Does Your Dog Need a Sweater for Winter?

If you are concerned about your dog being cold, there is certainly no harm in putting clothing on them.

Yes, dogs have their own fur, but some dogs have lighter layers of fur than others, and some are not genetically suited to the environments in which they find themselves in. Think about stepping outside without a coat. You would feel very uncomfortable and would not want to go back outside, unless you had more clothing. Your dog is the same way. A sweater or jacket can be helpful during the cold seasons, especially if your dog is reluctant to go outside in the snow.

The breed of your dog determines how they will be able to handle colder weather conditions, also size and age play a large factor. Smaller breeds with short or thin hair coats benefit the most from dog sweaters and jackets for when they need to go outside, or even hanging around the house. Also, older dogs with weaker immune systems and dogs with diseases that impair hair growth will need clothing as well.

When choosing a sweater or jacket for your dog, bring them with you to the store or measure them beforehand. Try to find a good blend of washable wool and cotton or acrylic material. Make sure the sweater or jacket fits nice and snug, so that your dog cannot easily pull it off. If its loose, it can drag on the ground and get caught on anything during normal movement.

Larger dogs with dense hair coats do not  need for additional insulation. Their fur is already genetically designed to protect them from extreme winter temperatures. Doing so would make them very uncomfortable and could cause them to physically overheat. The Siberian Husky, Malamute, and Saint Bernard breeds are all excellent examples of dogs that are perfectly suited to cold temperatures.

Keeping your pets inside as much as possible is ideal if possible. When doing so, remember to still let your dogs out frequently in order for them to get the exercise they need. Especially high energy dogs like pit bulls.




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