Does your dog need a coat?

Anytime I post a photo of the dogs wearing winter jackets someone will comment “dogs don’t need jackets!”. But is this the case? Do dogs need coats in cold weather?

Sharing photos of dogs in jackets on social media is a sure way to annoy someone and they will be sure to tell you. "Dogs have fur!" and "I've had dogs for 20 years and not needed a coat!" are the common things I hear. But someone else's experience isn't what determines your dog's comfort (and let's face it, it might not have determined their dog's comfort either). So does your dog need a coat?

The not so simple answer is “it depends”. While some dogs are more than comfortable outside in cold weather, others can benefit from the added insulation of a coat. There are a variety of factors to consider when deciding if your dog would be more comfortable with a coat.

Age

While the dog's hair coat plays an important role in helping regulate body temperature, there are other factors involved as well. Very young and very old dogs may not be able to regulate body temperature as well. This can be due to differences in nervous system regulation, body composition and health status.

With reduced ability to regulate body temperature very old and very young dogs are more susceptible to cold and may require a warming layer in situations other dogs do not.

Body Composition

When we speak of body composition at a high level we mean the amount of muscle and body fat the dog carries on their body. While a dog's hair coat helps provide warming and cooling through the process of insulation, it does not generate heat. That is where body composition plays a role.

Muscle and fat contribute to meatabolic processes that generate body heat. Very lean or dogs will little muscle mass may get cold easier than those with adequate body fat and muscle.

Environmental Conditions

Dogs are not immune to the weather. Just like humans, they may find wet and/or windy days cooler than the same temperature on a fair weather day.

Another aspect of the environment to consider is the type of activity your dog will be doing. A mountain hike will generate more body heat than a quick walk around the block.

How the weather, type of activity and duration can all affect if your dog will need a coat. In changing conditions you may need to consider layers and have a way to carry layers that are not needed.

Breed and Hair Coat

Hairless and short coat dogs are likely to get cold sooner than those with a heavier hair coat. But, that doesn't mean dogs with heavier hair coat won't get cold. Remember it's about more than their hair despite what the internet will tell you.

Personal Preference

Sometimes it just comes down to the dog's individual preference. If they do not enjoy cold weather a warming layer can alleviate some of that dislike and allow them to get outside for fun despite cold temperatures.

Are they Cold?

Watch your dog for signs they might be cold. If you think they are consider trying a coat. Signs of being cold can include: shivering/shaking, tense posture, tail tucked, reluctance to continue the activity, seeking shelter or behaviour changes during the activity, such as seeming anxious.

When looking for a coat be sure it allows your dog freedom of movement and fits well to avoid rubbing or pulling. They should be able to do all of their normal activities comfortably in the coat. If your dog isn't used to a coat you may need to devout some time to get them familiar with it.

So while it might anger some people on the internet, yes, sometimes dogs may need a coat. Your dog will be the one who determines this need.

The coats pictured here are the Hurtta Extreme Warmer Eco III in the colours Bilberry, Cinnamon, Raven and Eggplant. These coats were gifted as a part of a partnership with Hurtta.