Dogs Need Coats and Sweaters Too!

By Joanne Gallagher

Cold winter months are at our doorstep. It's time to dig out those coats, sweaters and heaters! Although dogs have built in coats, they could use additional warmth offered by a dog coat or sweater.

Some smaller dogs grow hair rather than fur and are vulnerable to colder weather. They require the warmth that dog clothes proffer if they are outdoors during cold winter days. Breeds such as: Dachshunds, Silky Terriers, Yorkshire Terriers, Chinese Crested Dogs, and Maltese in fact profit from dressing in a dog sweater or coat. Miniature dogs dislike being exposed to the cold.

Mid-sized dogs such as Welsh Corgis or Pugs are very muscular yet have very short hair. But a Welsh Corgi would look superb in a classy coat or jacket? Sometimes it is all about looking good! Boxers are another type of dog that does not do well in intense temperatures even with their muscular physique. And a Corduroy Dog Jacket would look great on any Boxer?

Short haired breeds, like a Greyhound, Basenji, Weimaraner, Italian Greyhound and Vizsla have a leaner build and require outdoor activity and do not handle chilly weather very well. Barn jackets are ideal during cold stormy days and are a cinch to Velcro around an active dog to preserve their body heat. The Polyester lends itself as a protective to fend off wind and water while maintaining a dry pet, while the fleece retains body heat to supply warmth.

Some dog breeds don't require the warmth of a coat. For instance, the Alaskan Malamute has a thick and wooly base-coat that allows them to be exposed to the extreme cold weather without wearing protection. The Samoyed has a dual coat that contains a soft, thick undercoat with a harsh outer layer. In addition, cold temperature breeds have a tuft of hair around their neck for extra warmth.

Aging dogs need a bit of extra comfort and warmth in their old age. A fleece lined dog coat will keep an older dog more comfortable. Especially on days when a dog feels arthritic, a dog sweater or coat will offer aid to keep their bodies at ease. Dogs not in tip top health can benefit from a therapeutic dog coat. Using heat, cold and magnetic therapy, veterinarians recommend therapeutic dog coats for rehabilitation and pain relief.

The right fit is imperative for optimal comfort. Follow these three steps using a tape measure to figure out what size coat your dog will need.

Step 1: Measure your dog's girth. The girth is the chest directly behind the front legs.

Step 2: Determine your dog's neckline. This is very important for hooded dog apparel.

Step 3: Measure the length of your dog from the base of their neck to the base of their tail.

Even though dogs come equipped with their own coats, they always could use an extra bit of warmth for cold and rainy days. - 29895

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