Does your dog get cold on winter walks? If they\’re reluctant to go out or shiver as they go, you might want to treat them to the luxury of a coat. There are all sorts of coats, jackets and hoodies available for dogs, and other warmers, too. Most are washable and easy to fit, and come in small, medium and large sizes. They\’re pretty affordable, too, with most being priced at under twenty dollars. Here are some popular dog garments to consider, with further warming ideas at the end.
Coat styles
Coats for dogs come in all sorts of styles, as you\’re probably aware. Choose between jacket and hoodie, waterproof or woolly and light-weight or quilted. There are simple wrap-over vests and substantial coats with collars and leg-holes. As for fabric pattern, you might go for a high-visibility reflector or a quiet brown or black, or even camouflage – if you\’re confident you won\’t lose track of your dog when out and about.
Boots
Although dogs have fur and paw pads, their paws can still get cold on a winter\’s day. If you think your dog would benefit from some cozy footwear, you\’ll find an assortment of boots to choose from, most with non-skid paw-pads and simple, stick-on straps around the legs. Some versions come with fleece linings, too. Some come in pairs and others in fours, so check before ordering.
Other clothing accessories
You can keep your dog extra snug with a hat, snood or bandana, or just a pair of earmuffs. They tend to come in bright colors and patterns which stand out cheerily on a dark day. If your dog is particularly susceptible to the cold, you might want to add a woolly scarf or neckerchief to their outfit – perhaps with a pom-pom for fun, but make sure they\’re not too burdened to run about.
Heated pads and blankets
Keep your dog snug at home with a low-voltage heat pad or electric blanket. These luxury accessories usually come with a plug for a mains socket, though you may also find some that take batteries. Microwavable heat pads are another solution. These are small and simple to use, and wire-free. Some versions have the potential to stay warm for up to ten hours, which is handy for overnight use and long journeys. Some are padded or fleece-covered, ready for use, while others advise providing your own covering. Heated pads and blankets are generally more costly than clothing, but you\’ll find plenty of choice under the forty dollar mark.
Save money by making your own dog-wear
For a cost-free warmer, you could make your own. If you\’re a knitter, it\’ll be no problem to get clicking and produce a wrap-around coat or small blanket, and perhaps even socks or booties for your dog. But if you\’re not a knitter, you could make something from spare fabric, such as an unwanted garment of your own.
Other ways to keep your dog warm
Your dog will thrive on frequent exercise, and this will get the blood pumping around fast, warming their whole body from nose to tail. Regular, gently heated meals will also warm them through. If their bed is at floor level, raise it up a little, away from any rising chill, damp or under-door draft.
Your winter warmers will help protect against rheumatism, chills and other health problems. What\’s more, they\’ll keep your dog blissfully snug and content, just as a dog should be.
