Have You Ever Wondered If Your Dog Needs Clothes?
Ever wonder if your pup needs something new to add to their wardrobe, especially since winter is not quite over? From festive holiday sweaters to practical raincoats, canine clothing isn’t just for making fashion statements.
Here Are 5 Reasons Why You Should Get Clothes For Your Dog
Dressing up your dog can keep them warm against the whistling wind or the winter chill. Here are five reasons why your pooch could use some pet apparel during the snowy season.
1. Different Breeds Have Different Needs
Most dogs have their own fur coats that keep them warm, so you may assume this natural protection is enough. However, the type, thickness, and length of fur coats vary across different dog breeds.
For instance, the Siberian husky originated in a cooler environment, so it has a dense double coat to help them cope with snowfall and icy temperatures. They don’t really need canine clothing. But hairless breeds or dogs with fine coats and thin skin, like the Italian greyhound, could use some extra protection.
If they get too cold or wet, these dogs could get sick. When outdoors, waterproof coats or jumpers are good for keeping them cozy and dry.
2. Puppies And Seniors Are More Vulnerable
Dogs have internal mechanisms to regulate their body temperatures. They warm up by shivering and cool down by panting. Their thermoneutral zone (TNZ) ranges from 68 degrees Fahrenheit to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. At the lower and higher ends of the TNZ, hypothermia or overheating can occur.
Puppies, older dogs, and ill or underweight dogs have a harder time maintaining a constant body temperature. This means owners might need to take additional measures with canine clothing to ensure their pets’ warmth and comfort.
3. Your Pet Might Be Pampered
If your dog is accustomed to the comforts of central heating and comfortable bedding, they might not be able to deal with extreme weather as well.
They may show signs of distress by shivering, hunching over, or refusing to walk. On the other hand, dogs who live or spend a lot of time outside are better at coping with temperature fluctuations.
4. Protection From The Frozen Ground
Dogs’ paws can adapt to all kinds of rough terrain. Their claws also provide grip and traction in snowy and icy conditions. But that doesn’t mean they couldn’t still use some cute little booties. In the winter, dogs are at risk of suffering from frostbite, especially if their paws are more sensitive or they’re not used to extreme weather.
Regular exposure to harsh, icy conditions and the salt and sand used to melt ice can also cause damage and injury to dogs’ paws. So, special dog boots could protect your pet from the elements.
5. Clothing Is Convenient
Many pet owners have busy lifestyles that make it hard to balance exercising their dogs in cold or wet weather.
Putting your dog in protective clothing can help reduce the amount of time you need to spend drying and cleaning your dog and home after being outdoors.
