For a few years the fact of dressing dogs has been normalized and it is not strange to see them anywhere with different models of clothing. Dog fashion is a growing sector that offers more and more designs, prints, materials and functionalities. But really, Do dogs need clothes? In this article on our site we are going to reflect on this topic, reviewing the needs of dogs in terms of protection against inclement weather and answering this question.
Do dogs need shelter?
If we want to know if dogs need clothes, we must take into account different factors. In principle, dogs are animals perfectly adapted to their environment, with a coat that protects them from extreme temperatures, hot and cold, as well as preserving their skin from damage. However, if something characterizes dogs, it is their bond with human beings. This relationship has been the cause of enormous changes in their physical characteristics, giving rise to the different breeds of dogs. This diversity, together with its global distribution, means that we find, for example, hairless dogs, others with dense coats inhabiting warm areas or, on the contrary, dogs not adapted to cold climates and enduring low temperatures.
Therefore, if we ask ourselves if we should keep dogs warm, although the natural answer should be negative, the reality is that many of them will appreciate the protection of clothes under certain circumstances.
When should dogs be bundled up?
Dogs will need clothing in circumstances such as the following:
- The hairless dogs or those that, for various reasons, present considerable areas of the body without hair must be protected from the cold but, also, from the heat, as they could suffer burns.
- Those who are most vulnerable due to age or illness may appreciate extra protection on their walks.
- In addition to the cold, using rainwear is another option both to protect the dog and to make it easier for us to dry it when we return home. The wind increases the feeling of cold, so it is another factor to take into account if we want to know how to keep our dog warm in winter. In this sense, it is important to opt for a raincoat, both in cases of rain and wind, since this garment is made of materials that are resistant enough to offer adequate protection. Wrapping up a dog in a sweater or a regular jacket in the rain will allow the water to penetrate and, therefore, it can catch a cold.
- Boots can also be used in case of rain or snow.
- Of course, if the dog shows signs of feeling cold, which he may show by shivering or refusing to leave the house, we'll know sure you need warm clothes.
- Finally, in addition to clothing, we cannot forget to provide you with a comfortable bed, away from draughts, a covered and sheltered area if you are outside and a good drying if you have gotten wet.
How to keep a dog warm in winter?
As we have commented in the previous section, during the winter it is common for many dogs to be cold and, therefore, they need an extra coat. Such is the case of small breed dogs, hairless dogs or very short-haired dogs. However, it is important to note that we can also find medium or large dogs that tend to be cold in winter or require the use of a raincoat if they live in places with a high probability of snow or rain.
In any of the above cases, if we ask ourselves how to keep a dog warm in winter, we should know that there are several possibilities that we have. For walks, we recommend the use of raincoats, waterproof jackets or jackets made with insulating materials that prevent the penetration of cold. For inside the home, we can keep a dog warm in winter with a sweater or t-shirt, depending on the temperature we have at home and if the animal has a blanket to cover up.
Dog clothes, how to choose the best?
If we come to the conclusion that our dog needs clothes, to know how to keep a dog warm from the cold we must look for the following characteristics on canine clothing:
- If this is our first contact with this sector, it is best to let the seller advise us, who may be the veterinarian himself, since it is common for these garments to be sold in a section of the clinic.
- The first thing we must bear in mind is that we are going to find different sizes, so it is important that we take the dog's measurements wellor that the seller allows us to try on the clothes. We must choose a suitable size so that his movements are not hindered
- We must not lose sight of the fact that, although the objective of clothing is protection, comfort remains important and must prevail over aesthetics.
- The comfort we are talking about must be both for the dog and for us, that we must be able to put on and take off the garment with ease. In this sense, layer-type pieces are more useful than those that require inserting the legs.
- Within practicality, we must take into account how easy it is to wash, checking both the possibility of washing it in a washing machine and removing a specific stain, without losing sight of the need for quick drying.
- We must know that not all dogs are going to accept putting on clothes at first. In these cases, the best thing we can do is not force it, but gradually get him used to the garment by putting it on at home, always in a relaxed way, for short periods of time that will be expanded until you accept it and can also take it abroad.
- Some of these coats or raincoats have a hood, although not all animals will accept it.
- Finally, we will look at the material from which the garment is made, choosing the lightest for the warm months if our objective is to protect against the sun, waterproof fabrics to avoid water and those that are thicker to protect the dog from the cold.
Once again, we highlight the quality of Telepienso.net products, where we will find clothes for large dogs, clothes for small dogs and clothes for medium dogs, as well as a complete range of accessories and other products. Telepienso.net is an importer of leading brands in accessories, food and all kinds of products for dogs, cats and exotic animals.
How to keep a newborn dog warm?
We have seen that dogs need clothing in certain circumstances but, if it is a newborn puppy, we have other alternatives to provide warmth. We must know that during the first weeks of life dogs are unable to regulate their body temperature, so if they are not warm, in a short time they will cool down to values that will put your life at risk.
Therefore, the best clothing for the puppy is its mother. In cases where this is missing, we must provide them with a small and warm space that we can get with newspapers, towels and underpads inside a cardboard box, always away from drafts and with minimal handling, since they are not toys.
Likewise, if you are caring for orphaned puppies, we recommend consulting this other article to find out how to feed them correctly: "How to feed newborn puppies."
