Winter is arriving, and with it an ever increasing array of doggy apparel is sweeping our nation’s stores. Matching dog and owner Christmas jumpers seem to be the new fashion this year. But remember, when we get too hot, we can take ours off but our furry friends are not so lucky. While it can be tempting to get carried away with the latest trends and the cute doggy fashion out there, we must ALWAYS remember the dogs well-being must come first. If it does not improve the dogs welfare, then simply put, we should be thinking twice.
So are pet clothes never a good thing?
Well the answer is… it depends. There are some instances that doggy clothing is beneficial to your pet. But any decision to put clothing on your pet should come with their welfare first and their street cred last. Decisions should be made using age, breed, expected exercise levels and, of course, temperature as considerations.
Healthy dogs with a thick coat like huskies and German shepherds should rarely, if ever, need a coat. They can easily overheat while wearing one, causing discomfort.
Here are some situations where dog coats might be considered a good idea:
- Dogs with no hair such as the Chinese crested will need a coat in cold temperatures, just as we would.
- Short haired breeds such as Staffordshire bull terriers and whippets will also benefit from a coat in cooler temperatures.
- Sighthound type breeds such as greyhounds, whippets, lurchers, or cross breeds including these breeds, have a lean confirmation and low body fat. These breeds do require a coat in low temperatures.
- Puppies and smaller dogs lose heat quickly so these dogs may also benefit from a warm coat in cold conditions. Older dogs or certain dogs with particular health issues may be more susceptible to the cold as well. I would suggest the decision in these cases be on an individual basis, with perhaps a discussion with your vet or vet nurse.
- Exercise levels will also be a factor. If your dog will be tearing around constantly, using lots of energy and creating body heat, they may only need a coat at the start of a walk or perhaps not at all. This is in the same way that a runner, even during the winter, does not need as much clothing as someone going on a gentle stroll.
- In the short winter days, walks may be in the dark. A reflective coat is a logical step. Although if using for the reflection alone, a reflective collar may do a similar job and be more comfortable for your dog.
- For long haired dogs such as Afghan hounds, a light, waterproof coat may help keep water and mud off their fur, reducing the need for constant baths and excessive grooming of painful mats.
With central heating, dogs rarely need a coat or jumper in the house. If you are not wearing a jumper then they probably don’t need one. At these warmer temperatures, dogs in coats or jumpers can overheat easily. There is a trend for fashion jumpers and some are extremely cute, and hard to resist. Just be mindful of putting welfare first and use common sense. They have their own fur coat, and they may overheat quickly and find it uncomfortable, especially if they are not used to wearing clothes.
Of course, it’s not just coats…
Grit found on pavements can irritate the feet, but more importantly, the antifreeze that may be found in melting snow is very toxic. It is important to wash and dry feet well after winter walks. Some dogs may benefit from boots to protect their pads; however, there is the risk that their feet become waterlogged if the boots keep the water inside.
What sort of coat is best?
Watch out for irritating edging or buckles that can rub the skin, and for materials that may irritate, especially if your dog has sensitive skin. Keeping the body core warm is the priority and anything that extends down the legs may restrict movement and annoy your dog. In short haired dogs, coats should be loose fitting. Tight-fit jumpers may be counterproductive as when wearing one, the dog’s hair will be prevented from standing up, a process known as piloerection that occurs naturally to trap heat and conserve body temperature. Just as with any new thing, dogs should be slowly introduced to wearing a coat as some dogs find anything new stressful. Use treats as positive reinforcement while trying the coat out for a few seconds at a time.
On a final note, when I see pets with fashion wear, if it is suitable for the pet, the temperature, and is not causing distress, I admit it often does make me smile. But these questions also spring to mind. Does this dog have regular worming and flea treatment? Is it on a good diet? Does it have regular check ups and regular vaccines? Is this pet left alone for long periods? Do they have appropriate toys to prevent boredom and dental care. If fashion comes before health and welfare, then priorities are wrong. A fancy fleece doesn’t keep fleas away. So before splashing out on that cute Christmas jumper, make sure the basic needs are covered first. There is no better Christmas present to buy your pet than preventing disease.
