Does my dog need a Dog Coat?
Introduction
As a dog owner, you are often faced with the question: Does my dog really need a coat? In this blog, you will find out which dogs benefit from a coat, when it is necessary and how to get your dog used to this type of clothing.
Table of contents
Which dogs need a Dog Coat?
Although many dogs have a natural coat that protects them from the elements, there are situations and certain dog breeds that can benefit from a Dog Coat. Despite their natural coat, not all dogs are equally well protected from the cold, wet or wind. In particular, dogs with short, thin coats or those with no undercoat can quickly become cold when temperatures drop. Similarly, smaller breeds or those with low body fat content such as Chihuahuas and Pinschers can quickly lose body heat, especially if they spend long periods in cold environments or if the ground is cold and damp.
In addition to breed and coat type, the dog's age and health also play an important role when deciding on a Dog Coat. Older dogs and those with joint conditions such as osteoarthritis can be more sensitive to the cold. In these cases, a coat can help keep joints warm and improve mobility. Dogs suffering from conditions such as heart problems or a weak immune system can also experience health benefits from the extra warmth a coat provides.
Different coat textures
Not every dog has been blessed with a thick, warm coat. Breeds with thin or short fur, such as Whippets or Dalmatians, lose body heat more quickly. A Dog Coat can be a valuable aid in keeping them warm.
To understand why some dogs need a coat while others manage without one even in the depths of winter, we need to look at the differences in coat texture.
Die Unterwolle bei Hunden funktioniert ähnlich wie die Daunen bei Vögeln oder die Unterbekleidung, die wir Menschen im Winter tragen. Sie besteht aus dichten, feinen und weichen Haaren, die eng an der Haut liegen. Diese Haarschicht fängt die Körperwärme ein und bildet eine isolierende Schicht, die den Hund vor Kälte schützt. Je dichter die Unterwolle, desto besser die Isolierung. Rassen wie der Siberian Husky, der Alaskan Malamute oder der Berner Sennenhund haben eine ausgeprägte Unterwolle, die sie vor extremen Wintertemperaturen schützt. Im Gegensatz dazu haben Hunde mit kurzem Fell wie der Whippet, Dalmatiner oder auch der Dobermann oft keine oder nur eine sehr dünne Unterwolle. Dies bedeutet, dass sie weniger natürliche Isolierung gegen die Kälte haben. Ihr Fell ist mehr darauf ausgelegt, sie vor Sonne und Hitze zu schützen als vor Kälte. In kälteren Klimazonen oder bei sinkenden Temperaturen können diese Hunde deshalb schnell frieren, da ihr Fell nicht ausreichend Wärme speichert.
Breeds with short coats that can benefit from a Dog Coat include the Boxer, the German Pinscher and the Weimaraner. These breeds often have not only short but also relatively thin coats, which makes additional protection necessary in low temperatures. Even long-haired breeds such as the Afghan Hound or the Irish Setter are not densely coated and can therefore benefit from a coat in colder climates. Breeds such as the German Shepherd, the Golden Retriever or the Newfoundland have a dense undercoat in addition to their top coat, which naturally protects them from the cold. These dogs are usually better adapted to lower temperatures and rarely need additional clothing.
Coat texture plays a crucial role in a dog's adaptation to its environment. Dogs with thick undercoats are naturally better insulated against the cold, while dogs with short or thin coats need extra warmth from a Dog Coat, especially in cooler climates or when temperatures drop. As a responsible dog owner, you should monitor your dog's needs and act accordingly to ensure its well-being and health.
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Diseases and age
The additional warmth of a coat can be beneficial for dogs with conditions such as HD (hip dysplasia) or osteoarthritis. The ability to regulate their own body temperature also decreases with age - especially in smaller and less active dogs.
