Dog clothes aren’t just a cute fashion accessory. Depending on the dog’s breed, dog clothing can help insulate your dog’s fur from the cold weather. Surprisingly, the built-in fur coat on dogs does not always keep them warm during winter months.
Winter clothes for dogs represent a billion-dollar industry. Designers recognize that while dogs likely don’t care if they’re a fashionista or not, their owners enjoy colorful and cute outfits to dress their dogs in.
Some Dogs Need Dog Clothing for Winter
It is a personal choice of owners to utilize clothing or coats for dogs in winter. While it may seem like a lavish whim, many dogs cannot sustain body heat in frigid temperatures.
Some dogs, such as Weimaraners, have short, thin fur that doesn’t retain warmth. Weimaraners are working breeds that are often trained to assist owners during outdoor activities. As such, dog coats and dog sweaters can keep the dog safe from hypothermia and other cold-weather ailments.
By contrast, smaller breeds have less body heat and get colder quicker than larger breeds. Owners may opt for dog clothing for cold weather to protect their small breeds from the elements. As a bonus, dogs look adorable in sweaters and other dog clothing.
Types of Winter Clothing for Dogs
There is a wide variety of different types of winter clothing for dogs. The businesses in this industry know that owners and their pups live in vastly different climates, requiring different clothing.
For example, cold weather in Florida is rainier than the snowy states of the Northeast. Florida dog owners are more likely to find dog raincoats useful than dog winter coats. The most popular ones include:
Don’t Forget to Protect the Paws
When you’re dressing your pup in warm winter clothing, keep in mind the importance of protecting their paws. A dog’s paws can become cracked or sore from exposure to snow.
Additionally, ice melt used to keep driveways and walkways clear can damage a dog’s paws or even their internal organs if the dog licks the product off their paws.
Dog boots are a popular option for paw protection. Walkeepaws are an innovative design that protects a dog’s paws without the risk of the bootie falling off.
The World’s First Dog Leggings are adjusted by an over-the-back clip that secures the booties in place while protecting the dog’s paws from the elements, including snow and the chemicals found in ice melt.
Keep your dog warm this winter with functional but cute dog clothing for cold weather.