Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital’s Blog
Dog Coats and Pet Sweaters: Finding the Perfect Fit
Fashion may dictate which coats, scarves, and other accessories we buy for ourselves this holiday season, but selecting a functional or fashionable winter or rain coat (or footwear) for your canine shouldn’t mean compromising fit and quality.
There are numerous winter clothing options available for dogs (and even cats). It can be overwhelming, though, to understand what you really need and how to select the right size.
To help you take the mystery out of winter clothing for pets, we’ve put together some helpful tips to consider while shopping for the perfect pet coat, boots, and other seasonal clothing.
Does Your Pet Need a Coat?
First of all, take time to get to know your dog’s (or other pet’s) breed characteristics and physiology. Some breeds handle cold weather well, such as Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, and Newfoundlands, while others with smaller frames and smooth, short coats may start shivering when the temps drop to milder ranges below 60 degrees. (Keep in mind, however, that all pets are susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite.)
Some questions to ask concerning your pet’s winter needs include:
Since these questions require research and understanding of your pet’s overall health, we encourage you to discuss your pet’s winter readiness during his or her wellness exam.
Quality vs. Cute
Before selecting a brand of coat or shoes for your pet, we recommend checking out ratings and customer feedback. Avoid highly-flammable, low-rated, cheaply made garments, no matter how cute they might be. Remember: the sole reason for purchasing a coat and other winter clothing is to prevent frostbite, hypothermia, and cold weather discomfort for your pet.
Besides, your pet is adorable no matter what he or she is donning this season.
Pet Clothing Shopping Tips
Before making any assumptions about your pet’s ability to weather the elements this winter, please call us for help in getting your pet “winterized” (and stylin’, too!).