HD (Hüftdysplasie) und Arthrose sind besonders bei mittelgroßen bis großen Hunderassen verbreitet und führen zu Schmerzen und eingeschränkter Beweglichkeit. Der zusätzliche Schutz durch einen Dog Coat kann dazu beitragen, die betroffenen Gelenke warmzuhalten, was wiederum die Steifheit verringern und den Komfort erhöhen kann. Durch die Wärme werden die Gelenke geschmeidiger gehalten, was die Mobilität unterstützt und Schmerzen lindern kann. Für ältere Hunde, die an Gelenkproblemen leiden, kann die Wärme eines Mantels auch eine Form der Schmerzlinderung darstellen. Die Wärme hilft dabei, die Durchblutung zu fördern und Muskelverspannungen zu reduzieren. Selbst Hunde mit dichtem Fell können von einem Raincoat profitieren, da Nässe in Kombination mit Wind zu Kältegefühlen und dadurch bedingten Verspannungen führen kann. Ein gut isolierender Raincoat schützt vor Nässe und beugt somit einer Abkühlung des Körpers und möglichen Verspannungen vor.
A coat should also be put on neutered dogs and dogs suffering from a weak bladder as a preventative and supportive measure. Neutered dogs are more likely to suffer from a weak bladder than intact dogs. The warmth helps to prevent bladder infections, which can be triggered by the cold.
Dogs with chronic conditions such as heart disease or diabetes can also be more sensitive to the cold. In these cases, a Dog Coat can help to keep the body warm and thus reduce the strain on the cardiovascular system.
As dogs get older, their ability to effectively regulate their body temperature decreases. This is partly due to the decreasing density of the coat, a weakening circulatory system and a general decrease in activity. Small breeds and dogs that are less active due to their age or health are particularly likely to suffer from the cold. Their smaller volume and larger surface area in relation to their body weight means that they lose heat more quickly. A Dog Coat can help to minimise heat loss and increase overall comfort. When choosing a coat for older dogs, make sure that it is easy to put on and does not feel too heavy or restrictive, as older dogs are often less tolerant of new or uncomfortable items.
Size of the dog
Smaller dogs have a larger surface area in relation to their body volume, which means that they release heat into the environment more quickly. In physics, this is described as a ratio of surface area to volume, and it explains why smaller animals are generally more susceptible to temperature fluctuations. In addition, smaller dogs are closer to the ground and therefore more directly exposed to the cooling effects of snow, ice and cold ground. This can be particularly relevant when walking on cold ground or spending long periods outdoors.
At what temperature do I have to put a coat on my dog?
There is no universal temperature limit above which every dog is cold. We would recommend that you start watching your dog from around 10 °C outside to recognise possible signs of cold. Pay attention to your dog's body language. If he starts to shiver or seeks shelter, it's probably time for a coat.
How can I tell if my dog is cold?
When walking your dog, it's important to pay close attention to their body language and behaviour to determine if they're cold. Not every dog shows signs of being cold in the same way, but there are some universal signs you can recognise. Damp and windy conditions can cause dogs to get cold more quickly. Pay attention to changes in the weather and adjust the duration of walks accordingly. It's important to pay attention to your dog's needs and respond accordingly. If you notice one or more of these signs, consider putting a coat on your dog in cold weather or keeping walks shorter. Your dog's health and well-being should always come first.
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Zittern
The most obvious sign that a dog is cold is shivering. Just like in humans, shivering is a natural reaction of the body to generate heat through muscle activity. If your dog is shivering on a walk, this is a clear sign that he is cold.
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Collapsed posture
Dogs that are cold tend to curl up their bodies, keeping their tails close to their bodies and often pulling their ears back. This posture helps them to minimise their body surface area and retain heat.
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Stiffening or fidgeting
A dog that is cold may move hesitantly or more slowly than usual. It may also try to stand still or refuse to move, especially if the ground is very cold. Other dogs will try to compensate for the cold by being very active and will seem restless and fidgety.
