This List Will Help You Decide If Your Dog Needs Winter Protective Gear.
You should do your best to keep your dog safe and comfortable, especially in winter. You can wrap them in booties to cover your paws, or sweaters to keep warm. Even if your dog is traditionally well adapted to the cold, this list will help you decide if you need to buy winter gear for him.
Dr. Andrew M. Streiber of WebVet lists what to consider when deciding if your dog needs winter gear:
- Age – less than 6 months compared to older
- The breed is a toy vs. Work
- General health – any pre-existing conditions
- Animal size
- Coating Type – Thin vs. Double / Thick Coating
- Wind
- Humidity – dry vs. rain / sleet
- Shelter (type, condition, bedding and insulation) for predominantly outdoor animals
Not all factors you should think about are related to your dog. Also consider the weather conditions. Likewise, your dog may not need protection all the time. Regardless of whether you use winter gear on your dog, be sure to thoroughly clean and dry his paws after being outdoors in winter weather. This not only makes them more comfortable, but also removes salt and dirt that can cause irritation. For more information on how to protect your puppy from winter conditions, check out the full post at the link below.