It's a big controversial topic. Dressing dogs in clothes is often criticized and anyone who does it has to hear that they are treating their dog as a fashion accessory and humanizing them. In addition, it is not natural and dogs can get along without it. We too were critical for a long time and still are, but there are sensible exceptions and dogs who really benefit from a warm coat in winter.
Contents: The raincoat for the dog
- Which raincoats are there?
- A raincoat for the dog, what should you pay special attention to?
- Raincoat for small or large dogs?
- Conclusion
When is a raincoat useful for dogs?
It's true that most dogs don't need a raincoat and there are probably some dog owners who just want to save themselves some work and protect their dog from the wet with a raincoat so that they don't have to dry it after going for a walk. But not everyone has a dog that looks like a Bernese Mountain Dog or Husky .
Whether the dog needs a raincoat depends on various factors such as:
- its state of health, because older or sick animals often do not have enough energy to keep themselves warm even in cool and damp weather.
- The breed: Dogs with very short, thin or silky fur without an undercoat usually have difficulty coping with cold, wet weather and often become ill.
- Older and very young animals that lack the necessary vitality to enjoy a walk even in bad, rainy weather. See also: How old do dogs get?
- For diseases such as osteoarthritis, rheumatism or general joint problems, a lined raincoat for dogs is a “true blessing for them” and can protect them from pain.
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Which raincoats are there?
In signal colors
A raincoat for dogs in signal colors such as yellow is easily recognizable outdoors, especially during the darker seasons, and therefore offers added safety for animals and people. A raincoat for dogs is usually also equipped with reflective elements. This should be lined with a breathable fabric.
Of course, you can also get a raincoat for your dog in orange, pink, pink, red or even patterned.
With a hoodie
Such a stylish hood can be placed over your four-legged friend's ears or attached to the back. But be careful, not every animal loves a hood.
With legs
A raincoat for dogs with legs not only protects the legs from moisture, but also from wet earth and mud and other dirt.
For the winter
Water-repellent quilted coats with an inner lining made of warming soft plush are often used for this purpose. A water-repellent and windproof outer material with an insulating layer reflects body heat and offers protection even on frosty days. They are particularly recommended for animals with joint problems.
With dishes
Since many dogs wear harnesses, this must be included in the raincoat. Different solutions are offered in stores. Many coats have a waterproof zipper on the back through which the leash can be attached to the harness.
Transparent
An unlined raincoat for your dog is particularly interesting in the summer to keep your four-legged friend dry during a sudden rain shower.
With abdominal protection
Since many dogs have very thin fur on their stomachs, belly protection is particularly recommended, which also keeps the belly fur clean from dirt in very short-legged breeds.
A raincoat for the dog, what should you pay special attention to?
A dog raincoat should:
- be breathable
- be waterproof and water-repellent
- be easy to care for and washable
- have wide Velcro fasteners for easy donning
- have reflective strips for better visibility
- be available in the correct size for the animal
Raincoat for small or large dogs?
The right size is important so that it sits comfortably and comfortably when going for a walk, for example, and does not restrict the dog's movement or even pinch and, in the worst case, cause chafing.
For example, sizes are offered for the following breeds:
- Chihuahuas
- dachshund
- pug
- French bulldog
But such size information is more than inaccurate, as the four-legged friends within a breed are of different size and stature. That's why it's better to measure their back length to find out the right coat size.
When the animal is standing, measure from the shoulder blade to the base of the tail. This measurement indicates the size for clothing items such as the dog bathrobe or sweater. This size information is particularly important in order to optimally protect the dog's back from cold and wet.
For example for small dogs:
- XXS back length 13 cm - 15 cm
- XS back length 17 cm - 21 cm
- S back length 22 cm - 25 cm
- L back length 30 cm - 33 cm
- XL back length 33 cm - 36 cm
- XXL back length 36 cm - 39 cm
Conclusion
If you notice that your dog is freezing in the cold, you should give a damn about what others are saying! Maybe a little more education can be done, but basically the well-being of your dog is much more important than the image others have of you. Even if it seems “uncool” or simply ugly, a dog coat or raincoat can be very useful for the health of your four-legged friend. Therefore, you should jump over your shadow and get the appropriate equipment.
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