Dog coats explained
You might wonder about whether dog coats are necessary for your dogs. You’ve probably seen the cute little pampered pooches with their fancy clothes on YouTube or Instagram, right? Their outfits look pretty, but not very functional. And sometimes, they’re downright frivolous.
Do dogs need dog coats?
Do you know if your dog needs a coat? They generally have fur, with a few exceptions, as any dog owner knows. They certainly shed enough. However, sometimes the coat they were born with isn’t enough for their living conditions.
History of dogs and people
Centuries ago, when early dog relatives were in the wild, they were suited for the environment in which they lived. If they were near the equator, they didn’t need thick coats and didn’t have them. Likewise, the insulation would help them survive if they lived near the poles, so they had nice thick coats. Their dog coats were well suited to their homes.
Then they started hanging around people. People decided dogs could help them with their work, so they raised dogs for those various jobs by selective breeding, choosing parents specifically to pass on the desirable traits.
The more dogs were developed, the less they resembled their ancestors. The result has been that, while dogs are very skilled at their assigned jobs, they aren’t suited to live in the wild. They might have traits from their ancestors who lived in the tropics while residing in the northern reaches or vice versa. For that reason, they need us to help them by providing gear, like dog coats, that help them exist comfortably in the places we have them living.
Not all dogs need a coat. Some are very comfortable, just as they are based on where they live. For example, a Newfoundland in Canada has the perfect jacket for staying warm in those bitter winters. Likewise, a whippet with its lean build and smooth coat suits a desert home. Try moving a whippet to Minnesota and see how that works.
Why your dog needs a coat?
How about your dog? How can you tell if your dog is comfortable? Just observation and common sense will tell you a lot. Dogs feel cold like we do. Ways you can know that you need to buy a dog coat:
Your dog is shivering
They don’t want to go outside
Your dog may be all huddled up or curled up, trying to stay warm
The natural coat is smooth
Their build is lean, with little fat
Temperatures are cool enough that you feel chilly or even cold, meaning they will.
If you see any of these, it’s time to consider dog coats.
Fortunately, many people have noticed that dogs need help staying warm sometimes and have designed coats to help them. And the choices are almost limitless. Big stores like Walmart, pet specialty stores like Petco, and smaller boutique stores all carry versions of dog coats. You can even get them custom-made for your dog or create your own if you’re handy.
Finding the right dog coat
If you decide to get your dog a dog coat, take a look at Madebyde. I make each coat just for your dog.
No one option is always best. To get the best coat for your dog, consider
Does your dog need to stay warm, dry, or both?
Is your dog going to spend long periods outside or go for potty breaks?
What activities is your dog going to perform in that coat?
Does your dog have special health needs, or are they elderly?
Once you’ve figured out what specific needs that new dog coat should fulfill, you can search for a suitable option. The main point is that if your dog needs a dog coat, they’ll be much more comfortable if you get them one. You'll both be happier.
Keep your dog safe and comfortable with a dog coat.
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