Especially for some breeds, it is increasingly common to see dogs dressed in coats, raincoats, dresses, t-shirts and even socks and shoes.
The topic is a source of debate between those who find them adorable and those who, instead, think it is almost a form of violence towards the animal.
But the real question is: is dressing your dog a trend or a necessity? It depends.
It depends, for example, on the season. A t-shirt in the summer will most likely be a whim while a raincoat will prove to be really precious to not give up a healthy walk even on rainy days.
Likewise, a coat will be essential to allow you to go out with your dog even if he particularly suffers from low winter temperatures.
Not all dogs are the same. Therefore, first of all, you will have to understand if your dog falls into those categories that, for example, due to breed or fur type, really needs to be protected from the cold.
The dog raincoat is a different story, especially if made of lightweight water-repellent fabric, which is suitable for protecting even the most robust dogs from the rain.
In this regard, if you are thinking of buying a raincoat for your furry friend but you don't know where to start to choose the best model, size or material, there are some things you absolutely must know to orient yourself towards the most suitable garment for your dog.
In this article we will see:
- Dog Coat or Raincoat: What Are They For?
- How to choose the size of the dog raincoat
- What are the best dog raincoat models?
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What to do if the dog does not want to wear the raincoat?
Dog Coat or Raincoat: What Are They For?
When choosing between a coat and a raincoat for your dog, you need to consider what function it has to perform : whether it should only protect your friend from the rain or wind or whether it should also protect him from the cold.
In general, for large, long-haired dogs, it will be sufficient to opt for a light raincoat that has the sole purpose of protecting the faithful dog from water. For smaller, short-haired dogs, on the contrary, you will have to focus on coats that also protect them from low temperatures.
Let's see in detail which variables to consider to guide your choice.
The size and breed of the dog
Small dogs (such as Chihuahuas or Pinschers) suffer from the cold more than larger animals.
Race is a fundamental discriminant in choosing the most suitable leader. Consider, in fact, that many races are the result of man's selection.
Some species have short fur and are absolutely not suited to a harsh climate, while others (such as the Poodle or the Maltese), even if long or curly haired, have been selected not to have an undercoat (which guarantees thermal insulation) to avoid the discomfort of hair in the house during the moulting period.
The absence of undercoat can be seen as if your dog were naked and therefore without any protection from the cold. In these cases, a super warm and soft down jacket , made of 100% Nylon on the outside and chenille-effect fabric on the inside, can be the perfect solution.
On the contrary, Nordic or shepherd breeds , in addition to being advantaged by their large size, have a very thick coat and undercoat, so they tolerate the cold very well . In this case, an ultra-light dog raincoat will be sufficient to protect them from the rain.
The same goes for brachycephalic dogs such as the French Bulldog and the Pug, which, unable to disperse heat through breathing, tend to always be hot.
Over-covering these animals would not only be useless, but also harmful to their health.
Age and health status
Another variable you will have to consider is, regardless of the breed, the age and health status of your dog which make him more predisposed to respiratory diseases .
An older or physically debilitated animal usually has reduced muscle mass and body fat and is therefore more prone to suffering from low temperatures.
In these cases, using a raincoat that protects your friend from cold, rain, wind and humidity will be essential.
However, even a younger and perfectly healthy dog, if accustomed to the heat of the house, will need a little more attention than an animal that lives outside.
The physical activity he is doing
Always keeping in mind what was said above, another variable to consider is also the physical activity that your dog is about to perform.
If he has to run or play he will need to be less covered than if he were just walking on a leash or in a more sedentary situation outdoors.
How to choose the size of the dog raincoat
Choosing the right size for your dog's raincoat will be essential to ensure comfort, freedom of movement and the fact that he will accept wearing it.
How to do it? It's very simple: take a tape measure and measure the distance from the base of the neck to the base of the tail .
The important thing is that your four-legged friend is positioned correctly standing and well erect. It is not necessary to measure the circumference of the chest and neck.
What are the best dog raincoat models?
We have seen how dogs, just like us humans, can have different needs based on their specific characteristics.
Using a raincoat, however, will not only protect your dog from adverse weather conditions, but will also make your life easier by avoiding having to wash or dry it after every walk in the rain, thus also reducing the dirt brought into the house.
When choosing, keep in mind that the best dog coat or raincoat must have the following characteristics:
- Be of good quality . Whether it is light or padded, nylon or fabric, keep in mind that it will be in contact with the animal's body, so the quality of the material is essential for its health.
- Be simple to wear , adjustable (both on the abdomen and on the legs) and easily washable
- Ensure freedom of movement
If you like to take evening walks with your four-legged friend in complete safety, you can also opt for a reflective dog raincoat which, in addition to protecting him from the elements thanks to a resistant water-repellent polyester fabric, makes him more visible to motorists .
A good two-in-one solution is the double waterproof coat which, thanks to the detachable internal padding in fleece and cotton, transforms from a down jacket to be used in winter to a lighter raincoat to be used in case of rain but with milder temperatures.
For particularly sporty dogs and owners, a raincoat with a foldable hood is perfect , while for smaller, more fashionable girls, a warm and elegant coat for a walk on a sunny winter day.
What to do if the dog does not want to wear the raincoat?
Your dog may be very reluctant to wear a raincoat because, obviously, feeling the clothes on is not in his nature.
How to behave in these cases, especially if your friend is long-haired and would become completely soaked after a downpour?
First of all, choose an easy-to-wear garment, absolutely avoiding raincoats with sleeves that would make him feel even more trapped.
Furthermore, as with the carrier or other activities towards which he may show distrust, try to create a positive association with the raincoat, perhaps by starting to have him wear it for a few minutes at home, rewarding him with treats or presenting it to him in the form of a game.
If all else fails, there is no point in forcing him . In this case, however, remember to dry him well when you return from the walk because staying too long with wet fur would be harmful to his health.
Choose a reliable dealer
We have seen how the coat or raincoat for dogs are much more than a whim of the owner but, in most cases, essential items to protect the health of the animal.
The important thing is that you take into account the characteristics of your four-legged friend , such as breed, type of fur, age and state of health, in order to choose the most suitable garment.
Remember that if your dog doesn't need it, covering him too much can be absolutely counterproductive so just get a light raincoat to protect him from the rain.
However, it will be essential that, when choosing a garment, as with any other product (whether it is food, kennels, hygiene or clothing), you direct your choice towards a reliable retailer such as Millstore , able to guarantee that you purchase only the best brand items on the market.
In the pet shop dedicated to dogs you will find everything you need for the health and well-being of your furry friend as well as a team of professional experts available to support you in your purchase.
