Winter clothes for dogs are so cute. But is there really a good reason for dogs to wear jackets or sweaters? What really matters is that owners need to know some things about dressing their pets. In any case, the clothes should be made in such a way that they can be easily put on and taken off. Deciding whether your dog needs a sweater in the winter comes down to common sense. So, consider some factors that can affect your dog’s body temperature.
They will help you understand whether he really needs a sweater or not. On the other hand, if you like this solely as a fashion detail on your dog, don’t worry. Nothing will happen to him as long as you take proper care of him. Read some important information below and find out exactly what we are talking about.
The difference in dog breed
Some dogs need clothes more than others, and the reason is their fur and other characteristics. However, all dogs can withstand colder weather because they have enough fur to keep warm outside. Of course, they should not spend too much time in such an environment. You will easily conclude that by yourself because when it gets cold for you, you know that they feel the same way. However, consider several characteristics of the dog, such as its size, breed, and outside temperature.
Also, keep in mind that small dogs have a harder time maintaining body temperature. This means that they will be much warmer with a sweater or some other clothing item. Short-haired dogs face the same situation as dogs originating from a warmer climate. We mean Chihuahua, Chinese crested, etc. On the other hand, dogs with thicker fur cope well in these conditions.
Danger of overheating
It is very important to take into account the outside temperature if you are taking your dog outside, but also the duration of the activity. For example, if you take your dog for a short walk that will last only 15 minutes, there is no need to dress him unless it is an extremely low temperature. After bringing the dog into the house, take off his clothes, because it is not planned to be worn indoors. The reason is very easy overheating which can endanger the health of your dog. In that case, we can say that wearing sweaters is not a bad thing, but it can be if you expose your dog to a high temperature. You will also prevent chafing and irritation of the skin.
Matching sweaters
The choice of clothing is another important factor to consider. For example, you have decided on wool, which is an excellent insulating material. However, it is very demanding when it comes to washing, and you may have to wash this piece of clothing often. It can also be uncomfortable to wear and thus cause constant itching in your dog. If you really like this material, consider a mixture that includes cotton or acrylic in addition to wool. Size is equally important because you don’t want the sweater to be too big, so you risk the dog getting stuck somewhere or taking it off quickly.
On the other hand, too small a model can squeeze it. What he needs is a nice piece that is not too close to the body. That is why the most important dimensions are around the neck, the largest part of the chest, and the height of the dog. You also need to be aware of the weight of the dog, and it is best for him to try on clothes before buying. Don’t forget the part around the armpit, because the clothes must allow it to move freely. Make sure that the sweater does not contain additional elements that can be easily removed because the dog can swallow them very easily.
Health condition of the dog
Dogs that have serious diseases such as heart problems, diabetes, etc. can find it much harder to tolerate cold conditions. That is why they need clothes that will keep them warm during colder days. Dogs with poor health must be constantly in an environment that is adapted to their needs. Otherwise, any stressor such as cold can throw it off balance and thus burden the bodily systems. For example, arthritis is a common occurrence, especially in older dogs. Protective clothing such as sweaters allows them to retain heat in the joints, which means that they will not stiffen at once.
The personality of the dog
Regardless of the breed, each dog is a unique creature. This means that he lives in a unique living space and has special needs. This is exactly the direction you need to think about when making a decision about a sweater. Pay attention to his behavior during colder days. For example, dogs that are exclusively in a house where it is warm may react differently to external conditions than some other dogs. It just means that their body is used to a warmer environment. So watch him while he is outside and you will notice in time if he is shaking uncontrollably. In that case, you can buy it Christmas sweater and it will look really cool. Check such sweaters at www.kuoser.com.
Don’t neglect the behavior that indicates that he will not leave the warm house. We must not forget that depression is a normal occurrence in dogs that lasts for certain periods due to a sudden change in temperature. All he needs at that moment is a warm sweater that will encourage him to go outside. In that case, your pet can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of this choice.
Is it good for a dog to wear a sweater while at home?
First of all, your dog will not benefit from sweaters in the house. By then, he is already warm enough only with his fur. Experts recommend that you take off his clothes as soon as you enter the house because there is a danger of various complications. Since a dog’s skin produces oil, wearing a sweater for longer can trap all the accumulated fat as well as moisture. In this way, dogs become exposed to many skin problems such as acne, ingrown hairs, etc. That is why the sweater is taken off after a couple of hours because it is necessary for the skin to breathe.
Conclusion
We are sure that the sweater beautifies the look of your pet, and also helps it maintain heat in the body. However, think about his health and the complications that can occur if he stays in it for too long. Also, make sure that he always wears comfortable clothes, and then a sweater cannot be a bad option for your dog.
