What Is a Dog Slicker For?

Dog clothing gets the most press when it is on a canine that is in a purse around a famous person̵7;s shoulder. There is another market for these garments, one that focuses on practical use. Dog slickers protect the animal from the elements and as such are a proper investment for a dog owner living in cold or rainy climates.

  1. When Dogs Need Slickers

    • The main reason for a dog to wear a slicker is to prevent it from getting too cold in a heavy rain. Corgis, Labradors and other working breeds have been designed to function in harsh environments: generally, they only need a slicker if temperatures are significantly below 60 degrees Fahrenheit or if they will be exposed to the cold for several hours on end. Companion breeds are not so hardy and should wear slickers if it is below room temperature and if they will be out in the rain for more than 15 minutes or a half hour. Teacup and toy varieties of standard breeds can have difficulty maintaining their body temperature even when dry. Unless the ambient temperature is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, they should not be outside in the rain without a slicker for more than just a few minutes.

    What Kind of Slickers Are Available

    • Slickers made from a single piece of plastic or rubber material are waterproof. These also offer decent insulation, but they can easily overheat a heavily active dog. Other slickers are made from fabric; even if the material is plastic, if it has been woven it will eventually allow water in. The best it can be is water-resistant; however, these also often provide better insulation than waterproof ones. They breathe, which can help any wetness that does get through evaporate, and they can have more padding sewn on.

    Fitting a Slicker

    • Tailoring is not an option unless you do it yourself, so it is necessary to obtain a pre-manufactured slicker that provides the best fit. There are three areas to consider when selecting a slicker. First, it needs to be long enough to cover the entire back, ending just at the base of the tail (for breeds that do not have tails, it should extend a half-inch past their butt). Second, the straps need to fit around the dog̵7;s chest and neck securely, but not tightly. Working breeds often have barrel chests, so this can require obtaining a slicker that is a size larger than one for a similarly sized companion dog. Third, for low-riding dogs, such as corgis or dachshunds, and for long-haired breeds, a good slicker will need to have wide straps or a bottom vest to prevent their underside from becoming wet and dirty.

    Slicker Features

    • Some slickers come with a hood; however, it is a rare that a dog will tolerate wearing something over its entire head without prior training. Broad collars and collars that have a flap that sits on top of the dog's head are more useful. Velcro straps are sufficient for just going on a walk, but if the dog will be highly active while wearing the slicker, select straps that either button or tie on. And finally, whenever possible, purchase slickers that have a reflective surface. Visibility is significantly reduced even in a light rain and this will help prevent your dog from being hit by a car.