Does your dog need a coat? Now that winter is here, it’s good to know if your dog needs a little added warmth to stay comfortable on their walks and potty breaks.
General rule… if your dog is a large active dog like a lab, berner, newf or other working dog, the answer is usually no. My nephew has two Newfoundlands and they love to lay in the snow. Huskies are happiest when they are outside in the cold. The exception, short haired dogs not from those outdoor working breeds like a Doberman or Dalmation.
But if you have a small to medium sized dog that does not have a sporting dog or working dog heritage, the answer is yes. A dog that stays mostly inside does not develop the heavier coat they need to stay warm. And most do not have the undercoat that big breeds tend to have. I have a Boston Terrier and a French Bulldog and they love their fleece coats. Without them, the shivering starts quickly. We have a ritual in the winter. I grab the coats and they go crazy. The coats go on, the harnesses go on and then snow play time starts.
What kind of coats work best? I have found fleece to be the warmest. Even when wet, in hold heat. Many fleece coats have an outer waterproof layer making is even warmer. Although sweaters can be cute, they get wet and then they are not warm. So if there is snow, I always go with fleece.
So suit up you and the dog and get out and enjoy winter. You’ll both be happier when spring and shorts weather returns!
