Our four-legged pets are blessed with fur by nature. And it seems that this is enough to be warm all year round. However, frost, snow and cold wind can break through any protection. Most dogs can happily jump in the snow, chase snowballs and pull sleds with children. Most, but not all. There are those who are not only afraid of frost, but even tremble like aspen leaves from a draft in the apartment! The question naturally arises: do you need to additionally insulate your dog and when is the best time to do it?
It would be very simple to set several environmental parameters, link them to the size of the dog and receive a forecast on the topic: “is the dog cold or not.”
Is the dog cold or not.
From a physiological point of view, dogs have the ability to maintain their body temperature within optimal limits, even when the environment changes quite significantly. However, this ability varies. Literally, size matters… When it comes to staying warm, as a general rule, the larger the dog, the easier it is for him to maintain his temperature within optimal limits. This is generally explained by the fact that their body surface area is smaller than their body volume. As you know, the body “generates” heat, and the skin gives it away. In other words, large dog breeds have a smaller relative area of skin from which heat can be dissipated.
In addition, the quality and length of the coat, activity level, age, health and acclimatization of the dog are also important factors. The physiological characteristics of a dog are full of amazing properties that can change, and quite quickly. For example, if a large, cold-resistant, hardened dog, kept outdoors since birth, develops, for example, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease or hormonal imbalance (Cushing’s disease), then maintaining his optimal body temperature will be difficult or even more difficult. than a miniature Yorkie.
Therefore, there is no guaranteed algorithm for when you need to additionally insulate your dog. What to do? Surely you are still worried and, as soon as the days get colder, you try to dress your dog. But we are sure that when the days turn from “cold” to “frosty”, you are overcome by worries: “… did I dress the dog warmly enough?”
The best thing to do is to watch your dog while walking. If the dog is cold, its behavior will tell you. In particular: they do not want to go outside, they walk very slowly, they show a lack of desire to go for a walk, they bark; begin to tremble; They shift their paws, look at you, as if asking to be held in your arms. If the dog is a large breed and is kept outside, it will be more difficult to determine whether it is cold. You should watch the animal more carefully: the dog becomes inactive, hides, lies in a ball, whines, barks and also looks at you, as if asking to be held… Here the Yorkie and the German Shepherd have the same look.
When and why did people start dressing dogs?
Back in the Middle Ages, people began to dress dogs: fighting dogs were “dressed up” in heavy armor, which, firstly, protected them from enemies, and secondly, gave them a terrifying appearance.
Dog fashion was born in England during the reign of Queen Victoria – the chilly climate of Foggy Albion contributed to this. Noble people began to put cloaks and capes on their dogs, and also selected fashionable accessories for them. At that time, coming to a social event with a pet that was not dressed was considered bad manners.
Gradually, fashion houses for dogs began to appear in Europe.
However, not only the nobility dressed up their little dogs for fun; they also came up with “outfits” for large service dogs. For example, St. Bernards rescuing people in the mountains began to be dressed in overalls: the cold wind and snow stuck to the fur could seriously harm the health of the dog, whose search skills were very highly valued and are still valued.
Japanese designer Yakio Kato is considered the founder of modern dog fashion. In the 80s of the last century, he sewed a suit for his four-legged dog, in which his pet sported at events. The designer’s friends were impressed by the dog’s outfit and also wanted fashionable clothes for their dogs. So Yakio Kato started making a line of clothing for ponytails.
Petmax is a popular brand of clothing for dogs
The brand follows fashion trends, and also cares about the benefits for ponytails and the convenience of pet parents, focusing on the practicality and durability of its products made from materials that do not cause allergies.
We honestly admit: after writing this material, we realized that it was useless. The fact is that the most important thing we can do for our four-legged friends in winter is to be attentive to their behavior and appearance. And we are sure that the kindness, attention and care with which you communicate with the dog, being its owner, does not require a reminder: “watch and observe”… Surely the typical happy owner of a toy terrier has a wardrobe for his friend no less than he himself !..
Be healthy, then your care will warm your four-legged friend in any frost or wind!
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