We humans wear coats to protect us from the cold, but dogs, although domesticated, are animals with entirely different needs. Some dogs won’t need (or want) to wear a coat, even if it’s zero degrees outside!
A variety of different opinions circulate around dog coats, and we’ve talked before about
which dog coats suit which breed, but ultimately whether or not a dog should wear a coat depends on a few factors:
Breed
There are hundreds of dog breeds, each with different characteristics, including coat-type. Some breeds, like retrievers and Labradors have double coats while others, like whippets and chihuahuas have single coats. A double-coated dog has long, coarse fur on the top with an extra layer of soft hair underneath. This means they don’t necessarily need a coat because their double layers already act as one. It also means that they can stay outside longer than single-coated dogs who are more likely to get cold quickly.
Age
How old your dog is will also play a part in how they feel the cold. A young, sprightly dog will be moving around using lots more energy than an older, slower one. Older dogs, therefore, are more likely to need a coat as they won’t warm up as much.
Personality / Temperament
Some coats or blankets can be good for anxious dogs. In much the same way as weighted blankets provide a sensory input and security for humans, a coat can do the same for a nervous dog. It might just be that a coat provides your dog with the confidence he needs on walks to be able to interact with the world.
Activities
Consider what you’re doing and where you’re going with your dog. Will you be walking a long distance or sitting in a pub garden? As we all know, pub gardens in English summers do not automatically equal heat, so if your dog will be lying still, next to the table for long periods it might be wise to bring a coat or blanket if it might get chilly.
Dog coats are also useful if your dog’s going to be swimming in lakes or rivers as they can help keep them warm afterwards until they dry off.
The Mud Factor
Mud is a begrudgingly accepted part of the dog walk, especially in winter. Unfortunately, your dog does not care about muddiness in the same way as you do! A dog coat acts as a great mudguard for dogs who love a splash. It’s
not good for dogs to be bathed too often, so use a coat as a dirt protector.
In and Outside Temperature
If your search for a dog coat is more about making sure your doggy is dapper, just be mindful of temperature. It’s not also easy to tell if a dog’s overheating (but excessive panting will be one indicator), but obviously if it’s warm out, don’t choose anything too thick. Additionally, not all dogs will tolerate clothing, and it goes without saying that if they don’t appear happy then don’t force them into a coat - even if it is in Vogue!
You can find out more about our recommendations for practical dog coats
here