As January’s harsh weather dealt us snow and storms, many pet owners worried about their furry companions braving the elements. Is it too much or perhaps essential to bundle up our dogs just like we do?
Fortunately, a recent TikTok video by vet Maria addressed this hotly contested topic.
She argues in favor of canine winter wear, stating: “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 then provided clarity with examples, specifically highlighting that “Nordic dogs, like a Husky, don’t need a coat,” due to their fur’s natural resilience. Furthermore, she added: “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.”
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Some dogs just aren’t cut out for the frosty weather, and could really use an extra warm layer, like a snuggly fleece or coat. Maria pointed this out, noting it’s crucial to remember not all doggies come with the same kind of fur cloak that can handle the winter chill, reports Surrey Live .
She said: “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.”
This vet is also all about keeping a keen eye on your furry friends’ reaction to the cold—look out for shivers, it’s a telltale sign they’re not feeling too cozy. And she doesn’t hesitate to put her pup first, asserting: “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 advice has turned heads online too, with her TikTok vid racking up a hearty 52,700 likes and loads of love in the comment section.
One person opened up: “If I don’t shelter and cover my greyhound, I won’t sleep because he cries at me. It’s a drama queen! ” While someone else shared a laugh: “I put a coat on my Yorkshire terrier and then had to put another on my Pitbull because the boy was jealous.”
So, which pups are shaking in their boots this winter?
Certain breeds of dogs are more susceptible to the cold due to factors such as their breed, coat type, body size, and overall health. Typically, dogs that are most affected by the cold have characteristics like short or thin coats, small or lean bodies, and low body fat.
Here are some breeds that are particularly sensitive to chilly temperatures:.
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