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Persistent lifting of the paws
If a dog keeps lifting one or more paws off the ground, this could be a sign that his paws are cold, especially on snow or ice. It is also possible that there are lumps of snow on his paw fur, as this can be very painful for dogs.
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Raised coat
Another sign that may indicate that your dog is cold is the fluffing up of his coat. This behaviour is a natural reaction to fight the cold. When a dog fluffs up his coat, the layer of air between the hairs increases. Air is a poor conductor of heat and therefore acts as an effective insulator. Fluffing up the coat creates a kind of "natural jacket" that helps the dog to better retain his body heat.
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Looking for protection or warmth
A freezing dog may look for places that are warmer, such as sunny spots, sheltered areas, being close to humans or wanting to return home more quickly.
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Changed behaviour after the walk
If your dog curls up more than usual after a walk or looks for a warm place, this could indicate that he was cold outside.
Reproach: Dog Coat is humanisation
The accusation that putting on dog coats is an unnecessary humanisation is a common misconception. It is important to distinguish between fashion accessories and functional protective clothing for dogs. Here are some points that can help to refute this accusation and raise awareness of the real need for dog coats:
Wolves living in the wild
Wild wolves differ from domesticated dogs in many ways. Wolves have a dense, multi-layered coat that protects them from extreme weather conditions. Their undercoat serves as an efficient insulation layer that keeps them warm in winter and cool in summer. The topcoat, on the other hand, provides additional protection from wetness and wind. This natural insulation allows wolves to survive in very cold climates without needing additional protection. While wolves have developed natural mechanisms to cope with different environments over the course of evolution, domestic dogs have been bred by humans, often with a focus on certain physical traits or behaviours that may affect their ability to adapt to extreme weather conditions.
Health and well-being take centre stage
- Protection from extreme weather conditions: In many cases, a Dog Coat serves the practical purpose of protecting the dog from the cold, wet and wind, which is particularly important for dogs that are more susceptible to the weather due to their coat texture, age or state of health.
- Prevention of illness: A Dog Coat can help prevent health problems such as colds, joint disease and hypothermia, which is particularly relevant for dogs with chronic illnesses or older dogs that have a reduced ability to regulate their temperature.
Distinction between fashion and functionality
Functional coats instead of fashion accessories: There is a clear difference between fashionable dog clothes and functional dog coats. Functional coats are designed to provide comfort and protection without restricting the dog's freedom of movement.
- Adapting to the dog's needs: A well-chosen coat takes into account the dog's specific needs, such as coat texture, size and state of health.
Awareness and responsibility
Responsible dog ownership: As a responsible dog owner, it is important to put the welfare of the dog at the centre of everything you do, which means making decisions based on the dog's needs and comfort, not on aesthetic preferences.
- Education about the need: Educating other dog owners and the public about the practical reasons for wearing a dog coat can help to break down prejudice and promote a better understanding of the importance of protecting our pets.
Differences in evolution and domestication
It is true that dogs are descended from wolves and in nature wolves do not wear coats. However, this comparison is often misleading when it comes to the need for dog coats. Here are some points that illustrate this difference:
- Domestication process: In the course of domestication, dogs have become very different from their wild ancestors, the wolves, both physically and behaviourally, including changes in their fur that can make them more susceptible to the cold.
- Breeding and genetic diversity: Many dog breeds have been bred for specific purposes and climates. Some breeds, such as the Chihuahua, are adapted to warmer conditions and do not have the same natural resistance to cold as wolves.
- Natural habitats of wolves: Wolves live in the wild and have adapted to their specific environments. They have thick fur and natural mechanisms to cope with different weather conditions.
- Wolves in the wild: wolves living in the wild are subject to constant natural selection forces. on average, they only live to be 6 to 8 years old. in contrast, many domestic dogs live a more sheltered life, which means that older, sick or genetically less robust dogs are also part of our families. these dogs need additional protection in the form of clothing.
Practical tips for using dog coats
A Dog Coat can be a valuable addition to your dog's well-being, especially in colder months. Here are some practical tips on how to make the most of the coat and get your dog used to it.
