Winter is here. It is getting dark and colder outside. Nevertheless, you have to take your four-legged friend out several times a day. At these temperatures, you are surely asking yourself: Does my dog need winter clothing? After all, you don't want your pet to be cold and, in the worst-case scenario, get sick.
In this guide, you will find out exactly when your dog needs a sweater, coat, or raincoat. We will also show you which winter clothing is best suited for your dog.
When does your dog need clothing?
In general, your dog needs clothing when the natural protection provided by fur and body fat is not enough. This particularly affects:
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Dog breeds without an undercoat: Dog breeds like Chihuahuas, Dobermans, or Greyhounds get cold quickly because their fur offers little insulation. However, there is great winter clothing for dogs that protects small dogs from the cold.
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Older dogs: As a dog ages, its ability to regulate its temperature decreases. A coat is therefore a sensible investment to keep their joints warm.
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Sick or weakened dogs: If your dog suffers from a chronic illness or has recently undergone surgery, get them a coat.
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Puppies: If you have recently become a proud dog owner, your little darling definitely needs a jacket. Young dogs often do not yet have a sufficiently thick coat to cope well with low temperatures.
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Wet weather: Especially in winter, it often rains and snows. Your dog cools down faster during longer walks. Here, we recommend a hydrophobic coat.
What types of dog clothing are there?
Winter coat, raincoat, sweater… Which piece of clothing is ideal for your dog?
Winter coat for icy temperatures
Winter coats are thickly lined and protect your dog from wind and snow. They are especially suitable for long walks in freezing temperatures. We recommend models with water-repellent outer material and cozy inner lining.
Raincoat for wet weather
You can probably imagine the effect of raincoats. They prevent your dog from getting completely soaked in wet weather. They are usually not as thickly lined as winter coats and consist of light, water-repellent material.
Sweaters for short walks
Sweaters are ideal for short stays outdoors or in cooler indoor spaces. Especially in winter, there are often many great designs available. These sweaters are generally lighter than coats and keep your dog warm without making them sweat.
What you should consider when buying dog clothing
Have you already decided on a piece of clothing? Here are four tips for buying dog clothing:
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Pay attention to the fit: It’s no use if your dog doesn’t feel comfortable. Clothing that is too tight restricts their range of motion, while clothing that is too loose does not provide sufficient protection.
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Choose the right material: Water-repellent and breathable fabrics are particularly practical. They keep moisture out and prevent your dog from sweating.
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Consider the temperature: Our experience shows that it’s worthwhile to buy dog clothing at 10 °C or lower. But what’s most important is that your dog feels comfortable.
Our conclusion: Not every dog needs winter clothing
One thing is certain: winter clothing for your dog is not always necessary. Healthy, young dogs with a dense undercoat are sufficiently protected. However, if your dog is older, sick, or has a thinner undercoat, appropriate winter clothing is definitely a sensible choice.
A selection of dog clothing from PET & Co., especially for winter
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- Waterproof (10,000 mm water column)
- Machine washable
- Adjustable belly strap
- Rear leg loops
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Ruby - Quilted Coat with Harness
- Waterproof (10,000 mm water column)
- Warming coat and harness combined
- Machine washable
- Smallest size: 29 cm neck circumference, special sizes for dachshunds
