How Do I Know If My Dog Needs a Jacket?

A dog jacket is more than just a fashion statement; it provides needed warmth for a dog that has become used to living indoors. Urban dogs' coats are often thinner than those of rural dogs, which spend more time outdoors, reports Ketzel Levine of NPR.org. Although a dog jacket will not protect your dog completely against colder weather, the extra layer of insulation certainly will help. However, not all dogs need jackets. While every individual dog is different, there are ways to determine whether your dog could benefit from wearing a jacket.

Instructions

    • 1

      Bring your dog to the veterinarian for a checkup before the winter season starts, to rule out health conditions. Health problems such as heart disease, kidney disease or a hormonal imbalance might make your dog more vulnerable to the colder weather, according to the veterinary experts at HealthyPet.com.

    • 2

      Consider your dog's age. An older dog might require extra warmth, especially if it has arthritis, which can make its joints tender and stiff. A very young dog also might be more sensitive to colder temperatures. Both very old and very young dogs might benefit from wearing a jacket.

    • 3

      Take into account the length of your dog's hair and its breed. Shorter-haired dogs like dachshunds or toy breeds like chihuahuas might be affected by even mild temperature changes, and they could use the protection that a jacket provides. Long-haired breeds like huskies, golden retrievers and many terriers probably do not need any additional insulation.

    • 4

      Watch your dog carefully for signs that it is cold when you take it outside for a walk. If your dog shivers, whines, slows down, stops walking or seems anxious, it probably needs the extra warmth of a jacket.

    • 5

      Realize that if you live in a warm-weather climate and you take your dog on vacation to a cold-weather state, the dog will not be accustomed to cold conditions and might require a jacket to keep it comfortable, according to the veterinary contributors at DogChannel.com.

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      Check with your veterinarian if you are still unsure about whether your dog needs a jacket.