Dogs still want to spend time outside during the cold winter months. However, if a dog is in the cold for too long, they could develop hypothermia, causing their muscles to stiffen, decreased breathing and heart rate, and in severe cases, death. In addition, cold weather can cause your dog anxiety.

But can a coat help keep your dog safe during winter? Let’s find out!

Do dogs really need coats?

Under normal circumstances, your dog doesn’t need a coat. Their bodies have ample fur coating to keep them warm and cosy. However, this is not a general rule for all dogs.

Here are a few factors to consider when determining whether a dog should wear a coat.

1. Size of the dog

Small and miniature short-haired breeds dogs have a harder time retaining body heat when out in the cold for a long time. Therefore, if you have a Chihuahua or a French Bulldog, you should probably get them a coat. Also, if your dog sits low to the ground, you may want to get them a coat. For example, although Corgis have a thick coat of fur, their bellies sit low enough to the ground to brush against the snow.

2. Senior dogs

Heat regulation declines with age. Also, most senior dogs are prone to conditions like arthritis or a weakened immune system which makes a thick-coated dog uncomfortable in the cold.

3. Temperature and length of time

How cold is too cold? This is a common dilemma for pet owners, so let’s try and answer this question. To begin with, cold weather affects some dogs more than others. Large breeds with dense double coats can tolerate the cold better than smaller toy breeds. That said, temperatures below 45 degrees can cause harm to most dogs.

How Does a Dog Coat Help?

A dog coat helps keep your pet warm. Your dog needs to exercise no matter the current weather. During winter, small dogs and dogs with little fur tend to lose body heat fast. A dog coat provides insulation, ensuring the dog retains body heat in the time spent outdoors.

A dog coat acts as an anxiety vest. Circumstances such as changing weather patterns or outdoor runs can induce anxiety in your dog.

How Do I Get My Dog the Right Coat?

The best option is to get a custom-fit coat to ensure your pet is comfortable. Go for the lightest yet warm fabric with a waterproof top layer. The idea here is to keep your dog dry and feeling warm with the least possible intrusion possible.

The coat needs to fit well without being too loose or too snug. A calming vest should feel like a hug, not a chokehold. A coat for keeping the dog warm should never interfere with the dog’s movements.