Do vets recommend dog coats?
Geraldine Smitham
2025-08-10 03:34:16
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Some dogs might need to wear a coat to help keep them cosy, especially if they’ve got short hair. Keeping your dog warm is essential in the winter months. Train your dog to wear a coat in a positive way and they will enjoy wearing one for winters to come.
Jailyn King
2025-08-10 03:18:48
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As a veterinary practice, we often get asked this question, so let's look at both sides of the debate to help you decide whether winter clothes are a good fit for your pet. Some pets are more susceptible to the cold than others, particularly short-haired breeds, smaller dogs, and senior pets. These animals often struggle to maintain their body heat in colder weather, making a warm coat or jumper beneficial for comfort and health. A well-fitted coat can help keep dogs warm during winter walks in Surrey, preventing hypothermia and other cold-related conditions. Pets with certain health conditions, like arthritis, can benefit from additional warmth during winter. Our team at Weybridge share that a snug jumper can alleviate some discomfort by helping maintain body temperature and reducing stiffness. As vets, we believe the decision to use winter clothes on pets should depend on their individual needs and put their wellbeing and happiness first. With dogs, consider their breed/coat type and if they need extra layers, their age and health, and if a coat will help them in bad weather. Weybridge's team also advise observing your dog's reaction to clothing and if they show signs of distress, it's best to avoid it.
Dayton Raynor
2025-08-10 03:12:32
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For those dogs that will benefit from wearing a coat during walks, it’s important to remember that clothing for pets should be used to keep them warm and dry, not just to look fashionable. Wearing clothes isn’t natural for dogs, but if their breeding, health, age or coat condition doesn’t cope well with the climate, wearing a dog coat can help them adapt. Dogs with fine or thin fur and dogs that are very young, underweight, old or unwell need a warm dog coat when they go out, as they feel the cold much faster than other dogs. A fit and healthy dog with thick fur should be fine outside without a coat, as long as they’re active, playing or exercising. Some dogs, such as Huskies and Malamutes, are well suited to colder weather, so you may find they’re happier to be in the cold for their usual walk. However, smaller dog breeds, like Chihuahuas and small Terriers, can feel the cold quickly, so they will benefit from the extra warmth of a coat in winter. No matter what sort of dog you have, always keep an eye on them while out and about and take them home if they aren’t coping.
Michele Witting
2025-08-10 00:13:01
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Decisions should be made using age, breed, expected exercise levels and, of course, temperature as considerations. Healthy dogs with a thick coat like huskies and German shepherds should rarely, if ever, need a coat. They can easily overheat while wearing one, causing discomfort. I would suggest the decision in these cases be on an individual basis, with perhaps a discussion with your vet or vet nurse. Exercise levels will also be a factor. If your dog will be tearing around constantly, using lots of energy and creating body heat, they may only need a coat at the start of a walk or perhaps not at all.
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