Essentials for Every Pet Owner
When dressing your dog in the right clothing, make sure that you prepare them ahead of time. Particularly, if you are getting them to wear a coat or dog booties for the beach for the first time. They need space to get used to it. Don’t forget, you can encourage the right behaviour through positive reinforcement and by using treats as a reward.
You might be using clothing for style specifically. If that’s the case, be careful to think about safety issues. You need to make sure that clothing isn’t going to make your dog too hot, constrict their movements in any way or catch on things when they are running.
Wrap Up
We hope this helps you understand some of the dog coats and clothing options that you might need for your pet and why they are important. It is always best to start by researching your dog’s breed to find out how they will respond to cold and hot weather and if they need extra levels of protection. You should also consider factors such as your dog’s health and their age. If you are struggling to get your dog to wear clothes, take it slowly. Let them warm up to the idea and implement positive reinforcement training. You’ll find that most dogs are very adaptable to dressing in the right gear.