Dog coats are not always just a fashion trend but can have a useful function in some cases. Most dog breeds have their own coat in most weather conditions. Still, certain breeds can use a dog vest in some circumstances. In addition, dog coats can also be useful when your dog has a reduced resistance due to illness or age.
- Dog vests
- Winter jackets
- Raincoats
- Cooling jackets
- Safety vests
Dog vests
In the trade you will find all kinds of dog vests in all shapes and sizes. For those who like to dress their dog, there is certainly plenty of choice. Always make sure that the dog is comfortable and that the jacket is not pinched anywhere. Besides the fact that a dog in a jacket is sometimes beautiful or a crazy sight, for some dogs it is a necessity to be protected in certain weather conditions. In addition, there are also dog vests specially designed for the safety and visibility of the dog.
Winter jackets
Most healthy dogs with an adequate coat don’t need a winter coat. Their coat provides a natural protection against the cold. But in certain cases dogs can be extra susceptible to the cold. The degree to which a dog can tolerate the cold depends on its health, weight, age and breed. We must pay extra attention to puppies, senior dogs, sick dogs and dogs without undercoat.
When a dog is really overcome by the cold, the body temperature of the dog can drop quickly causing hypothermia. The dog will then shake, no longer respond to stimuli and may eventually fall into a coma. Also keep in mind that when a dog’s coat is wet, the coat loses part of its natural protection against the cold and has a much less insulating effect. This can be important on rainy and snowy days, but also when your dog has swum by the sea during a colder day, for example. If you sit still somewhere with the dog afterwards, your dog can get cold.
Raincoats
Most dogs do not feel cold when they walk in the rain, provided they keep moving. But a raincoat can be useful for the owner himself. If your dog has a coat that is difficult to dry and untangle, a raincoat can provide protection from the rain, wind and dirt. This can save the owner a lot of time when they return home.
Cooling jackets
In the summer, at high temperatures, it is important to prevent your dog from overheating. Depending on the coat and breed, a dog may have trouble getting rid of excess heat in hot weather. Puppies, senior dogs and dogs with heart and respiratory diseases are especially at risk. It is best not to take unnecessary walks with the dog during the hot summer days. If you cannot avoid going for a walk on hot days, a cooling vest can be an effective aid. There are cooling vests that work on the basis of cooling crystals and others that work by means of moisture evaporation.
Safety vests
Most safety vests are reflective yellow or orange dog vests. A safety vest ensures that the dog stands out in the dark and at dusk. Most safety vests have reflective stripes that light up clearly with shining lights from car lights, for example. Other road users will then notice your dog much more quickly. This can be very important in poorly lit places or walking areas. These cardigans are especially useful in the dark winter months or for late evening walks. Some cardigans are also windproof and water-repellent.