does clothing help dogs stay warm in the winter?

Question

for some reason I remember someone telling me that for dogs it doesn't really matter if you put a sweater on them or not.

Answer 1

depends on what kind of a dog. most dogs that have a resonably long coat don't need anything at all. their fur keeps them warm enough... Heck have you ever seen Alaska sled dogs wearing clothing?
For dogs with very short fur, they might need to put something on to stay warm if it's really cold outside.

Answer 2

101 to 102.5F is their normal temperature range so they have a higher metabolic rate than humans in order to maintain temperature that's 3-4 deg F hotter. If you're asking how easily they can stay that warm in the winter outdoors, then you need to look at things like the structure of their undercoat and top coat, whether they're waterproof (oily), whether they're ill or old. wet or dry, in the wind or out of it etc. Thin coated dogs like greyhounds do not tolerate the cold well... mine might even need a snood as well as a coat if taken out on a very cold day. I'd certainly not leave her outdoors. Now the Borzois I had before had beautiful layered coats and big warm tail to curl up around. They didn't like wet snow though because it made painful ice on the fur under and around their feet. Dry snow they really loved to race around in. So the answer is they'll stay plenty warm enough provided that the breed has the right kind of coat and plenty of food. Dogs with thin coats are ill suited to maintining their temperature for long outdoors in the cold.

Answer 3

My maltese loved to play in the snow, but she would shiver terribly. I bought her some real cute sweaters to wear outside and she actually loved them, would lie down on floor to have you put them on for her. I think they are great!! Why be outside for an hour or so shoveling or playing when the poor pooch wants to a part of the action. Sweaters are perfect for the dogs with no fur or dogs that just can't handle the cold.

Answer 4

Well, my dog has a double coat of fur, so he doesn't get a sweater. He loves the cold weather! My parent's dog has "hair" (kind of like a Yorkie) and she does wear a jacket, because her "hair" doesn't keep her warm.

Answer 5

Dogs with thin fur obviously shouldn't be left out in Alaskan blizzards or anything, but if you really feel like it, they sell all kinds of clothes for dogs. God gave 'em fur to keep 'em warm though. That's why they shed the winter fur during spring...b/c it was nice and thick to keep them warm.

Answer 6

It sure does! I have a doberman pinscher and they have very thin coats and in the winter if I want to take him out for an extended period of time I need to put on a doggie coat. Now for dogs like a husky this is not an issue :)

Answer 7

Yes, it does help dogs stay warmer with jackets in the winter and imperative for small ones, who feel it the most. It'd be
like you or me going without a coat or boots, they too can get frostbite, as they have sensitive pads on their feet. My friend & I have 2 J.R. Terriors that can't that go no longer than 3-5 min. to do their job and back in the house. And could do serious damage to any animal! Please people treat r dogs with proper care, they have only you to depend on!

Thanks,
Summer

Answer 8

Yep, some dogs aren't made to be cold. I have a little yorkie puppy that loves his little coat. He knows that he gets to go outside if he puts it on. Now that it's really cold here, he wont even go out on the porch without his coat.

Answer 9

Yes, it does. My neighbor's dog has a coat for winter and he says it helps him go for longer walks and play in the snow longer.

Answer 10

It makes a huge difference! My greyhounds wouldn't be able to go out in anything below -5 celsius if they didn't have coats. When it's really cold they need to wear boots, too or their feet would freeze in just minutes.