When to dress a dog?
As soon as the mercury on the thermometer drops below freezing and the surrounding nature begins to be covered in ice, we humans instinctively reach for warmer clothes. Thick sweaters, warm coats, hats and gloves become our indispensable companions during the cold days. But what about our four-legged friends, the dogs we consider members of our family? Many of us may think that their natural protective coat - fur - is sufficient protection against low temperatures.
But is their fur really always such a reliable shield against the cold?
Let's take a closer look at the evolutionary path of our pets.
Dogs, like their wild wolf ancestors, traditionally had coats consisting of two parts: the top coat and the undercoat. The topcoat resists water and dirt, while the dense undercoat serves as an insulating layer protecting against the cold. Wolves spend their entire lives outdoors, adapting to changing conditions. However, what is the fate of our domestic dogs?
Nowadays, a large part of dogs spend most of their time in the warmth of homes, where the temperature is kept at pleasant values thanks to modern heating systems. Their trips outside are limited to essential needs, such as going outside, or a longer walk from time to time. Therefore, winter represents a big temperature shock for them, which they have to cope with only with the help of their fur.
Throughout history, dog breeds have been bred for different needs and preferences, resulting in a great variety of appearance, including coat type. Some breeds have short fur and no undercoat, others are even completely hairless, such as the Xoloitzcuintle or the Chinese crested dog. Undoubtedly, these dogs do not protect their "clothes" from the cold as effectively as we might think.
This is where our role and responsibility as owners come into play.
It is essential to consider protective clothing for our canine friends, especially in the winter months. Choosing the right dog clothes should be done with careful consideration of several factors:
The material of the suit should provide sufficient insulation, but at the same time allow the skin to "breathe".
The fit of the clothes is also key. It should protect essential parts of the body, such as the joints and ideally the neck area, where the dog is more sensitive to the cold.
Finally, the suit should be comfortable enough to allow the dog to move without problems, and at the same time fit well so that it does not shift or slip.
Taking care of our canine friends during the winter months requires a little more attention and effort. However, with love and the right attitude, we can ensure that even our four-legged family members experience cold days in warmth and comfort.