During Winter, Should Dogs Wear Coats?

Dressing your pup is definitely a fun activity. But many may argue that dogs, being animals, aren’t meant to wear clothing and don’t need to.

This isn’t entirely true, though. Due to a long process of domestication, pups may need to wear clothes, especially in cold weather situations. So how do you know if your pup needs a winter coat, or if it’s just unnecessary decoration? Here are some ways to tell!

1. Coat.

If your pup has a thin or short coat of fur may need a coat to keep them warm in the winter. Thicker coats may not require this, but if your pup seems to be cold, then there’s no harm in letting them put on something warm anyway!

2. Age.

Senior pups are more likely to face the effects of cold and extreme temperatures, so if you’re feeling cold, your older pup may also feel that way and could benefit from a warm jacket.

3. Breed.

Pups who naturally have less body fat will, logically, get cold much more easily. There are some breeds that tend to feel colder faster, like Chihuahuas or slight houses – like greyhounds and whippets. So knowing your pup’s breed can really help with this decision.

4. Health.

A pup who has arthritis or a similar illness will feel the cold more easily and suffer more severe consequences from it. In addition, a dog who has been sick or is recovering from an injury will need a coat to maintain a healthy body temperature.

The simplest way to tell if your pup needs a coat is to see if you need one, as a pup who has spent their life with you has adapted to your way of life and living conditions. Do like and share if you found this helpful!