Does your pet need a coat now that winter has blown in with full force? Maybe yes, maybe no. The answer is a definite “no” if you have a larger, hairier breed. You may be tempted to put a bold red coat on your handsome black and white husky, for instance, but resist the temptation. If, on the other hand, you have a smaller, thin-coated or hairless dog, such as a Chihuahua, a coat may be just what your dog needs to make those winter walks a little more comfortable. Let’s see what the experts say about it.
Dr. Jesse Web of the Southeast Alaska Animal Medical Center in Juneau says, “Just because we feel cold, it doesn’t mean our dogs do.” Vets agree that dogs barely feel the cold when it is above 32 degrees. Even with Juneau’s average January weather of 20 degrees, most dogs are fine. “Maybe if the dog is coming from a very warm climate like Florida, we might recommend it wear a coat for a few weeks to acclimate. But most dogs, even if they just arrived in Alaska, are pretty much oblivious to the cold.”
Many breeds, like huskies, have “adjustable” fur. In the summer, it fluffs up to help keep hot air flowing away from their skin. In the winter, it pulls in tight to keep heat in. A coat on a Newfoundland or husky can interfere with their ability to do this and cause overheating.
Chihuahuas and other small toy dogs may benefit from a jacket or coat because they lack this layer of insulating fur. In this case, it may be essential that you dress your pooch up before a walk in the winter. If that’s the case, make sure you get a coat that fits correctly – snug but not tight – and that there are no buttons or other ornamentation that your dog can chew off. Also make sure your dog is comfortable wearing it.
If your dog has plenty of fur to make it through even the roughest winter, you can still glam up his look with cool collars, harnesses, and leashes. This is a great way to express his personality without interfering with his natural ability to regulate temperature.
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