Winter dog coats; what do you need to know?
If your dog is cold, a coat is a great way to keep them comfortable while still going outside for walks or other outdoor fun. Coats can help by blocking the wind, insulating from the cold, or protecting from water. This coat does all three!
Winter dog coats - which dogs need them?
How do you know if your dog needs a coat? With so many options, how do you decide which one would be the best? Here are a few tips to help you decide what product would best suit you and your dog.
In general, if a dog needs help staying warm, they will benefit from a dog coat. Usually, due to their physical characteristics, small dogs, lean dogs, and dogs with short fur need a coat when the weather turns cold. Very young and elderly dogs are also candidates for coats since their bodies don’t adjust to the cold easily. No matter the type of dog you have, If your dog is shivering, curled up tightly, or refusing to go outside, they are probably not warm enough and could benefit from a coat.
A winter dog coat should keep your dog cozy while also allowing freedom of movement. Your dog will be able to enjoy the outdoors much easier if they stay warm.
Which type of dog coat does a dog need?
Dog coats keep your dog warm in a few different ways. Your living situation, the activities you and your dog participate in, and the physical characteristics of your dog all effect the decision of choosing the ideal coat.
The first way a coat works is to provide insulation, which keeps the body heat in and the cold out. Coats can have different amounts of insulation or more than one layer of fabric to accomplish the goal.
Another way coats can keep your dog warm is to keep them dry. A less known fact is that when a dog is wet, they lose more body heat due to the chilling effect of evaporation. Therefore, if a dog is dry, they are better able to stay warm. If a coat that’s not waterproof gets wet, it can’t do the job of protecting your dog very well. If you are in a climate with a fair amount of rain or snow, this would be a good quality for a dog coat to have.
A third way of keeping a dog warm is to block wind since it also causes a decrease in body temperature. Just decreasing the amount of wind your dog feels helps your dog maintain a comfortable temperature. If you live in a windy location, this factor will be important.
You'll find a wide variety of fabrics, styles, and features available. Knowing how each feature helps your dog can be very helpful in accomplishing your goal.
If your dog gets cold, keeping them warm and dry can make all the difference in their comfort level. You can get a custom dog coat made for your dog with the features you and your dog want from Made by De.
Other factors to consider
Once you have decided that your dog needs a coat and which qualities your dog's coat needs, it's time to consider features. Dog coats come with hoods, neck covering, belly covering, leg covering, and a variety of attachment options, etc.
You know your dog, their physical traits, their likes and dislikes, etc. It's important to remember that your dog will be more likely to appreciate the coat if they are comfortable in it.
Your dog's health situation could dictate their needs as well. If your dog has arthritis, hip dysplasia, or is elderly, a dog coat can make them more comfortable since cold aggravates the pain involved.
There is no absolute right answer here, as long as your dog is staying warm and comfortable. If you feel good about the purchase and your dog doesn't mind wearing it, then that's the right coat.
If your dog could use a winter coat, check out Made by De. I make each coat custom using the measurements you provide with the colors and features you want.