‘I’m a vet – here’s what I really think about dogs wearing coats in winter’

Many of us are concerned for our pets during the bitter cold spells we’ve encountered – with January bringing everything from snow to storms.

It’s hardly ideal conditions for walking our dogs. And while we dress warmly for these chilly outings, there’s debate over whether our four-legged companions should be similarly clad.

Thankfully though, a recent TikTok post by veterinarian Maria has tackled the issue. She said that while dressing pooches is controversial, it can be a positive thing.

She said: “Putting a coat on your dog… is it humanising them? Do they really need it? Many times this practice is criticised because it’s said that they are animals, that they are tough, that they can withstand the cold, that their fur protects them, that it regulates their temperature… and that putting a little coat on them is stupid and humanising them. Well, I disagree. Like everything in life, you have to use a bit of common sense… It depends a lot on the dog and its breed.”

Maria proceeded to clarify with examples, mentioning: “Nordic dogs, like a Husky, don’t need a coat,” due to the natural resilience of their fur to more extreme weather. Similarly, she revealed, “My dog, for example, is a Border Collie and has quite a bit of fur; it’s also double-coated, so in winter it has more wool.”

Nevertheless, some breeds may not be accustomed to frigid temperatures and could benefit from added layers such as fleece or coats for warmth. Maria emphasised the importance of recognising that not all dogs have the same type of fur, which can affect how they handle cold weather.

She explained: “There are little dogs that don’t have that type of fur. They don’t have it as long or as thick, nor do they have a double coat, and sometimes it’s trimmed before winter starts, so their skin is a bit more exposed to the cold.” The vet also stressed the significance of observing pets’ behaviour for signs of discomfort due to the cold, such as shivering.

The veterinarian added: “My dog comes first and I want my dog to be well; I don’t care what any stranger says out there. Just meet your dog’s needs. That’s not humanising them – it’s caring for them and ensuring their comfort and welfare. And don’t worry about what people say, it’s not black or white. Take care of your dog.”

Maria’s TikTok video has since received 52,700 likes and numerous supportive comments. One user shared: “If I don’t shelter and cover my greyhound, I won’t sleep because he cries at me. It’s a drama queen! ”

Meanwhile, another commenter joked: “I put a coat on my Yorkshire terrier and then had to put another on my Pitbull because the boy was jealous.”

Which dogs feel the cold the most?

Some dogs are more sensitive to the cold due to their breed, coat type, body size, and overall health. Generally, dogs that feel the cold the most share traits like short or fine coats, small or lean body sizes, and low body fat. Here are some dogs that are particularly sensitive to cold temperatures:

• Chihuahuas – Chihuahuas are small and have thin, short coats, which provide minimal insulation against the cold.
• Greyhounds and Whippets – These breeds are thin, lean, and lack a thick insulating coat, making them vulnerable to chilly weather.
• Chinese Crested Dogs – With very little fur on their bodies, these dogs are highly susceptible to cold weather and need extra protection.
• Dachshunds – Their short legs and petite frames make it harder for them to stay warm, especially in cold and wet environments.
• Yorkshire Terriers – These tiny dogs have a fine, silky coat that doesn’t provide much warmth.
• Miniature Pinschers – This small breed with a sleek coat is not built for cold temperatures and may need sweaters or jackets in cool weather.
• French Bulldogs and Boston Terriers – These breeds have short coats and a compact body structure, making them susceptible to colder temperatures.
• Toy Breeds (e.g., Maltese, Pomeranians, Papillons) – Their small body sizes and fine coats (even for those with long hair) make it harder to retain body heat.

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