Pet expert reveals when it’s time for a dog coat

During the winter season, dog owners are looking for ways to keep their pets warm. Often, it might be confusing to determine the right time for your dog to wear a coat, and when its fur is enough to protect it. The fact that there are different breeds further complicates the matter. Pet insurance experts at MoneySuperMarket have shared tips to help dog owners with the dilemma and avoid unnecessary discomfort caused to their pups.

Kara Gammell, Pet Insurance Expert at MoneySuperMarket, said: “When temperatures drop, it’s important to think about your dog’s comfort and safety.

“Short-coated breeds like Chihuahuas, Greyhounds, Great Danes, and Boxers can start to feel the chill at around 5°C, so consider a warm coat and shorter walks. 

“At 0°C, smaller dogs, puppies, older pets, and lean breeds may struggle even more, so limiting time outdoors is sensible.

“Once it dips below -4°C, most dogs should avoid walks altogether – except for cold-climate breeds such as Tibetan Mastiffs, Siberian Huskies, and Samoyeds, whose thick double coats are designed for harsh winter conditions.”

If your dog requires a coat, it is important to secure the right size. Our pets can get just as uncomfortable as us if they wear clothes that don’t fit right. Your dog should be able to move freely in their coat and do everything they usually do without the coat on. To measure your four-legged friend for a coat, measure your dog from their neck (collar) to the base of the tail to determine the length. Then, measure the width of your dog’s chest just behind their front legs in order to measure the torso. Additionally, don’t forget to measure the area around the neck where the collar normally sits. 

According to PDSA, the vet charity for pets in need, longer dogs, such as Greyhounds, Lurchers and Whippets, need coats specifically designed for their dimensions, as others are likely not to fit correctly.