Does My Dog Need a Coat?

With the frigid temps we've been having the last couple of weeks, this is a question we've been hearing a lot.  And of course we have our own opinions about who needs coats and who doesn't. The long and short of it (pun FULLY intended) is that short haired pups are more likely to need coats and longer haired buddies are usually more comfortable in the snow and cold.

Additionally, young puppies and senior dogs are more susceptible to the freezing temps.  As your dog gets older, it's a good idea to reassess whether or not they need an extra layer.  Although Duncan started out as a Texan boy, at almost 18 years old, these days he enjoys a nice sweater or jacket for when he hits the trails!

But for a more formal answer, we thought we'd do a little research and get a more official opinion.  The American Veterinary Medical Association has some great tips on caring for your canines over the cold winter months. We've listed some of the points that we feel are pertinent to our clients below:

Know the limits:  Just like people, pets’ cold tolerance can vary from pet to pet based on their coat, body fat stores, activity level, and health. Be aware of your pet’s tolerance for cold weather, and adjust accordingly. You will probably need to shorten your dog’s walks in very cold weather to protect you both from weather-associated health risks. Arthritic and elderly pets may have more difficulty walking on snow and ice and may be more prone to slipping and falling. Long-haired or thick-coated dogs tend to be more cold-tolerant, but are still at risk in cold weather. Short-haired pets feel the cold faster because they have less protection, and short-legged pets may become cold faster because their bellies and bodies are more likely to come into contact with snow-covered ground. Pets with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or hormonal imbalances (such as Cushing’s disease) may have a harder time regulating their body temperature, and may be more susceptible to problems from temperature extremes. The same goes for very young and very old pets. If you need help determining your pet’s temperature limits, consult your veterinarian.

Check the paws: Check your dog’s paws frequently for signs of cold-weather injury or damage, such as cracked paw pads or bleeding. During a walk, a sudden lameness may be due to an injury or may be due to ice accumulation between his/her toes. You may be able to reduce the chance of iceball accumulation by clipping the hair between your dog’s toes.

Play dress-up: If your dog has a short coat or seems bothered by the cold weather, consider a sweater or dog coat. Have several on hand, so you can use a dry sweater or coat each time your dog goes outside. Wet sweaters or coats can actually make your dog colder. Some pet owners also use booties to protect their dog’s feet; if you choose to use them, make sure they fit properly.

Feed well: Keep your pet at a healthy weight throughout the winter. Some pet owners feel that a little extra weight gives their pet some extra protection from cold, but the health risks associated with that extra weight don’t make it worth doing. Watch your pet’s body condition and keep them in the healthy range. Outdoor pets will require more calories in the winter to generate enough body heat and energy to keep them warm – talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s nutritional needs during cold weather.

You can read the full article here: https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/Cold-weather-pet-safety.aspx

And, of course, always feel free to ask us what we think regarding your particular canine! We definitely notice who loves the winter weather and who would rather be curled up at home in front of the fire (Lola - I'm looking at you here!).