Talk with your Animals

Cold winter day are swiftly approaching. So pull out those coats, sweaters and heaters! Even though dogs have their own coats, they can always the additional warmth presented by a dog coat or jacket.

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.

Smaller/Medium size dogs such as Pugs and Welsh Corgis have shorthair, but a more muscular build than teacup and small dogs. But wouldn’t a Welsh Corgi just be so righteous in a dapper jacket or sweater? Sometimes it is just about looking good! Even though Boxers are muscular they don’t fare well in extreme temperatures. Couldn’t you see a Boxer wearing a Corduroy Dog Jacket?

Short haired breeds, like a Basenji, Greyhound, Italian Greyhound, Weimaraner and Vizsla have a slender build and require exercise outdoors. They do not handle severe cold weather very well. During cold days a barn jacket is effortless to Velcro around an active dog and helps to keep outdoor dogs toasty in colder weather. The Polyester helps ward off wind and water to maintain dryness and safety from the elements, while the fleece side captures body heat to supply warm comfort.

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 extra warmth in their old age. A fleece lined dog coat will maintain an older dogs warmth effectively. Especially for arthritic dogs, a dog jacket or coat will present relief to their cold bodies. Dogs not in good health can profit from a therapeutic dog coat. By using heat, cold and magnetic therapy, these dog coats offer rehabilitation for pain relief.

The right fit is important for comfort and warmth. Using a tape measure to figure out what size coat your dog will need can be accomplished in 3 easy steps.

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: Determine the length of your dog from the base of their neck to the base of their tail.

Yes, dogs come with their own coats, but depending upon the breed, the size, and the weather a dog coat can add an extra bit of warmth for cold and damp days.

Even though dogs come complete with their own natural coat, they can always use an extra bit of comfort for adverse weather. Joanne Gallagher suggests visiting Jake’s Dog House for a large assortment of Dog Sweaters & Coats that will provide your dog with comfort and fashion during the cold winter months.