Teddy's Training Tip & Bonus Biscuit. Winter Tip 1

Winter tip 1:  Coats and fleeces can help keep your dog warm during the winter months.

 


Over the next four weeks we will look at certain topics for winter and the festive season. We start
off this week with keeping our dog warm over the winter months.

As we move from autumn to the first part of winter some breeds of dogs may start to feel the chill of
cold mornings and evenings. A dog fleece, coat or sweater may be useful. Some breeds may benefit
from wearing a sweater indoors too, especially if your home is on the chilly side.

So, who would benefit from a wearing a coat, fleece or sweater:

  • Breeds who have thin coats may feel the cold more as their fur may not offer much
    protection from the cold. Breeds such as poodles, who are clipped to avoid their coat from
    matting.
  • Breeds such as whippets and Greyhounds as they have a lean physical appearance.
  • Small breeds such as pugs, chihuahuas, etc not only have short coats, but may not cope in
    cold weather.
  • Dogs that have immune system problems which can affect hair growth (for example
    hypothyroidism) may benefit from wearing a coat, fleece or sweater during the winter
    months.

However, some breeds may overheat if they are made to wear a coat, fleece or sweater. Breeds
such as Siberian Huskies or Alaskan Malamutes have coats that are specifically designed to keep
them warm in very cold conditions.

What to look for when choosing the right coat, fleece of sweater for your dog:

  • Most coats are either made of wool or fleece, so make sure that this material is suitable for
    your dog and it does not cause your dog irritations to the skin when they are wearing it.
  • The coat, fleece, sweater should be snug, but not tight. Make sure that your dog can move
    (walk, run) when wearing the coat, fleece or sweater.
  • Get your dog used it slowly as some dogs may object to wearing one.

Leave a Comment