This also applies to dogs, such as Poodles, that are highly groomed in a manner that keeps their fur very short.
Dressing up dogs with dense fur in outerwear can even be detrimental, leading to overheating.
If you notice that they’re shivering for an extended period of time, getting sluggish, coming to a complete stop, and/or trying to keep one or more paws off the ground when they walk, it’s likely that your dog is being negatively affected by the cold.
If it’s at all wet or snowy outside, it’s best to go for a waterproof jacket. Wet sweaters can make your dog colder instead of keeping them warm.
If you’re going for a coat, select one that has a waterproof or water-resistant exterior so that it can withstand the elements.
Prepare yourself to find the right size for your dog by taking some key measurements. Use a tape measure to take the circumferences of your dog’s neck, chest (around their biggest rib), and waist. You should also measure the distances between the base of their neck and their waist, and between the base of their neck and the base of their tail. Some garments may have sizing charts that are determined by your dog’s weight.
Dog apparel should be easy to take on and off. Once it’s on, you should allow your dog to move around in it to see if their range of motion or natural gait is at all affected. You should also check that you can fit two fingers (one finger for small dogs) under the neckline or any other openings to be sure that they won’t chafe your dog’s skin.
Consider attaching clip-on lights to your dog’s collar or getting a light-up collar so that you don’t lose your pet and so that they’re obviously visible to other people, pets, and motorists. You could also go for a coat that has reflective strips or material as part of the design.
Keep in mind that the wisest thing to do in extreme winter conditions is to keep yourself and your dog inside. If you do need to venture out, the most practical hats for dogs will be bands that tuck under their chins and wrap over their ears. Neck warmers designed for humans also make good hats for dogs.
Besides keeping your dog’s feet warm, booties can also help shield your pet from ice, snow, salt, and grit. Being exposed to these winter hazards can injure your dog’s feet or leave their paws painfully dry and/or cracked. Pick a material that’s sturdy enough to offer protection and withstand harsh conditions while being flexible enough to comfortably adjust to the shape of your pet’s feet. They should also have waterproof or water-resistant exterior to keep your dog’s paws dry. Consider getting boots with traction or grips on the bottom to help your pooch navigate through snow and ice. Since these are specialty items, pet stores will not always stock them, and ordering them online may be easier.
Getting the right size will require you to take measurements of your pet using either a scale or a tape measure. Some dog shoe companies use sizing charts that go by weight. Others will ask you to measure the distance between a dog’s heel and toenail.
Be sure that your dog’s booties are tight enough to stay on without being uncomfortable. Check to see that the ankle straps aren’t rubbing or chafing your dog’s skin or fur. Also check that the booties aren’t affecting your dog’s natural gait. While they may walk differently in their shoes at first, be wary if your dog does not adjust back to their normal stride over time. This can indicate that the shoes are cramping their feet or placing pressure on their claws.
Giving your pooch treats along with their booties will help them develop positive associations with wearing shoes. Taking them out for a walk immediately after you put them on will also boost their positive associations with booties. It’s also a good idea to keep your dog under control on a leash initially until they’ve adapted to walking in booties. If you notice that the booties are slipping off, stop and adjust the Velcro straps until they fit tightly enough to stay on.
