Which dogs need overalls in the cold season?

As a rule, pet stores offer a wide selection of clothing for dogs: jackets, overalls, shoes. Some models are designed to protect against rain, dirt and dampness, while others will warm your four-legged pet in cold weather. Although you can find clothes on sale for dogs of any breed, some of them need warmth and comfort more than others.

Which breeds need overalls more than others?

The most relevant protection from the cold is for pets:

• Smooth-haired. Dogs, which nature has endowed with long, thick hair, should feel great in cool weather, but smooth-haired pets require additional insulation. So, overalls will not be superfluous for a French bulldog, pug, dachshund, Jack Russell terrier and even a Doberman.
• No undercoat. Even the presence of long hair does not always guarantee sufficient heating: breeds lacking undercoat are also sensitive to low temperatures.Therefore, when going for a walk in the cold season with a Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, Shih Tzu or Brussels Griffon, you should not neglect warm clothes for your four-legged pet.
• Decorative. Miniature and decorative breeds are more isolated than others from their wild relatives and are completely unsuited to life on the street, so they require special protection from the weather. Thus, it is recommended to walk Chihuahuas, Pekingese, Papillons, Chinese Cresteds, Russian Toys and other decorative dogs only in warm clothes.

IMPORTANT: Clothes for dogs of large and long-haired breeds are more often used to protect the fur from dirt than to keep the pet warm, but it is also popular among breeders. Overalls and other clothing are especially relevant for show dogs, for which the quality of the coat is of paramount importance.

Is it really important for dogs to be warm in winter in overalls?

Despite conflicting opinions, clothing for some dogs is not just a fashion statement, but an absolute necessity. First of all, the need for additional heating is dictated by the exotic nature of many breeds, bred specifically for keeping at home and not hardened for life in a harsh climate. While walking in low temperatures, your pet can become hypothermic and get sick.

In addition, according to standards, most decorative breeds are usually cut and trimmed, which disrupts the natural temperature balance of the animal’s body and makes it vulnerable to adverse weather conditions.

IMPORTANT: Elderly indoor breed dogs need additional heating during walks, since with age the body's thermoregulatory functions often fail.

Types of overalls for dogs

The most popular clothing for animals is overalls: it covers almost the entire body, reliably protecting the back, stomach and paws from cold and dirt. As a rule, overalls are divided into two types:

• Lungs — designed for walks in the mid-season. They are made from lightweight waterproof fabric and serve as a windbreaker, protecting the animal from moisture, dirt and wind.
• Insulated – designed for frosty weather. They are lined with warm fabrics or faux fur, providing your pet with additional insulation.

In addition, in the assortment of pet stores you can often find sets of jackets and pants for dogs, warm blankets that serve as a vest with open paws, as well as all kinds of hats and shoes.

IMPORTANT: When choosing a jumpsuit for your four-legged friend, you should keep in mind that the design of clothing for females and males is significantly different and one model cannot be used for dogs of both sexes.

When purchasing clothes for your four-legged pet, you need to remember the purpose of the purchase. To protect wool from moisture and dirt, only thin overalls made of raincoat fabric without lining are suitable, and for walks in severe frosts, you should choose insulated models. You should not dress your pet too warmly when there is no frost outside: if the dog gets hot, it will be nervous, try to get rid of uncomfortable clothes and is unlikely to allow them to be put on again.

Conclusion

The presence or absence of the need to dress a pet should be determined in each case individually, based on the breed of dog needed, its age, living conditions and weather factors. However, in some cases, clothing for your four-legged friend is more of a necessity than a fashion accessory.

In the huge assortment presented on the pet products market, there are options that will protect from rain and wind, dirt and frost. The main thing is that the clothes you choose allow your pet to feel not only warm, but also comfortable during a walk.