Are Coats really Necessary?

Vikinggirl

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Oct 8, 2012
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Does our EB's need a Winter Coat or Sweater?

Do Dogs Really Need Sweaters?
by VETDEPOT on JANUARY 16, 2014




With cold winter weather affecting much of the country, some owners might be wondering if their canine companion needs to bundle up before venturing out for a walk.


The answer depends on the dog. If you own a healthy Siberian Husky or another northern breed, it’s probably a safe bet that a doggy jacket isn’t necessary for a quick walk. However, there are many dogs that could benefit from protection from the elements, including:


Elderly dogs
Dogs with a chronic illness
Small dogs
Dogs with a thin body type (e.g., Greyhounds)
Short-haired breeds


Basically, any dog that has difficulty retaining heat in its body can benefit from a warm winter coat or sweater. If your home is cold and your dog falls into one of the above categories, you might consider leaving a light sweater on your pet while indoors as well. Whenever purchasing an item of clothing for your dog, think about safety. Make sure it fits well and it doesn’t have any loose pieces that could be a potential choking hazard.


When in doubt, having an extra sweater for your dog around the house during the winter months certainly doesn’t hurt. If nothing else, it will be help keep your dog dry while on a walk, saving the trouble of cleaning up a soaking wet dog once you’ve returned home.
 

JennieS

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Jun 25, 2013
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Florence, KY
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Ruthie(died 11/27/18) Brutus & Hazel
I always question whether Ruthie needs a coat/sweater all the time. If I do put something on her and we go outside, it ends up in the bushes cause she rubs herself on those bushes until it comes off. So I just make sure not to keep her out long.
 

Marine91

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Harlea 5/4/13 - 8/25/22
We gauge everything by the weather. If it gets really cold and is going to stay that way for longer than a few hours we will put a sweater on Harlea. If it is only going to be cold until the sun rises then we will play it by ear and her body language.
 

RiiSi

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In Finland the temps have gone down to -25C/-13F lately so we do use coats. Especially Usko has hardly any hair on his stomach, so he must be freezing without it. He doesn't like it though and keeps rubbing himself against everything....Voitto doesn't mind.
 
OP
Vikinggirl

Vikinggirl

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  • Thread Starter
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My guys don't like putting their coats on, but once they are on, they will wear them.
 

Manydogs

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I would say it depends on your dog, and also how long you plan to be outside in the cold. I think you could tell if your dog feels cold. I have always had waterproof winter coats for my dogs. Don't always put them on-but have them if they need them. I like the waterproof in case it is snowing or cold/raining.
 

bella100

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I always question whether Ruthie needs a coat/sweater all the time. If I do put something on her and we go outside, it ends up in the bushes cause she rubs herself on those bushes until it comes off. So I just make sure not to keep her out long.

oh ruthie!! i love to hear about her rubbing her clothes off and stripping outside on the bushes!! haha :whistle:
 

mc68mc

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Sep 11, 2012
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April aka Big Smoochie or Smoocha - Libre'
unnamed.jpgwith the temps only getting up to 20 degrees today she wore a hoodie to the groomers
 

2BullyMama

I'm not OCD....now who moved my bulldog?
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Banks is a very warm blooded girl, no jacket or coat for her, but my Frenchie, Cheli,,, he totally needs one
 

KMARINO

I couldn't make this sh*t up if I tried!
Jul 21, 2010
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VEGAS and REBEL
Vegas living in sunny Florida, doesn't even own a coat. He has some T's but he prefer's being naked.
 

Littleeagle

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Haha, I agree with Vegas! Hopefully be moving to florida in the next six months!
 

Opie CHL

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Dec 4, 2012
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Patchogue, NY
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In Finland the temps have gone down to -25C/-13F lately so we do use coats. Especially Usko has hardly any hair on his stomach, so he must be freezing without it. He doesn't like it though and keeps rubbing himself against everything....Voitto doesn't mind.
-13F!! wow...id never leave the house!
 

Lokismom

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Maybe not in the southern states but there is no way that loki could be outside long enough to do his business without a coat this winter there have been maybe 3 a days the entire winter above 20*. He gets cold way too fast he even has booties. They only go on them we are at 0 or lower.
 

nyerathrt

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Jun 30, 2011
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jameson and titan
Jameson walks funny when i put one on...he will walk down the steps and lean againt the wall...when he gets to the bottom he thuds against the wall and just leans over...it is rather amusing
 

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