Icy temperatures
When does a coat make sense for dogs – and when not?
With a fleece dog coat you can protect your four-legged friend from the cold
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On cold days, in many places you can see dogs wearing a coat while walking. But is that even necessary? And if so, do their owners have to take anything into account when purchasing them? We got to the bottom of the questions.
Actually, a dog’s fur should be enough to protect him from the winter outside temperatures. But why do some breeds, such as Chihuahuas, Dachshunds or Jack Russell Terriers, tremble when they are outside in the cold season? The reason for this is their short fur and lack of undercoat, which keeps other four-legged friends nice and warm. To protect the sensitive animals from the cold, their owners buy suitable clothing for dogs. But does that really make sense? And what should you pay attention to when buying?
This is what the Federal Veterinary Association recommends. v.
According to the Federal Veterinary Association v. (BTK for short), healthy dogs usually don’t have to wear a coat when going for a walk. Nevertheless, the association admits that some four-legged friends rely on warm clothing: “For old or sick animals, breeds with short fur and without an undercoat, a dog coat can be useful in exceptional cases.” Here, the BTK recommends light, breathable and water-repellent materials that are also skin-friendly for the animals. When it comes to fit, the club has the following to consider: “The coat must fit well and must not constrict any part of the body or rub against the skin. But it should also not be too loose, because then it will not warm enough or the dog will stick to objects or “hanging on bushes”.
Fleece dog coat: Important purchase criteria
- The size
Since dog breeds vary in size, there are also coats in different sizes. To find out which fit is right for your pet, you should measure your four-legged friend – in back length as well as width. Most manufacturers offer one Size Chartwhich you can use to compare your values. - The material
Natural materials such as wool or cotton are very popular, but are less suitable for a dog coat because they do not have water-repellent properties. One combination Made of polyester fabric (outer material) and fleece (inner lining) is the better choice for dogs. It keeps the body warm and does not absorb moisture. - The wearing comfort
According to the Federal Veterinary Association, a dog coat must fit well. For optimal comfort, the material should fit close to the body, but not too tightly – and still allow sufficient freedom of movement. Adjustable straps or Velcro fasteners help to individually adapt the clothing to the animal’s body structure. - Useful details
When purchasing a dog coat made of fleece or other materials, make sure it includes an opening for the leash. This increases wearing comfort. The model should also have a Velcro or zipper so that it can be put on and taken off more easily. Reflective elements also increase visibility in the dark.
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How to properly care for a dog coat
If you are interested in one Fleece dog jacket If you have decided, you should follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. You can usually wash the material at 30 degrees to remove heavy dirt. Then let the synthetic fiber fabric dry in the fresh air before putting it back on your pet. If the inner lining of the dog coat is even removable, only this can be washed.
Source: Federal Veterinary Association. v.
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