Only 3 types of dogs need sweaters or coats

Coats and sweaters for dogs have become quite popular, especially during the winter season.

It seems in many cases they are not really necessary. Only the dogs who have a more difficult time generating and retaining enough body heat on their own might need them.

According to Dr. Marty Becker, only 3 types of dogs could use some coats and sweaters in the winter.

1. Small dogs
2. Elderly dogs
3. Sick dogs

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I would agree with the fact that those 3 types of dogs definitely might need a little help retaining their body core temperatures. I would however respectfully disagree that those are not the ONLY ones who would need a little help.

I think if people would employ more common sense with their pets we would see far fewer weather related injuries in veterinary clinics. If you are cold outside it is not necessarily true that your dog will be cold also BUT we must consider the feet which are bare on the bottom and can become frostbitten very quickly. This is also true in regards to the ears.

Our tiny, sick and elderly fur babies definitely need special attention in extreme weather conditions. Don't assume that just because our babies do not fall into those categories that they don't need the extra attention as well.

Better safe than sorry. Today's weather forecast in My City, Indiana is 28 today and 6 overnight with a few more inches of snow. I tell you this as I gaze at my German Shepherd snoozing lazily in front of my wood burning stove, sporting her awesome little sweater that keeps her toasty warm! I'm totally jealous!

Very interesting point! What about those dog breeds that have almost no fur though? I do not really know the name of them, but I have seen them on the dog show and around town from time to time. I imagine they might get fairly cold, at least during the winter. I used to have a tiny dog that would get cold during the winter here in Arizona. I was actually a little surprised at first since Arizona weather is usually fairly warm, even during the winter. My mom bought her a cute sweater though and it seemed to make her a lot warmer. I usually find it strange when people dress up their dogs, but I guess sometimes it really is needed. I am just glad I live in a warmer state so I do not have to worry that much about the cold weather, for me it is more about keeping my dogs cooled off.

This is interesting, especially because I own a small dog. Until yesterday I wouldn't bother the poor dog with sweaters and other type of clothing but we brought it to the "hair cutter" and she left less than 1 centimeter of "hair" which makes me believe he'll suffer from the winter cold you can feel as soon as you put a foot outdoors. We have temperatures around -5 and 5 degrees at this time which I consider cold for everyone, especially a small dog like my yorkshire.

(01-29-2014 11:39 AM)Ricardo187 Wrote:  This is interesting, especially because I own a small dog. Until yesterday I wouldn't bother the poor dog with sweaters and other type of clothing but we brought it to the "hair cutter" and she left less than 1 centimeter of "hair" which makes me believe he'll suffer from the winter cold you can feel as soon as you put a foot outdoors. We have temperatures around -5 and 5 degrees at this time which I consider cold for everyone, especially a small dog like my yorkshire.

A little sweetie like a Yorkshire Terrier would definitely need a little help in the temperatures that you described. I would say that your little baby needed a sweater/coat even before the haircut.

It isn't a bother to dog when you help to keep it warm. Who really want's their pet to be cold, shiver..yadda...yadda?

It was a good idea to clothe your Yorkie. Be sure to watch his ears, nose, feet and toes. They are susceptible to frostbite. In the zero to sub zero temps that you are experiencing, do not leave your pet outside for more that a few minutes at a time. I am sure your little Yorkie thanks you for helping him stay nice and toasty

That's interesting and I agree with the fact that those 3 types could need coats. However, I think the dog will pretty much tell you if it needs some extra warmth. My little Yorkie doesn't need a coat in sub freezing temps, according to her. lol She hates wearing clothes.

Need is subjective to exactly how far below freezing is it, how much hair/fur does the pup have, and how long are you keeping the pup outside?

If I had a Yorkie in Alaska, I'd never let her out without a coat in the winter. Down here in Alabama...that's a different story.

I rarely see dogs in coats in here in our place in Florida which definitely recognizable for small breeds and sick dogs needing for extra warm. My dodge loves water so he needs a doggie vest instead.

That may be a good general rule of thumb - my chihuahua loves his sweater.
But I had a blue heeler who was just cold natured. She was very healthy, but she did not like the cold.

I think a lot of it depends on the dog. Some dogs don't mind being cold while others don't like it one bit.