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Dog Coats Fashions For the Modern Dog

Written by Dylan Brodderick Saturday, 12 December 2009 08:37

When I was a child dogs rarely wore dog coats. There was a wide spread myth that a dog's fur was enough to keep them warm on cold winter days. Clearly, this was false as some dogs are simply not naturally suited for colder climates. The dog coats that were available were generally pretty ugly and generally pretty difficult to put on.

When I was a child dogs rarely wore dog coats. There was a wide spread myth that a dog's fur was enough to keep them warm on cold winter days. Clearly, this was false as some dogs are simply not naturally suited for colder climates. The dog coats that were available were generally pretty ugly and generally pretty difficult to put on.

In current times there are hundreds of dog coat options ranging from the plain and simple to the extra-fancy, from the reasonably priced to the super expensive. There are water-proof coats and insulated coats and light weight coats. There are coats more suitable to short haired dogs and coats more suitable to longer haired dogs. There are coats that your dog can step into, coats that wrap around, and coats that are similar to a cape with a waist fastener. Some of the models designed for larger dogs have pockets for owners to carry items such as newspapers, magazines or a small amount of groceries.

Dog coats come in a wide range of designs and colours. Some dog coats include safety features such as bells and reflective stripes. There are so many options that it can be difficult to choose the right dog coat for your dog. Below are the four most important considerations in choosing a coat for your dog.

1. Climate. Is the coat intended to protect your dog from the elements or is it more of a fashion statement? If you live in a temperate climate and the temperature rarely goes below freezing then you needn't worry too much about the insulation factor of the coat. However, if you live in an area that has severe winters then you must really be careful to choose a coat that will protect your beloved pooch. Look for a coat that is both insulated and wind proof. You may also want to find a coat that is also water proof. Many coats use gortex and thinsulate and these coats work well.

2. Can the coat be machine washed? Dog coats can get grubby very quickly and sometimes can get soiled by the dog relieving himself. Only consider dog coats that can be thrown into the washing machine. Keeping the coat clean will depend on your dog. Hopefully, during the spring thaw it will be warm enough that your dog can go coat-less. Expect to wash the coat twice per year.

3. How will you dog behave while being dressed? Is he or she a wiggler? If the coat is tricky to put on then your dog will likely have a cold winter. Look for a coat with easy to handle closures such as good quality zippers or Velcro strip fasteners

4. How big is your dog? What size dog coat should you buy? Before you start searching for the perfect dog coat you need to take a few measurements. Measure around the broadest part of his chest and add two centimeters. Measure again the circumference of the neck and add two centimeters. Lastly, measure your dog from the start of the tail to the base of the neck. Keep these measurements handy when you when shopping for a new dog coat.