When the cold weather arrives, the question comes up: should I put a coat on my dog, or is that overdoing it? It depends on the dog. Some really need one and others don't. Here's how to tell.
Which dogs need a coat?
- Short- or fine-haired breeds: greyhounds, podencos, chihuahuas, boxers, pinschers, pugs… They have little coat to insulate them from the cold.
- Small dogs: they lose heat much sooner than a large dog and walk closer to the cold, wet ground.
- Puppies and older dogs: they regulate their temperature less well.
- Very thin, sick or recently operated dogs.
Which dogs don't usually need one?
Nordic breeds and double-coated breeds, such as the husky, the Samoyed, the German shepherd, the golden retriever or the Bernese mountain dog, are built for the cold. Putting a coat on them can make them overheat. For these dogs, the most useful thing on rainy days is, at most, a light raincoat.
How can you tell if your dog is cold?
- He shivers even when he's calm and still.
- He lifts his paws or stops in the middle of the walk.
- He walks hunched over or with his tail between his legs.
- At home he curls up into a ball and looks for blankets, radiators or your lap.
If you often see these signs, a coat will make his winter walks much more pleasant.
How do you choose a coat that works?
- It should cover the chest and back. That's where he loses the most heat. Coats that only cover the back give little warmth.
- The right size. Measure the length of the back, from the base of the neck to the base of the tail, and the chest girth at the widest point. If he's between two sizes, go for the larger one.
- It shouldn't rub. Neither under the front legs nor when walking. He should be able to move, sit and do his business normally.
- Waterproof if it often rains where you live. A wet coat chills more than wearing nothing at all.
- Easy to put on and wash. If it's a hassle to put on, you'll end up leaving it at home.
And indoors, too?
Generally not. Indoors, it's normal to take it off so he doesn't get too hot. The exception is very cold-sensitive or older dogs in chilly homes, who may benefit from a light sweater.
In our dog clothes section you'll find padded coats, wool vests, waterproof trench coats and sweaters, with a size chart on each product page.
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