We’re all aware of how dogs can struggle in warm weather. Well, what about when the temperature drops, the wind whistles, and the snow falls? For humans, winter generally heralds a wardrobe overhaul. Woolly jumpers, hats, gloves, and the good old “big coat” become our daily attire.
However, what about our pet dogs? Do they need a winter wardrobe as well? From raincoats to fleecy jumpers, snoods to booties, here are some of the reasons why your dog might need to get “dressed up” this winter! And if you decide to buy him something, make sure it’s something he’d like (just kidding, but it’s still nice to ask!)
Different breeds, different needs
It’s true: dogs have their own fur coats, so it’s quite easy to assume that additional protection isn’t needed for warmth. But there is this huge variation in their coat type, thickness, as well as length across different dog breeds.
Dog breeds coming from cooler environments like the Siberian husky and Alaskan malamute are known to have double coats. This means they cope well in cold climates and that clothing is, in fact, unnecessary. However, other breeds, such as the Xoloitzcuintle are quite hairless. Others, like the Italian greyhound, are very fine-coated, and they also have thin skin.
Hence, these dogs are prone to suffering from the cold. They need suitable waterproof coats or jumpers to keep them dry and cozy when they’re going outdoors. Even if they are safe indoors, such breeds benefit from additional warmth provided by suitable canine clothing.
Puppies and seniors
Like all the other mammals, dogs have effective mechanisms to keep their body temperature constant. The thermoneutral zone talks about the range of temperatures where dogs can easily maintain their body temperature without using any energy to warm up by shivering or cool down by panting.
The TNZ for dogs usually ranges from 20 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius. At the lower or higher end of the TNZ, hypothermia (which is a dangerous drop in body temperature) or even hyperthermia (overheating) can take place.
Dogs who are physically mature, healthy, and have thick coats can withstand a much lower critical temperature. This means they might not require clothing. Even so, puppies, ill, or even underweight dogs, and older dogs have this reduced ability to manage their body temperature. This means we have to take extra measures to help them stay warm and comfortable. Clothing can play a significant role in this.
Used to home comforts
Just like humans, dogs can easily become acclimatized to external temperatures. Dogs who generally live outside or are constantly exposed to extreme weather are able to cope better with temperature fluctuations.
In case your dog is already used to the comforts of central heating and cozy, comfortable bedding, they might also be less happy when it is cold and wet outside. Such dogs might show various signs of temperature distress, whether by shivering or other behavioral signs, like hunched posture or even reluctance to walk. In such situations, the right canine clothing can easily provide warmth and comfort and avoid the risk of hypothermia.
If your dog turns hypothermic, shivering might stop and they can show signs of distress, confusion, loss of consciousness, and pale gums. If this happens, what you want to do next is start warming them gradually with towels and blankets. Get them into a warm environment and seek veterinary advice right away.
Freezing ground
Dogs’ paws are easily adaptable to all kinds of terrains. Their paw pads are so thick and leathery, that they provide enough protection from external surfaces. Their claws provide added grip and traction, including in snow and icy conditions.
So as far as we can tell, the question we need to ask ourselves is whether or not they really need booties to protect their feet from the cold. The wide majority of dogs seem to be quite happy to walk on cold, frozen ground.
Dogs also have a counter-current heat exchange system in their lower limbs. Blood that’s moving down to the paw pad carries the heat to the blood moving in blood vessels up from the paw pad. This basically means that your dog’s paws can easily withstand lower temperatures than any other part of their body.
It also explains why their feet don’t freeze. But dogs can suffer from frostbite, especially the ones that aren’t used to temperature extremes or are known to have sensitive paws. Moreover, dogs with injured paws are more susceptible to possible cold damage.
Arduous exposure to harsh and abrasive snow and ice, as well as the salt and sand used to melt the ice, can cause paw damage and injury. In such cases, the use of well-fitting, specialist dog boots as worn by the pups working in hazardous conditions, like search and rescue dogs, can protect the paws.
Clothing might be convenient
Busy lifestyles can sometimes mean we are clock-watching. In case you are currently trying to accommodate your dog to the cold temperatures, the use of waterproof coats and other protective clothing is one of the most useful and time-saving options you have on hand.
It can reduce the time that’s required to dry and clean your dog after being outdoors, while also preventing your dog from being cold, wet, and dirty when you get home. Clothing can easily help dry your dog while keeping them warm after bathing or swimming.
That’s definitely better for their joints and muscles, especially for our older canine friends. If, however, you decide to use clothing for your dog, it’s fairly important to get them used to wearing the clothes through gradual training by positive association with treats at home.
Plenty of dogs might initially dislike unusual sensations on their body or paws. They could freeze, get distressed, or even move with some difficulty, so you might want to avoid putting the clothing on and expect full familiarity with it from the first outing.
Also, what you want is to be aware that dogs can overheat if wearing clothing or booties, especially when they are enough warm. What you want is to monitor them carefully. However, as soon as the dog is relaxed and happy with wearing appropriate clothes, you will rapidly see how they support his health and welfare, as well as happiness, during the colder winter months.
Beware of allergies
As fun and practical dressing up your dog may be, it also comes with risks. Allergies are definitely a common concern when it comes to dressing up dogs. Most clothing materials have substances that can cause allergic reactions in your dog.
Some of the most common ones include rashes, sneezing, coughing, and breathing issues. Besides the potential allergic reactions, the clothing could also cause skin irritation and discomfort. When it comes to dressing up a dog, choosing clothes made from natural, hypoallergenic materials like cotton and linen is fairly important.
You also want to make sure that clothing fits your dog properly, to avoid unwanted chaffing and rubbing. Ultimately, make sure that the clothing is breathable to prevent overheating and potential health issues.
If you found this article useful, we also recommend checking: 6 Ways to Prevent Motion Sickness in Dogs During Travel
