Does my dog need a coat during the winter?

As the temperature drops and the cold weather starts to set in, you may wonder if your dog needs a coat during the colder months. Luckily some dogs, particularly those with thick fur or were bred for cold climates may not require a jacket whilst others may need a little extra help to stay warm.

There are several reasons to determine whether your dog needs a jacket:

Breed

If you own an Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky, or Saint Bernard, they will not need a coat as their fur coats are genetically designed to provide insulation in the winter months. Suppose you have a shorthaired, small, or toy dog like Chihuahuas, Greyhounds, Dalmations, Whippets, Staffies, Jack Russels, Poodles, Yorkshire Terriers, Pugs, and French Bulldogs. In that case, they will benefit from a jacket as their fine fur makes them more susceptible to cold, especially if they are lean bodied. Dogs with short legs such as Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, and Pembroke Welsh Corgis will also require a coat as they can quickly lose heat as their bellies sit low enough to brush against snow and ice.

Puppies & senior dogs

The age of your dog is an important factor to consider when you are deciding if your dog needs a jacket. Puppies are more prone to the cold than older dogs as they don’t generate or retain as much body heat. The cold weather can affect older dogs as they have a weaker immune system and can often suffer from respiratory problems, or arthritis as their symptoms could flare up.

Medical conditions

Dogs with heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes can also be affected as the cold weather makes it harder for them to regulate their body temperature.

Look out for signs

The best way to tell if need a coat is to observe their behaviour if you find they do any of the following then a coat for extra protection won’t hurt.

• Shivering or shaking
• Hunched posture with a tucked tail
• Whining
• Slowing down
• Lifting one or more paws off the ground
• Seeking shelter
• Reluctant to go out
• Reluctant to keep walking or attempting to turn back

Dog coats at Cuddles Pet Store

Take a look at our water and wind-repellent dog coats.