How dog coats can help athletic dogs

Can dog coats help athletic dogs compete?

A dog cool coat can help prevent your dog from overheating. If they’re comfortable, they can conserve energy for competition and focus.

You have an athletic dog, and you want to help them do their best. Can a dog coat help? The simple answer is “Yes”. It depends on several factors: fur length and color, muscle mass, face shape, and size of the dog, and their level and type of activity.  External factors play a part in the decision too.  What time of year is it? Are the activities inside or outside?

You’ll need to decide what’s best based on the lifestyle and demands placed on your dog.

A dog coat that fits well can make it easier for your dog to move. It can also help keep those muscles warm to help prevent injury.

You have an active dog.

Maybe your dog’s job is to be your companion and hang with you. They might not need much help to stay sound and healthy.

However, if you want your dog to compete in agility, go on runs, hike trails with you, or any number of other physically demanding activities, they need to be treated like the athletes they are. The more active they are, the more factors you’ll need to consider to help them feel and be their best.

Factors that affect your dog’s performance

1) Amount and color of fur. Would you believe that a smooth-coated black dog like a Doberman has a more difficult time cooling off in the sun than a fluffy white dog like a Samoyed? It’s true! 

Even though it looks like the Samoyed should be having more trouble, that fluffy fur insulates out the heat when the weather is warm, just like it insulates in the heat when the weather is cold. Smooth-coated dogs don’t get the benefit of insulation. Plus, smooth black coats on dogs like Dobermann Pinschers or Rottweilers hold onto heat since black absorbs light instead of reflecting it.

You often don’t get to choose when events will happen. It could be in the heat of the day, when a dog can start acting more like a limp noodle. If they’re staying cool with a dog cool coat, they’ll be energetic and ready for competition.

2) Muscle.  Muscle produces a lot of heat.  For that reason, very muscular dogs like Rottweilers and bulldogs have a harder time in the heat than slender dogs like greyhounds or chihuahuas.  Add activity with lots of muscle use, and the heat production goes up. In cold weather, you have to watch that your dog’s muscles are warmed up enough that they won’t tear. Cold muscles can tear much more easily, no matter the amount of muscle.

3) Face shape.  Brachycephalic (“smashed face”) dogs aren’t able to cool themselves as well since their shorter faces aren’t as efficient when they pant.  Dogs with a more “normal” or longer snout are better able to use panting to cool off.

4) Size.  Larger dogs have a more difficult time cooling off than small dogs, but an easier time staying warm.  They have a lower surface/muscle ratio than that of small dogs, so that the heat dissipates more slowly.  Smaller dogs with higher ratios have more surface area to dissipate heat.  This makes them more heat-tolerant but less cold-tolerant.

5) Environment. If your activities are in a temperature-controlled building, your dog may not need help staying warm or cooling off. However, if the two of you are working outside, you’ll have to consider the time of year, temperature, weather, etc. Either a cool coat in warmer conditions or a winter coat in cooler conditions could make a difference.

Dogs can get cold; even big dogs. A dog coat can help your dog preserve energy for the fun activities instead of having to use it to stay warm.

How dog coats help athletic dogs

In warm weather, a dog cool coat can help keep your dog from overheating and becoming fatigued.  Especially for dogs at risk of overheating, a cool coat can keep them safe. Plus, if your dog feels good, they can perform their best.

In cooler weather, your dog could be at risk for injuries.  Cold muscles aren’t as elastic, and injuries become more likely.  A coat can keep those muscles warm until they have had a chance to warm up. Plus, shivering uses up energy that could be used to excel in your sport.

How do you know what your dog needs?

You need to know your dog and what factors will help them feel and perform their best. You should consider the conditions they’re going to be working in, you can be prepared.

If you keep your dog as comfortable as possible, they are more likely to enjoy your activities and stay healthy. Athletes perform best when they can concentrate on their physical performance instead of outside factors. And isn’t that your goal; to have a happy, healthy, athletic dog?

For info about preventing your athletic dog from suffering heatstroke, read this article. In addition to dog coats, I make dog diapers and dog cool coats. Check it out at www.madebyde.com.