Vet explains: Are winter jackets for dogs excessive or necessary?

It is often said that animals do not need coats because of their fur. Brunner says that’s not entirely true. “Cold can affect some dogs as much as it affects us humans.” If a dog is constantly cold, his immune system may be weakened, making him more susceptible to infections such as bladder infections or pneumonia.

When winter jackets make sense

Whether a dog needs a jacket when going for a winter walk depends on several factors, such as the condition of its coat, Brunner says. “Dogs with short hair and no undercoat freeze quickly.” These include Dachshunds, Greyhounds, Dalmatians and English Pointers. With thick fur and abundant undercoat, Labradors, Huskies or German Shepherds are well insulated.

This also depends on the environment in which the four-legged friend lives. The expert says: “A farm dog that is always outside and moves around a lot will develop more undercoat than a dog that lives in the city and often stays in a heated apartment.” Age also plays a role. “Very young dogs become cold quickly because their fur is still very thin.” Older dogs, on the other hand, are sensitive to cold because their blood circulation is less functional, their immune system is less strong and their muscle mass is reduced.

Another issue is weather conditions. Dogs can handle dry cold better than wet, according to Brunner. “Sometimes zero degrees is less bad than five degrees with wind.” It is also very important whether a dog has recently had an infection or a chronic disease of the kidneys or joints. Dogs with osteoarthritis suffer more in the cold. A dog may only need a coat in the winter at certain stages of its life.

ear test

“The best way to tell if a dog is cold is to look at his ears,” says Brunner. Along with the paws and tail, these are the first parts of the body to cool. This way, you can feel with your hand whether the weather is too cold for your pet.

The expert recommends the onion skin principle to protect against cold and rain. “I dress my dogs in three layers.” The bottom layer is a type of thermal covering, the second is a thin, tight sweater, and the third layer consists of a raincoat or a thicker jacket that is warm and waterproof.

“I find this principle ideal because you can reduce one layer as soon as the dog has warmed up, after about 15 minutes,” Brunner says. For dog owners who find three layers too complicated, there are also jackets that keep you warm and protect you from rain.

Criteria when purchasing

The expert recommends that when choosing a jacket, you should pay attention to whether it can be easily put on and taken off. “The best models are those that can be pulled on the front legs and buttoned, like an apron.” A jacket should also fit snugly and not constrict any part of the body. “It’s helpful to check the inside of the jacket for any protruding nylon threads or rough, abrasive edges,” says Brunner.

There is another side to a small dog like a Dachshund. “Because their legs are so short, it is especially important that the jacket protects the stomach from the cold radiating from the ground.”