There are so many types of dog coats out there. If you’ve realised that your dog needs one during the colder months then it could be for many reasons. Perhaps they are a smaller dog and cannot regulate their heat temperature. They might even be a short-haired breed that feels the cold more than others. Whatever the reason, choosing the right one is important. Not only could it be a big financial mistake to get wrong, but it could implicate your dog’s health too.
Thermal
Those wet and windy walks are horrible but they must be done. Some dogs are known to turn their noses up at these types of walks and we don't blame them! But for you unfortunate owners whose dogs love to grit and bear it in all types of weather, this is the perfect coat for your dog.
Thermal dog coats have a lining that helps to reflect heat back onto the dog’s body keeping it nice and warm. Whilst the outer lining shields from the wind and rain. When it comes to those extreme winter walks this coat is certainly ideal. Plus, the additional comfort fit around the collar makes thermal coats the perfect accessory.
Waterproof
The idea of a waterproof dog coat is great to begin with, until you start getting rain on a fairly warm spring or autumnal walk. The truth is, a lot of waterproof dog coats will include a material that keeps the heat in too. Waterproof dog coats with Treat Your Dog are all breathable. This will prevent your dog from overheating in slightly warmer temperatures - a potentially fatal condition - while still protecting them from the wet.
You will find many different types of waterproof coats. The bare minimum are ones that cover the back, all the way up to waterproof coats that cover the underbelly and legs. Most will come with a hole around the collar area to ensure you can still fix a lead. The last thing your dog wants is a gaping hole where it isn’t protected for the sake of a lead! Some waterproof dog coats will come with a fleece lining, be sure to use these only for colder walks.
Reflective
There’s one issue with dog walking in the winter that most of us owners do not realise until darkness falls - being able to see your pooch when you let them off the lead. Even those with a long lead can disappear in the bushes on a dark night. Most dog walkers will ensure they have a head torch, but without a reflective dog coat, it can be incredibly difficult to see them.
Even in built-up areas, a reflective coat is a good idea. You can buy all sorts of dogs coats that have reflective panelling; thermal, waterproof, even fleeces. If you’re letting your dog off lead in darker conditions make sure you consider ones that are reflective.
LED
The use of LED is perfect for winter walks. If your dog is off-leash, and wearing a reflective coat, while you have a head torch on, there's still no telling what bush it will end up in and for as long as your head torch is shining in the right direction you’ll have it in sight. But let’s be honest, it's hard enough keeping sights on your dog when they're going through a bush in broad daylight!
LED collars and leads are a perfect tool to make sure you and your dog are just as visible as each other. When they go rifling through the bushes, a bright shining collar will make sure they don’t vanish. However, just as important, when you call them back to you, they’ll know where you are by combining the sound of your voice with the bright LED lead you hold. Now no amount of darkness can cause either one of you to get lost.
Colours
The colour of your dog’s coat may not seem like a big deal at first, but often it can help with a variety of things. Just like LED and reflective panelling on a coat can help in the winter months, bright colours can help in wooded areas. You certainly don’t want to put camouflage on your dog if you intend to walk it off-lead in the woods. Bright colours like red and blue are great for daylight woodland walks.
That being said, you may just want your dog’s coat to match the colour of their collar and other accessories that they own, which makes sense too. Almost any colour you can imagine for a dog coat will be available.
