Have you ever seen a dog wearing a jacket? And let’s be honest, some of them are actually pretty nice! Even Louis Vuitton makes fashionable jackets for dogs! But does your dog actually need a jacket? We can’t sit down with them and have a conversation about it, so how would you know? Luckily, we have a few answers for you.
How to tell if your dog needs a jacket:
Since we can’t speak to our pets, figuring out if your dog needs a coat will take some effort on your part. No matter what kind of dog you have, pay close attention to how they act when the weather gets cold. For instance, if your dog absolutely loves to spend time outside and is more reluctant to spend time outdoors in the winter, it’s a good indication that you should invest in a dog jacket.
How your dog’s hair will come into consideration:
Not all dogs will need a winter jacket, and this is largely determined by both breed and coat. We can tell you right off the bat that if you have a Saint Bernard, you’ll never have to go out and buy them a winter jacket. Large breeds like the Saint Bernard, who are physically suited to withstand cold weather will be absolutely fine. However, smaller breeds can always benefit from the extra warmth. They include dogs who are considered toy breeds, or breeds that have a generally light body, like a Grey Hound.
The length and thickness of your dog also comes into play. Even though Poodles tend to grow thick hair, many Poodle owners choose to keep their hair short to avoid matting. If this is the case, even dogs such as the Poodle need a jacket in cold temperatures.
Another thing to consider:
Age. Believe it or not, older dogs are more prone to the cold than younger, more active dogs. If your dog is getting up there in age, do them a favor and purchase them a jacket. Even if you personally don’t think they need one, they might enjoy the extra cozy feeling!