Familiarisation phase: Start by putting the coat on your dog in a familiar environment, such as at home. This will help him to get used to the feel of the coat without being distracted by external stimuli. At first, you should only put the coat on for a short time and gradually increase the duration. This way, your dog will gradually get used to it.
Positive associations: Assoc iate putting on the coat with positive experiences. For example, you can lure your dog with his favourite treat and give him a snack or food when the coat is on. For dogs who are not into food, you can start another favourite activity, such as a game of tug. Use praise and treats to show your dog that he is doing something good when he wears the coat. This builds a positive association with the coat. Make sure the coat fits properly. It should not be too tight or too loose to ensure optimal freedom of movement. In particular, check that the coat does not rub under the armpits or is too tight around the neck. A good fit has a big impact on the positive feeling your dog associates with the Dog Coat.
Cooperation: Some dogs need time to get used to wearing a coat. Be patient and consistent in your approach. Make putting on the coat a joint activity. Does your dog like to cuddle? Then use putting on the coat for a little massage or petting. Does your dog like to perform tricks? In this case, combine slipping into the coat with a trick. Respond to your dog's needs as much as possible. Practice putting on and taking off the coat as part of short training sessions to help your dog get used to it.
Vitomalias Fazit
Having looked in detail at the question "Does my dog need a Dog Coat?", it's clear that this decision is far more than a question of style - it's about the health and well-being of our faithful companion.
We have seen that dogs react differently to the cold depending on their coat type, age, size and health condition. While dogs with thick undercoats such as huskies and Samoyeds are usually well protected against the cold, breeds with short or thin coats, older dogs or dogs with certain conditions such as HD or osteoarthritis need extra protection. It is important to recognise the signs that indicate a dog is cold - such as shivering, a fluffy coat or a change in posture. These signs help us to make the right decision for our dog.
Although it is often claimed that Dog Coats are a form of anthropomorphisation, we have learned that in many cases they are a necessary measure for the well-being and health of our dog. The comparison with wolves is flawed, as domesticated dogs are exposed to a wide variety of environmental influences and breeding conditions.
It is our responsibility as dog owners to recognise the needs of our dogs and act accordingly. A Dog Coat can be a useful tool to provide comfort and protection for our dogs during the colder months. By making informed choices and outfitting our dogs appropriately, we ensure that they are happy, healthy and well protected, whatever the weather.
Does every dog need a Dog Coat?
Not every dog needs a coat. Dogs with a thick undercoat or those bred for cold weather often don't need extra protection, but small, short-haired, older or health-prone dogs may benefit from a coat.
How can I tell if my dog is cold?
Signs that a dog is cold can include shivering, a curled-up posture, seeking out sources of warmth, a fluffed-up coat and hesitant behaviour or even rather fidgety behaviour in the cold.
Is putting on a dog coat a form of humanisation?
Dog Coats are not fundamentally a form of humanisation. They serve the practical purpose of protecting the dog in cold conditions, especially if it is more susceptible to the cold due to its breed, age or health. It is important to note that domesticated dogs differ in many ways from their wild ancestors, the wolves. Through the process of domestication and specific breeding, dogs have changed in their coat texture, size and adaptability to different climates. While wolves have developed a coat that effectively protects them from extreme weather conditions, this is not true for all dog breeds. Many modern dog breeds have been bred for specific environments and climates and may not have the natural ability to protect themselves adequately against the cold. Therefore, the comparison with wolves is not always accurate and does not take into account the specific Dog Coat of dogs.
How do I get my dog used to a coat?
Start with short periods of wearing the coat in the house and gradually extend this. Combine putting on the coat with positive experiences such as treats or praise to help your dog get used to it.
Are Dog Coats only suitable for winter?
Whilst they are more commonly used in winter, lightweight coats can also be useful in other seasons to protect against rain or wind.
