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Certain dogs are better able to handle winter weather than others. Like humans, dogs come in all shapes and sizes.
Some breeds naturally have more body fat to insulate them against the elements. Other dogs come with their own, nature-made coats of thick, layered fur.
Your dog’s breed, size, and age are all things to take into consideration when it comes to protecting him against harsh winter weather.
Cold-loving breeds
Some dogs simply don’t need winter coats because they are genetically built for winter weather, with higher body fat and thicker coats of fur.
A few breeds that are known to be built for cold weather are:
American Eskimo Dog
Bernese Mountain Dog
Who can benefit from sporting a coat?
However, just as we wear hats and coats to retain body heat in winter months, some dogs need help maintaining heat as the outdoor temperature plummets. Short-haired breeds and breeds with less body mass tend to fair less well in the elements.
A few breeds that are not suited to the chilly weather are:
If you have a short-haired dog, a winter coat is a must if he is going to be outdoors in the cold.
Other dogs who benefit from winter coats:
Protecting your dog against the elements is important for his physical health and well being.
Even if your pooch is in perfect health, it’s important to remember that signing up for pet insurance early helps to protect him in the event of accidents and illnesses that might occur later. Get a free quote today.
The perfect dog coat
So what makes the ideal dog coat? That depends on what your dog will need. You need to factor in your dog and lifestyle. First, identify the factors that are crucial to you.
Warmth and Wearability
Beyond your key personal requirements, the most important factors you should be looking for are warmth and wearability.
Warmth in a dog coat is similar to warmth in a human winter coat. The amount of body heat the coat retains depends on the materials used and the number of layers.
Layers retain body heat, as do puffy pockets of air. For warmth, a good option is a puffer coat. Puffer coats come in down filled and a variety of man-made fillings that are just as warm.
Look for a water-resistant or waterproof outer layer to keep your dog dry. A polyester or breathable polyurethane outer shell is a good choice for protection against the elements.
Wearability refers to your dog’s ability to comfortably move around and attain full range of motion in the coat. No matter how adorable the coat looks on your dog, if it doesn’t properly fit and protect his organs from the cold, it isn’t doing its job.
Fit
Make a New Year’s Resolution to bundle up and get outdoors with your dog this year!
Guest Blogger: Lauren Lee