Dog sweaters are not just for display, they can also be beneficial to your dog’s health. Depending on the breed of your dog, the benefits of wearing an extra garment when temperatures drop are many. In fact, if you’ve ever seen your dog shiver or shiver in cold temperatures, it’s probably a sign that he needs extra protection.
- Benefits of dog sweaters
- Provide warmth: Small dog breeds or short-haired dogs would likely benefit the most from wearing an additional garment during the winter months when they are outside. Dog breeds such as Chihuahuas, Chinese Crested, Toy Poodles, Fox Terriers, Miniature Pinschers, Italian Greyhounds, Affenpinschers, Dachshunds, and Pugs simply don’t have a thick enough coat to withstand cold temperatures.
- Facilitates common bread: If your dog is suffering from arthritis or joint pain, the extra warmth the clothing provides could ease some of his pain. Cozy fleece coats are perfect to wear in this situation.
- Protect a sore or abrasion: A cover-up will help a sore or abrasion to get worse. This will aid in your healing process by keeping the sore clean and dry, as well as preventing your dog from biting on it.
- Skin care: If your dog has a skin rash or razor burn from a recent clipper, wearing a dog sweater will help protect his sensitive skin.
On the other hand, there are certain dog breeds that would never need more protection from cold weather temperatures. Their own coats give them enough warmth. These dog breeds would include the Chow Chow, Siberian Husky, Keeshond, Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, Alaskan Malamute, Samoyed, Norwegian Elkhound, Akita, Great Pyrenees, and Bernese Mountain Dog, to name a few.
The bottom line is that dog sweaters work the same on dogs as they do on people. They help keep the body warm. If you are unsure whether your dog needs to use one or not, consult your vet.