Coat for a staffie living outside with a homeless guy - advice pls

mandragora_2

I think it's a lovely gesture, but the standard vets' advice seems to be that they are not generally in the best interests of dogs. Have you had a read of this?
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/4214076/Animal-welfare-experts-hot-under-the-collar-over-dogs-in-coats.html

The blanket loosely draped over offering some shelter might well be the best thing in extreme weather, as the dog can self-regulate and hairs can function normally.

gettingready

I thought about this but this dog is 13 yo, very thin fur and out pretty 24/7.

Still, thanks for that reminder, will keep this in mind.

They normally sit under blanket and an umbrella (keep on raining here) and dog is most of the time o the laps of his owner so perhaps I a being silly?

Sometimes one wants to help and has all good intentions but this is not what is really needed.

They both need a place to live - no question about that.

Gavin said he checks with some charity who pays deposits for homeless people but nobody wants to take on a tenant with a dog...

Obviously I have no idea about the circumstances, how the ended up on the street etc and do not feel I have the right to ask - just trying to help a little bit, if I can

lostinrates

mandragora wrote: »

I think it's a lovely gesture, but the standard vets' advice seems to be that they are not generally in the best interests of dogs. Have you had a read of this?
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/4214076/Animal-welfare-experts-hot-under-the-collar-over-dogs-in-coats.html

The blanket loosely draped over offering some shelter might well be the best thing in extreme weather, as the dog can self-regulate and hairs can function normally.

This is fine under normal conditions. I think a lightweight, breathable, waterproof coat offers the best of both situations. The coat is allowed to stare, the dog is unlikely to over heat, and he Is dry, so enabling his coat to function as it should in inclement weather.

I think sitting on owners lap however will be keeping him pretty toasty from underneath at least. If they have something to wrap up in they'll be sharing body heat, it might be something the dog prefers. It too is a natural way to keep warm after all!

sheramber

Any help here?

https://www.moretodogstrust.org.uk/help-with-finding-accommodation/dog-friendly-hostels

supermassive

I help to run my family's homeless charity shop and soup kitchen - people with dogs in winter just buy children's coats, hoodies and jumpers for their dogs. They're very much the same, and cheaper from a 2nd hand shop.

Infact, with children's jackets having a zip, they're easier to get on and off a dog than most 'dog jumpers' etc.

Try charity shops for kids clothes to put on the dog.

Storms_mum

I am unable to post a link to what it is as i have only just signed up because i noticed this post.

It is
Ancol Muddy Paws Stormguard Chocolate Brown Waterproof Fleece Lined Dog Coat.

paddypaws101

GR, you really do have a heart of gold.
Storm's Mum....what a wonderful first post on the forum, kudos to you too.

Storms_mum

paddypaws101 wrote: »

GR, you really do have a heart of gold.
Storm's Mum....what a wonderful first post on the forum, kudos to you too.

Thank u hun, im a softy when it comes to dogs

Cyclamen

This si like the sort my staffie cross has...the fleece comes out so its a waterproof coat in warmer weather and a warm flecey one in the snow.

It's worth asking Gavin to wrap a tape measure around the dogs neck an dchest as sizes seem to vary so much.

If at all possible try an dget some flourescent stickers to go on the coat for safety.

Oh just scrolled up its the same coat someone else has linked to.. my girl wears green.. the other nice option would be some of that heat camping mat to stop chills/damp coming up through there bums when they sit down.

I hope there is a shelter that will take them in both in over the harsher weather

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ancol-Muddy-Chest-Protector-Chocolate/dp/B00EIC1NZW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1415902493&sr=8-3&keywords=dog+coat

tweets

I have a Staffy and she's got this one in a large http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B005JB4QMI?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00