TIPS TO CHOOSE WINTER DOG CLOTHES FOR YOUR PET
While there still is debate about whether
pets, especially dogs need clothing it is always a good idea to keep them warm
and comfortable, protected from the cold (in extreme winter). When your dog is
well clothed in the thick of winter it prevents them from falling ill and helps
to keep them cosy.
Dogs do have an inbuilt mechanism for them to
beat the cold –their natural coat of hair or fur. However, certain breeds of
dogs are built better to withstand extremely cold climates, with long thick
hair or even a double coat of hair.
These breeds are totally at ease in very cold
weather and low temperatures. On the other hand, breeds those have lightweight
coats like greyhounds and Chihuahuas will benefit from wearing warm clothing in
winter. The key to know if you pet is comfortable in wearing warm clothes is to
observe their behavior outdoors without clothing. If they are not eager to
step out or show signs of shivering, then having him wear warm clothing will
help.
For dogs that have a warm fluffy coat of hair,
but are groomed short on a regular basis, with breeds like poodles, a warm
jacket of sweater can make it feel much warm and cosy in even the coldest of
weather. Dogs that suffer from certain health problems like Cushing’s syndrome
or hypothyroidism need to be protected in the cold. Also dogs that become
elderly need dog clothes in cold weather to
stay warm.
Things to Consider
The flip-side to dogs wearing clothing is that
their bodies heat up when they exercise, similar to us human beings. Dogs do
not have the luxury of removing their natural coat of hair, when needed. For
short hair breeds that are taken for walks in winter having them wear a sweater
can help to keep them warm and cosy.
However, playing a game which involves
strenuous activity can cause overheating in the pet. When the dog does not wear
apparel and his body temperature begins to rise, the heat naturally dissipates
from the folds of the skin.
When they wear any clothes it compresses the natural fur and keeps the body heat within. If your pet is going to romp about the place and play in the park it is best to remove any protective clothing he wears. It will allow any excess build-up of heat to escape naturally.
When they wear any clothes it compresses the natural fur and keeps the body heat within. If your pet is going to romp about the place and play in the park it is best to remove any protective clothing he wears. It will allow any excess build-up of heat to escape naturally.
Selecting the Right Clothes
When you do decide to opt for clothes for
your pet, choose fabric that is light and breathable like cotton, which allows
the animal’s skin to breathe, while offering protection from the cold. It is
also easy to maintain and washable.
The clothes should fit your dog well without them being too tight or loose. Also make sure there are no loose strings that can get caught up in furniture or elsewhere and cause your pet to take a tumble. It should also not hinder his natural body functions in any manner.
The clothes should fit your dog well without them being too tight or loose. Also make sure there are no loose strings that can get caught up in furniture or elsewhere and cause your pet to take a tumble. It should also not hinder his natural body functions in any manner.
- Posh Puppy Boutique