Therapeutic Coats for Dogs

Structure

• While therapeutic dog coats provide a number of different therapies, most are constructed to be worn by dogs in the same fashion. The basic therapeutic dog coat covers a dog from its neck to its tail. A strap attaches the coat at the dog's neck, while one or multiple straps fasten the coat snugly around the dog's body. An opening at the back of the coat allows the dog's tail to wag freely. Coats come in different sizes and can be adjusted to fit your dog precisely.

Heat Therapy

• Heat-emitting dog coats are among the most effective therapies for dogs that suffer from a variety of ailments. When applied directly to the skin, heat increases blood flow and speeds up the transport of important nutrients and oxygen needed for rehabilitation, thereby reducing pain and stiffness. Heat therapy is particularly helpful to dogs that suffer from arthritis or muscular injuries.

  The gel pack model is one popular heat-emitting dog coat. This coat utilizes gel packs that are heated and inserted in special pockets that line the inside of the coat. When worn by the dog, the gel packs provide an extended period of heat to specific areas of the dog's body. Another popular heating coat is powered by infrared heat technology. Infrared heat coats are made of a ceramic powder that is melted in the fabric of a polyester/polypropylene fiber. The dog's body heat is reflected by the ceramic particles, providing comfort from inflammation and muscle pain.

Cold Therapy

• Cold therapy coats work differently from heat-emitting coats but offer many of the same benefits to your dog. While they are often used for heat therapy, gel pack coats are also effective distributors of cold therapy. The gel packs are cooled or frozen and then inserted in pockets that line the inside of the coat. When applied directly to the dog's skin, the cold packs decrease circulation to that specific area. Cold packs ease inflammation and alleviate muscle spasms and other injury-related pains.

  In certain cases, circulating hot and cold packs can accelerate rehabilitation. Typically, hot packs are applied for a few minutes to the dog's body and then removed for a few minutes. Then cold packs are applied for the same amount of time and then removed in similar fashion. The process is repeated a number of times to achieve maximum therapeutic benefits to the dog.

Magnetic Therapy

• Another type of therapeutic coat gaining popularity is the magnetic therapy coat. This coat consists of a nylon outer surface and laminated inner surface. A number of circular biomagnetic pads can be attached to the inner surface to make contact with specific areas of your dog's body. Some magnetic coats on the market feature magnets that are rated 1,600 gauss (a unit of measurement of a magnetic field) that provide maximum therapeutic benefits. The magnets are known to provide stimulation to injured or rehabilitating areas on a dog's body as well as increase circulation to those areas.

Considerations

• While therapeutic dog coats have been proven to improve the quality of life of many dogs, it is important to research coats and seek the advice of a veterinarian before purchasing one. Some coats may be more appropriate for your dog's physical condition and size. Read the fine print on coat products as well as reviews by previous buyers to learn all you can about a particular brand. Last but not least, talk to your veterinarian about whether a therapeutic coat is the best option for your dog's health.