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Does your pupper need a dog coat for winter weather?

By Wesley Coburn

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 10: An Italian greyhounds wear coats as they arrive on the second day of Crufts Dog Show at the NEC Arena on March 10, 2017 in Birmingham, England. First held in 1891, Crufts is said to be the largest show of its kind in the world, the annual four-day event, features thousands of dogs, with competitors travelling from countries across the globe to take part and vie for the coveted title of 'Best in Show'. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 10: An Italian greyhounds wear coats as they arrive on the second day of Crufts Dog Show at the NEC Arena on March 10, 2017 in Birmingham, England. First held in 1891, Crufts is said to be the largest show of its kind in the world, the annual four-day event, features thousands of dogs, with competitors travelling from countries across the globe to take part and vie for the coveted title of 'Best in Show'. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images) /
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Dogs naturally have fur coats, so is a people-type dog coat actually necessary for wintertime?

It’s supposed to be a very cold winter across the country, so you might be wondering, “Does my pupper need a dog coat to stay warm?”

It’s hard to say for any specific dog, but in a broad sweeping overgeneralization, but the staff here at Dog O’Day can confidently say – Maybe. It depends on the breed, really, and also how much wintry precipitation your area gets, and in what form it usually takes. It also depends on where your dog lives – outdoors in the yard? Sometimes in, sometimes out? House dog all the time?

If it’s a northern dog, like a Husky, Malamute, or a Samoyed, then there’s no way, they love cold weather and snow. Their coats are designed to lock in body heat to keep them warm and the chill out.

If it’s a longer-coated dog, like a Collie, Newfoundland or Great Pyranees, then the answer is probably no. Their shaggy fur is designed in the same way as the breeds mentioned in the previous paragraph.

If it’s a sleek-coated or naturally-thin dog, like a Beagle, Greyhound or Whippet, it would probably be a good idea if constantly being indoors isn’t an option.

If it’s a small or low-slung dog, like a Chihuahua, Corgi or French Bulldog, then it’s a very good idea, if you can get a sweater or something. Toy breeds can’t generate internal body heat very well, and low-slung dogs could probably use it if you get lots of deep snowfall or ice in your area.

There are many different styles of coats available, which are described by the American Kennel Club in this very good article on the AKC website. Everything from puffy vests like Back to the Future’s Marty McFly to ugly Christmas sweaters are available at various pet retailers like Petco, PetSmart and Amazon.

Also, dressing up your doggo makes her look a little like a real-life Webkinz, besides being cute and keeping Sadie toasty-warm. That’s an added bonus.

Next. Heated pet beds are a thing. dark

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