Coats for Dogs

“All the leaves are brown, and the sky is grey,
I've been for a walk, on a winter’s day,
I'd be safe and warm, if I was in L.A.,
California dreamin’, on such a winter’s day”

This song, written by John and Michelle Phillips in 1963, and first performed by the Mammas and the Pappas in 1965, captures the chill that is winter.

One way to keep safe and warm in the midst of autumn and winter is to wear a jacket or coat. But what about your dog? Doesn’t he or she deserve to be warm on their winter walks?

Generally speaking, experts agree that if the outside temperature when you walk your dog does not fall below freezing, the majority of breeds do not need a coat. This means that the time of day when you walk your dog or let them out will also potentially dictate whether or not they need a coat, as the temperature tends to rise during daylight hours.

However, every dog is different, and it is important to watch your individual dog to see how they are handling the weather. If they have a thin, fine coat and not much meat on their bones, they are of course much more likely to feel the cold than larger, furrier dogs.

If you have decided that your dog will benefit from some extra warmth in winter, your next step is to work out what they need. Waterproof coats are better than jumpers and porous fabrics, as your dog is more than likely to get mucky at some point, and dirt can easily be wiped off a waterproof jacket.

Finally, don’t put your dog’s coat on until you are ready to go out, and take it off and dry it as soon as you get home. Treat your dog like yourself, and soon both of you will be cosied up inside happily California Dreamin’.

• Topics:

• Pets and Animals