Dog clothing - when dog coats, pullovers and co. make sense

Wondering if dog clothing makes sense? Not all dogs are naturally equipped with the perfect winter coat and need warm and dry support in the cold and wet months to avoid freezing. Hypothermia can also make dogs sick and dangerous.

When a dog clothing makes sense

Dogs in tutus and a funny Christmas sweater? It's cute - but no, it doesn't have to be. And you should think about doing your four-legged friend a favor. But if you notice that your dog is cold or feels uncomfortable, functional dog clothing makes perfect sense.

Ask yourself the following questions, for example:

• What kind of dog do I have? Does he have a thick coat or rather little hair?
• Is he healthy or already a little older?
• Is my dog active and moves a lot?
• How long do I have to stay outside?

Because a dog coat is not suitable for all dogs. If your dog is healthy, has thick fur and is active outside a lot even in winter, a coat is not necessary.

However, if dogs have short fur and little undercoat, they can freeze quickly in cool temperatures. This also affects small and short-legged dogs. Because of the ground proximity they are particularly exposed to the damp and cold grounds.

With old and sick dogs it can happen that the coat does not protect sufficiently and the change of coat slows down. Special caution is also advisable with puppies, since their fur must still develop.

Even if your dog has recently arrived from a warm country, you can help him get used to the cold temperatures with dog clothing such as a dog sweater or a dog coat. Even if it is already very cool in the transition period and the undercoat is not yet thick enough, a dog coat is a good choice.

Dog coat - at what temperature is it useful?

From how many degrees a dog coat is useful for your darling, can not be recognized by the thermometer, but by whether your dog is freezing. How can you recognize that?

If your dog is more of a stay-at-home dog, he prefers to enjoy the warmth and certainly has nothing against a warm coat on cold days. You can already tell when you open the door and your dog is reluctant to go for a walk, or just does his business very quickly and wants to turn around very quickly. A dog sweater or coat can work wonders here.

Active dogs, which are usually only outside, are more likely to brave the cold temperatures and jump joyfully when walking through the highest snow.

Basically it is important to take care of your dog and to observe him. You should take the classic signs of cold seriously and quickly find a warm environment. This includes:trembling,cramping andfinding heat sources, such as your legs.Otherwise you may suffer from hypothermia and this condition can become life-threatening for your pet.

• trembling,
• cramping and
• finding heat sources, such as your legs.

Otherwise you may suffer from hypothermia and this condition can become life-threatening for your pet.

Which dog coat is the right one?

There are different types of dog clothing that are suitable for different seasons and temperatures. The right choice depends on the weather conditions and the characteristics of your dog.

In autumn and in the transition period, when it is not yet quite so cold, a light, rain and wind resistant dog coat is recommended. It protects against wind and wetness caused by rain on cool days. Many models also provide better visibility in the dark through reflectors. A light dog pullover ensures a smooth transition when the winter coat is not yet available.

In winter, when the temperatures are icy or there is snow, you can reach for a warm pullover or a lined dog coat.

Combi coats with a removable inner fleece are especially practical and suitable for the transition period and for the cold winter.
For dogs that have hardly any fur in the belly area or also for small dogs, you should look for a warm belly bib with the coats or sweaters.
If you are often out in the dark, dog coats or sweaters with reflective elements are recommended.

Note that if your dog romps around outside a lot and moves around a lot, you can also take the coat off in between and put it on again only when he has finished his playtime. It is also important that he does not get too warm.

How should a dog coat fit?

A correct fit is crucial for the well-being of your dog. First of all, you should slowly get him used to the garment. The dog must not be restricted in his freedom of movement. A too loose fit is also not recommended. If you notice that your dog feels uncomfortable walking and frolicking around for a long time, then the coat you have chosen is not suitable for your dog. In this case you should choose another model or try another size, for example to give your dog more freedom of movement.

How to measure dog coats?

To find the right size, you need three measurements of your dog:

• First you measure the neck circumference (marked blue on the sketch).
• Then you measure the length of the back, from the neck to the base of the tail (marked green).
• And finally the belly circumference or the chest circumference (marked red).

With most dog coats these measurements are next to the ready-made size. Then you only have to compare the measurements with those of your dog and you can choose the right coat.