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Dog Coat - Is It Really Needed?

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James Rick
Dog Coat - Is It Really Needed?

As a responsible and loving dog owner, you want to ensure that your dog is protected from various elements whenever you go out. It primarily holds true if you live somewhere with temperatures that can drop below freezing.

Winter chills make their presence known in many areas and as we dig to the back of our closets and coat racks for seasonal outwear, we wonder - do dogs need large dog coats for winter, too? This article discusses some facts focused on dog coats and sweaters.

Cold Tolerance Varies:

Like people, dogs' cold tolerance can differ from breed to breed, based on their coat fur density, age, nutritional status, activity level, amount of body fat, and health. Cold temperature shouldn't be a problem for most dogs until they fall below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the temperature at which some cold averse dogs might start feeling uncomfortable. However, owners of small breed dogs, thinly coated dogs, sick, very young, and old dogs should observe their pets for cold associated health issues. Sometimes, owners also need to protect their paw pads, which are highly sensitive to cold.

Sometimes it is Too Cold:

As beautiful as dog coats may be, fur isn't the perfect insulator, especially when it's freezing. Regardless of the breed, even thick and double-coated dogs are vulnerable to cold weather health threats, namely frostbite, Hypothermia, etc. The danger of frostbite occurs when the temperature is near or below zero degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore prolonged exposure to the cold results in severe tissue damages such as ear tips, paws, or tail. On the other hand, Hypothermia occurs when a dog's body temperature falls below normal. Again, the most common cause is prolonged exposure to extremely cold temperatures. Therefore, using dog coats and sweaters to cover their body is the best way to avoid such conditions. 

While thinking, "Do dogs need coats?" there is a tendency to rule out bigger breeds. It is because some dogs were bred with a thicker and more dense coat, while others might benefit from a long dog coat. For example - Greyhounds are highly susceptible to the colder weather, so this breed could use extra layering on its fur.

According to pet experts, dogs should be kept inside during cold weather. But if you can't keep your dog inside, it should be insulated through a medium dog coat, depending on the dog's size, well enough to bear the extremities of the cold weather. 

Conclusion: Given that there are so many choices in terms of size, type, and appearance, a good winter jacket or coat for your dog will provide them with the right amount of protection that they need. But, it also shouldn't make it look like the jacket is trying to smother the dog.

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