Does My Dog Need A Winter Coat?

Does your pet belong to a small, toy, or miniature shorthaired breed of dogs?

Does your dog sit low to the ground?

Do you have a breed that typically has long hair that has been clipped or shorn?

Do you have a lean-bodied breed with short hair?

Small, toy, and miniature shorthaired breeds, like Chihuahuas and French Bulldogs can’t easily generate and retain enough body heat to keep themselves warm. Look for a coat that protects his neck and belly. It should extend from the base of his neck to his tail, without being so long that it would make bathroom stops problematic. You’ll want a coat that fits snugly without being tight. Clothing should never restrict your dog’s movement.

Although breeds like Pembroke Welsh Corgis, for example, have thick coats, their bellies sit low enough to the ground to brush against snow and ice. This may indicate that you should get a coat for your pet. Look for a coat that protects his neck and belly. It should extend from the base of his neck to his tail, without being so long that it would make bathroom stops problematic. You’ll want a coat that fits snugly without being tight. Clothing should never restrict your dog’s movement.

Breeds that typically have long hair but are clipped or shorn, like Poodles, may benefit from a winter coat. Grooming often alters the natural protection of their coats so they are more prone to freezing. Look for a coat that protects his neck and belly. It should extend from the base of his neck to his tail, without being so long that it would make bathroom stops problematic. You’ll want a coat that fits snugly without being tight. Clothing should never restrict your dog’s movement.

Lean-bodied breeds with short hair, like Greyhounds and Whippets, should be protected from the cold. Look for a coat that protects his neck and belly. It should extend from the base of his neck to his tail, without being so long that it would make bathroom stops problematic. You’ll want a coat that fits snugly without being tight. Clothing should never restrict your dog’s movement.

Large dogs with thick, dense coats are well protected from the cold and do not require winter coats. An exception can be made if you have a senior dog. Senior dogs are prone to conditions that may require a winter coat, such as arthritis or a weakened immune system. Heat regulation may decline with age, making even a thick-coated dog uncomfortable in the cold.