Low temperatures
When is a coat for dogs useful – and when not?
With a fleece dog coat you protect your four-legged friend from the cold
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On cold days, you can see dogs in many places wearing a coat when they go for a walk. But is that even necessary? And if so, do their owners have to consider anything when purchasing one? We got to the bottom of the questions.
Actually, a dog’s coat should be enough to protect it from the wintry outside temperatures. But why do some breeds such as Chihuahuas, Dachshunds or Jack Russell Terriers tremble when they are outside during 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 clothes for dogs. But does that really make sense? And what should be considered when buying?
This is recommended by the Federal Chamber of Veterinarians e. V
According to the Federal Chamber of Veterinarians e. V (BTK for short) healthy dogs do not usually have to wear a coat when walking. Nevertheless, the association admits that some four-legged friends are dependent on warm clothing: “For old or sick animals, breeds with short fur and no 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. As far as the fit is concerned, the club points out the following: “The coat must fit well and must not constrict any part of the body or chafe against the skin. However, it should not be too loose either, because then it does not warm up enough or the dog sticks to objects or hanging from 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 terms of back length and 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 (upper material) and fleece (inner lining) is a 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 optimum wearing comfort, the material should fit snugly but not too tightly on the body – and still allow sufficient freedom of movement. Adjustable straps or Velcro fasteners help to individually adapt the clothing to the animal’s physique. - Useful details
When buying a dog coat made of fleece or other materials, make sure that it includes a leash hole. This increases the wearing comfort. In addition, the model should 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.
Tip: new customers can save money when buying a dog coat with a Fressnapf voucher.
How to properly care for a dog coat
If you choose 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 soiling. Then let the synthetic fiber fabric dry in the fresh air before you put it back on your pet. If the inner lining of the dog coat is removable, only this may be washed.
Source: Federal Chamber of Veterinarians e. V
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