Dog owners keep asking themselves: Is dog clothing superfluous or necessary? Silly or functional? Opinions still differ widely, but we are not strictly against dog clothing, whether it's dog sweaters, dog jackets or shoes. However, it is important that the clothing you put on your four-legged friend has a purpose - protective clothing should really remain protective clothing! Especially in winter, i.e. during the cold seasons, it makes sense to provide protection from the cold, wet and snow: clothing in the form of jackets and coats is the obvious choice. But regardless of the temperature, you should always look after your pet: If your dog is cold, suitable dog clothing is also a good idea in spring.
Below we explain why dog clothing makes sense, especially in winter, and what options are available in dog fashion for your four-legged friend.
From sweaters to coats: why dog clothing makes perfect sense in winter
Some dogs freeze faster than others: Breeds that originally come from warm regions of the world or are very small in body size need corresponding support in winter. Dalmatians, for example, only have a thin coat with no undercoat, which means they freeze quickly in cold temperatures. And Chihuahuas are less able to cope with the wet and cold due to their small size. Older dogs also usually cool down more quickly, as their metabolism works less efficiently and the body's own resources are usually no longer sufficient to keep the dog warm.
Therefore, depending on your dog's coat, the age of the dog, whether the dog breed has undercoat or whether it is relatively small, suitable dog clothing in the form of jackets and dog sweaters is recommended, especially in winter. To protect your dog's paws during a walk in winter, there are so-called paw protection shoes. They not only protect the paws from cold burns and frostbite, but also from injuries caused by road salt and grit.
Dog fashion, but functional: clothing that protects your dog in winter
Regardless of breed and whether they have an undercoat or not, your dog naturally needs to go for a walk in sub-zero temperatures, rain and snow - albeit less extensively than in "good" weather. To prevent your pet from shivering from the cold, getting hypothermia and, in the worst case, even catching a bladder infection, it's better to choose suitable winter clothing for your dog.
Well-fitting and correct dog clothing should not only offer your dog complete freedom of movement and a close fit, but the clothing should also be easy to put on and take off. This way, your four-legged friend won't associate his new dog coat with stress.
The fashion aspect of the clothing is definitely a secondary consideration: whether your dog looks particularly cute in a dog sweater or dog shoes is irrelevant. As a responsible dog owner, your focus must be on ensuring that the dog clothing offers sufficient protection and that your dog feels comfortable in it.
Dog sweater
A dog sweater like the H imalaya is ideal for dry, cold weather. Thanks to real alpaca wool, the Himalaya dog sweater is particularly fluffy and cuddly, so it fits your four-legged friend perfectly. The sweater is also guaranteed to keep your dog warm.
The anatomical cut offers optimum freedom of movement with large leg openings so that you can quickly put the sweater on and take it off your dog. The extended collar of the dog sweater also keeps the neck pleasantly warm.
The Himalaya is available in different sizes and is therefore suitable for both small Chihuahuas and larger dogs without an undercoat.
Dog coat for rainy or wet snowy days
The best way to protect your dog in cold, wet weather or wet snow is with a raincoat. Our unique Kappa dog coat is completely waterproof and windproof and has a warming chest and belly area. The cozy inner lining made of teddy fur provides your dog with warmth - on days with moderate temperatures, the fur can also be removed from the dog coat. This prevents your dog from sweating.
Paw protection shoes
Dog boots not only protect your dog's paws from the cold and snow, but also from injuries that lurk on the road in winter. Road salt and grit can cause chafing or small cuts on sensitive paws. To protect your four-legged friend from the cold and wounds, the Toffler paw protector is the ideal solution. The small shoes for the front and rear paws have an optimum fit, do not interfere with walking and at the same time protect against frostbite.
In a nutshell: How to keep your four-legged friend warm even in the cold season
- Dog clothing MUST be functional: Your dog should only wear dog sweaters, coats and the like if there is a reason to do so. Fashion trends are a no-go for all responsible owners - clothing should always be purely protective clothing.
- Dogs with thin coats without an undercoat, certain breeds, older dogs with a poor metabolism or particularly small dogs often freeze and cool down too quickly without dog clothing. Dog clothing for a walk in winter is therefore not only useful, but necessary!
- Whether it's a cozy dog sweater like the Himalaya, a dog coat like the Kappa or paw protection shoes like the Toffler: dog clothing must have an optimal fit and offer complete freedom of movement.
- Dog clothing offers protection and warmth not only in fall and winter. If your dog is shivering from the cold, prevent hypothermia or a bladder infection by getting him suitable clothing - whatever the season.
Are you a fan of protective clothing for your dog? Do you dress your four-legged friend in dog jackets, dog coats