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Dog coats are garments used in autumn and winter to protect four-legged animals from the cold. But one wonders if dogs really need the coats and other clothing.
Of coats and other clothing, in most cases, dogs do not need them.
On the contrary, they are often just designated victims of this practice of dressing that is rarely really necessary and often even detrimental to their well-being.
Dogs suffer more from heat than from cold
Four-legged animals are equipped with a “natural” outfit namely the coat.
The coat has thermal insulating function and protects the dog from heat in summer and cold in winter.
The dogs tend to suffer more from heat than cold however, in some cases, their resistance to harsh winter temperatures may be below the standard.
A dog’s resistance to cold can vary according to breed, coat type, size and health condition.
Dog breeds that suffer from cold weather: hair, undercoat and body fat
Small dogs with very short hair, which have little undercoat or even no undercoat, are the coldest: these include the Pinscher, Chihuahua, Poodle and Dachshund.
Also devoid of undercoat are the Dalmatian, Doberman and Great Dane, however large.
Greyhounds, then, slender and skinny, lack the layer of fat necessary to keep them warm and need to stay properly covered and protected from cold, humidity and temperature changes at all times.
And still puppies, elderly, sick and convalescent dogs (somewhat like humans) feel cold temperatures the most.
Dog coats only in exceptional circumstances
If the dog is accustomed to living in an apartment where warmth is provided by the heating system, the abrupt transition from the warm weather at home to the harsh weather outside could result in a temperature swing that is always good to avoid.
The risk is to expose the dog to cold stroke, colds or muscle contractures.
So, in these cases, it makes sense to dress the four-legged animal in a coat to avoid the dog’shypothermia and its painful and annoying consequent.
Recognizing cold symptoms in dogs
If your dog on a walk takes on any of these attitudes, it is likely that it is suffering from the cold:
- stiffens
- begins to tremble
- appears restless
- moves slowly and listlessly
In such cases, with or without a coat, you should quickly lead him to a sheltered environment or return home as quickly as possible.
When dog coats, clothes, and accessories are just a quirk of humans
Dog clothing is necessary when it serves the well-being of the animal.
Unfortunately, however, the number of dogs decked out in accessories and clothes they don’t need is really unjustifiable.
Far too many dogs with clips, clips, bows, bandanas, improbable clothes of every style and fashion: accessories that only satisfy the exhibitionist egos of humans.
Let’s be clear: animals do NOT LIKE coats and clothing, on the contrary.
Clothing and accessories on a dog can cause him to adopt attitudes of embarrassment and a sense of shame, stress him and inhibit him to the point of blocking.
These are constraining and frustrating elements bordering on coercion and mistreatment.
Care and love for dogs and cats must always take into consideration the real needs of the animal, its well-being and dignity: in a word, RESPECT.
And if you are unable to do so, avoid welcoming them into your homes.
If you would like advice and consultations for the management of your dog or cat and to have him or her checked if you notice abnormal attitudes in his or her behavior, contact the veterinary doctors on our staff who are always available to you.
We would also like to remind you that Clinica La Veterinaria is always open h24 every day including holidays and with First Aid service from 8 pm to 8 am.
