Does Your Dog Need Winter Clothes?

When the mercury drops, you start putting on heavy clothes before you take Fido out for a walk. However, you might wonder if your dog also needs winter clothes. Does your dog’s fur provide sufficient insulation, or should you invest in a dog jacket or sweater? 

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends winter clothes for dogs any time the temperature falls below  mid-40s Fahrenheit / 4.4 degrees Celsius. 

How is your dog reacting to the cold? Is your furry friend shivering, trying to burrow under a blanket, leaning against you, whimpering, or lifting his paws to avoid the cold snow or ground? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then it is time to buy your dog winter clothes. 

Which Dog Breeds Need Winter Clothes? 

All dog breeds are different. If you own a Siberian Husky or a Malamute, then the canine does not require winter clothes because the animal’s coat affords sufficient protection. However, if you have a short-haired dog, senior animal, or toy breed then you should consider investing in winter attire to make your pup comfortable. 

Many breeds such as French bulldogs and Chihuahuas simply cannot generate or retain sufficient heat in the cold. Pembroke Welsh Corgis and other dogs which are low to the ground such as dachshunds will also become chilled when their abdomen comes into contact with snow or other moisture.  Greyhounds, whippets, Dobermans, and Great Danes have short hair and lean bodies so suffer from wintry weather. 

Sweaters for Senior Dogs 

As a dog ages, their ability to regulate heat takes a nosedive so many elderly dogs suffer greatly in freezing weather. Dogs with osteoarthritis are also in danger. They not only become cold, but their joints start to hurt, and their movement slows. 

Choosing Winter Clothes for Your Dog 

Picking the best winter clothes for your dog takes special evaluation of what your pet needs for comfort. If your dog has relatively thick fur, then a dog sweater might suffice as an extra layer to keep the pup warm. However, a short-haired breed might benefit from an actual insulated dog coat. 

If the weather is going to become freezing with chilly rain, ice, hail, or snow, then a winter dog jacket is an ideal outerwear item to help keep your pup warm. Make sure that the fit of the jacket is tight to help trap the dog’s body heat against its body and prevent wind from entering the clothing. 

What About Dog Booties?

When picking winter clothes for your dog’s wardrobe, you might want to consider winter dog booties. The booties protect your dog’s feet from ice, snow, and salt which is extensively used on roadways as a deicer but can irritate a canine’s paws. Dog booties also have traction on the sole which will help prevent your dog from slipping and possibly falling in icy conditions.  

If you live in a region with severe weather then you should invest in dog winter clothes such as a jacket, sweater, or booties to keep your pup comfortable.