Help! My puppy needs a dog coat!
Living with a puppy can be so much fun! And extra challenging. Along with the usual potty training, obedience work and any other steps a dog parent might take in order to end up with a dog that’s a pleasure to be around, you have the reality of their changing bodies. Youngsters have a harder time staying warm or cool with their immature systems. That makes waiting for a winter or cool coat a less-than-perfect option.
Does your puppy need a dog coat?
Puppies have the same needs as adult dogs and more, because they are always growing and changing. They are also less able to adapt to weather conditions than mature dogs.
It can be tough to buy for young dogs since something that fits now probably won’t fit later. The other option is to buy it with room to grow, although right now it’s just too big. You could find yourself spending a lot of money to buy something that will only fit for a month or two.
With careful consideration, it's possible to get a dog coat that will work now and later. Coats that allow adjustability at the neck and around the body help. Length usually isn't adjustable, but a coat can still work even if it's a little long at first or if it's a little short later.
Puppies get cold or hot more quickly than adult dogs due to their immature bodies. That’s why it’s important to help them stay appropriately warm or cold becomes even more of a consideration. Finding clothes that fit now and later can be the perfecty option!
How do you get a dog coat that will fit your puppy now and later?
When a dog reaches 8 or 9 months of age, depending on breed and dog, their bodies are often about finished getting longer, so it becomes easier to get the right length. At that point, it's a matter of fitting around the body since your puppy's body will be filling in for the next several months or even a couple of years. Read this post from AKC for more specifics.
While it would be nice to wait until your dog is finished growing, puppies still get cold, hot, or wet, they can still need a coat or other clothing. At Made by De, I make custom dog clothes. I fit many puppies and can usually work it out to fit now and later. Together, we can sort through this process so you don’t spend more money than you need to.
Take a look at my shop and contact me for any questions or help. I'll be glad to work with you and your puppy to get you set up with just what you need.