Dog coats for the winter?

sleepystar1975

We already have a 12 year old lab/collie cross, who's fur is so thick that we never considered a coat for the winter walks, besides which, he has never been a fan of winter weather, and by his own choice, he limits his winter walks to the nearest tree and back.

However, we have recently become the owners of a two year old dalmatian, who has substantially less/thinner fur. He will also walk for miles, no matter what the weather.

So, if you were us, would you consider a coat for him, I'm naturally a cold person, so would say yes. Dh on the other hand says, they don't have doggy parkas in the wild, and cope perfectly well, so it's money down the drain.

What are your opinions, and if "yes" to a coat, where would you get a dalmatian sized one (I'm not talking Paris Hilton doggy dress up coats, just a plain, practical one!)

cinderellacomplex

If the dog is going to get cold then yes, get them a coat - Muddy Paws do some good ones but if you dedicate yourself to checking ebay every morning for the next week or so then you should find a good deal on a second hand coat. The most efficient ones will be 'step-in' coats which cover the upper belly and fasten at the back but I'd try and make sure to get a water-resistant/waterproof one if you can find one.

Measure your dog from the end of his neck to the base of his tail, that's the measurement you'll need to match in most coats.

Also, tell your DH that as dalmatians were bred by humans for specific characteristics they are no longer suitable for everything that 'the wild' could throw at them... including winter!!

devildog

Dh is right( ) they don't have doggy parkas in the wild however they also do not live in a centrally heated house either and so their coats are thicker and prevent them from the elements more. Obviously if the dog lived outside then it would cope with the weather extremes but an indoor dog not so much(thinner coat etc)

The dalmation is young and active(as well as having a short coat) so I don't think it is crucial for him to have one, although as he gets older and slows up it may be a good idea.
tbh I think it is down to personal choice. I have an older GSD who keeps plenty warm enough but if he gets wet can take an age to try so he wears a coat on wet days. I got mine from local pet store because it was easy to try for size.

olias

I would second checking ebay. I recently bought two fleeces for our dog that were on the sellers website at £15.50 each and I bought them as clearance from their ebay shop for £1.20 each!

There are a lot of bargains to be had.

Olias