Does your dog start to shiver on walks during the winter time and start to seem reluctant to go out? Most likely it is because he is feeling the cold and feels miserable. Rather than thinking that dogs have fur coats and should be able to cope with going out in all seasons consider the fact that many dogs have fine or very short fur and, even if they don’t, may not carry much extra body fat to keep them warm. The way that dogs have been bred for certain features means that over the years they have become less and less well adapted to live in certain climates and small dogs in particular tend to suffer once the temperature drops.
The answer, of course, is to buy a dog sweater to keep him nice and warm even in sub zero temperatures. However, you may think that buying small dog sweaters will be difficult due to their size. Luckily, as clothing for dogs has become more main stream even high street pet stores have started to stock sweaters in a range of different sizes from those for Great Danes to tiny Chihuahuas.
Even if your local store doesn’t stock one small enough for your dog you can simply take his measurements and go online to find one that will fit. There are plenty of niche dog boutiques who specialize in more unusual or difficult to find dog accessories.
Dog sweaters come in a huge range of patterns and styles with some having hoods and long sleeves while others just cover a dog’s back. The severity of the weather where you live will dictate which style is most suitable and will help you to decide which fabric to choose. After all, wool looks fantastic but might be too hot in slightly milder climes.
So, next time your dog quivers in his dog house when you suggest going for a walk have a think about buying him a nice warm sweater.
