Do dogs need clothes in winter?

When the air temperature outside drops sharply, you take out winter things from the closet. Does your pet need extra insulation? Let’s see if dogs need winter clothes or if their coat is enough to protect them from the cold.

Why do dogs need clothes in winter?

In short, she won’t hurt them. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), even dogs with thick coats can get hypothermia or frostbite in freezing weather. If the temperature outside is below 4,4 degrees Celsius, it’s time to dress your pet. Melissa Pezzuto, lead behavior consultant for Best Friends Animal Society, told New York Magazine that “If a dog is shivering, lifting its paws to avoid stepping on cold ground, or hiding under a blanket, it probably needs winter clothes.”

The need for additional insulation can be due to many variables, including the climate in the region, breed, age and health of the dog.

Does your dog need clothes in winter

Large dogs with thick, dense coats, such as Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes, don’t need protection from the cold, according to the AKC. But some other breeds may need extra warmth: Chihuahuas and French Bulldogs, for example, don’t generate or retain enough heat to spend much time in the cold. Squat animals with short legs, such as the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, also suffer more than others from low temperatures. It does not hurt to warm up and dogs with a dry physique, such as greyhounds, and with cropped hair, such as poodles. A mixed breed pet may need winter clothing if they have a thin coat or squat build.

Since the ability to regulate body temperature decreases with age, older animals, regardless of breed, may benefit from additional insulation. And if pets with thicker coats will need a light jacket, then small dogs and dogs with finer coats will be more suitable for a winter suit.

How to choose the right clothes for your dog

If you’ve decided that your dog needs some extra warmth during the winter months, it’s time to go pick out some outfits for him. Depending on the weather and coat thickness, a dog sweater may be enough to keep your pet warm. However, if the weather forecast calls for freezing temperatures, snow, hail, or freezing rain, your dog may need a winter jacket. How to choose clothes for a dog in size? It should be tight enough on the pet to retain his own body heat, but not too tight, as this may impair circulation or interfere with his mobility. Winter clothes for small breeds of dogs should be warmer than for large breeds in order to keep warm as much as possible.

When walking your dog in winter, do not forget about the paws. The jacket helps keep the torso warm, but the dog’s paws also need protection – they can get wet and cold. In addition, the dog may step on the salt that is sprinkled on icy roads, which can be harmful if, after a walk, he begins to lick his paws.

If you’re shopping for dog booties, look for shoes with good grip so your pet won’t slip on wet pavements or wet grass. Don’t forget to check if your shoe size is correct. Most dog booties come with Velcro or a strap that can be used to tighten the bootie around the paw.

If you’re not sure if your pet needs extra insulation in the winter, ask your veterinarian for advice. He will tell you how to choose clothes for a dog in accordance with the characteristics of the breed and climate. And until you figure out if your dog will be cold outside without clothes, stay at home and come up with a fun game together.