Cold dogs: How to know when your pet needs a winter jacket

A water-proof coat to protect against a downpour, a fleece jacket against the cold and a bathrobe for creature comfort after being out in the elements: We’re not talking about what people are wearing, but what some people are putting on their pet dogs.

But is all this really necessary?

“As a rule it is not,” says Thomas Steidl, a veterinarian specialised in small animals and home pets. A dog has a similar sensitivity to the cold as humans do – but it also has fur. This protects it not only against warmth in the summer, but also against the wet and cold in the winter.

Nordic dog breeds such as the weatherproof Husky or the Alaskan Malamute, but also the Border Collie, the German Shepherd or the Labrador Retriever have a woolly undercoat that thickens in the autumn months and provides them with additional protection.

But it’s a bit different for a number of other canine breeds which originally came from warmer climes – such as the greyhound or the Rhodesian Ridgeback. A coat can make sense for such dogs with their short fur, animal welfare experts say.

Dogs that are older or sick can also benefit from additional protection, just as would any with little or only light fur. “Dogs without fur start to freeze extremely quickly,” says Nadia Wattad of the animal welfare association.

Small dogs are in peril in the cold

But miniature-breed dogs also get cold quickly – and often shiver. This can even quickly lead to dangerous hypoglycaemia, or low blood sugar levels. They are also susceptible to hypothermia, which can also be life-threatening. So a coat can help them against the cold.

Old dogs generally start to shiver more quickly than younger ones, and smaller dogs get cold more quickly than larger animals. The smaller the animal is, the more warmth it gives off.

In addition, smaller dog breeds lose warmth more quickly simply because they are built closer to the ground. “However, small dog breeds per se do not necessarily need a coat if they have appropriate fur,” says Nadia Wattad.

Protection against the cold: Keep moving

For the dog to keep warm, it should be able to keep moving while outdoors. Longer spells just standing around should, for the animal’s sake, be avoided in the winter. This is especially so after a dog has been in water.

Genuine water hounds like Labradors hop around in water in any temperature. Veterinarian Thomas Steidl says that as a rule this is no problem. “What is important is that they must keep moving so that they don’t cool off,” he says. “The owners should therefore continue walking on with them immediately after being in the water.”

Dogs with thin fur are better off not going into the water, animal welfare expert Wattad advises. Cold water quickly withdraws the body heat, which can lead to hypothermia. Generally speaking care should be taken with female dogs as they are more susceptible to urinary tract infections.

There’s no overlooking it when a dog is freezing. It shivers, pulls its tail in, and in some cases will snuggle up to the legs of their humans to seek some body warmth. If a dog does not feel good being out in the cold, it might also show it by quickly being done with its business and immediately wanting to head back home. Nadia Wattad recommends shorter but more frequent walks or a warm dog coat for such dogs.

Dog shoes to protect against road salt?

Whether large or small, fat or thin – a problem for every dog can be road salt. It’s best not to take a walk where salt has been spread against ice and snow, notes Thomas Steidl.

“Animals react differently to road salt. Some are sensitive, others are not,” he says. The foot pads can become brittle and cracked as a result, making them extremely susceptible to inflammation and injury. Salt that penetrates wounds directly is extremely painful. The dog will lick its paws, limp and even refuse to take another step.

And yet many vets tend to advise against dog shoes. Often, they don’t fit well and so can pinch the paws and make walking painful. Also, many dogs don’t like shoes because they are generally annoying.

On the other hand, it makes sense to lubricate the paws with a special paw balm before going out. Deer tallow is also suitable, says Steidl. After the walk, the paws should be rinsed with water and rubbed again with balm. Simply cleaning with a towel is not enough and can even be counterproductive if salt or tiny stones are rubbed into the skin.

Winter poses no effects on the recommended daily nutritional needs of dogs. Their energy requirements will rise only if they spend many hours out-of-doors in the cold. But for a normal walk, even one in below-freezing temperatures, a dog does not need extra food. With those animals that tend to be more cosy in winter and move around moderately, it may even make sense to feed them less.

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