Gitdog wants a coat. Update with pics. 26 November 2017 at 2:13PM edited 26 December 2017 at 12:13PM in Pets & pet care 31 replies 7.9K views

elsien

Never bothered with dog coats before - had a waxed one for my last but she refused to walk with it on so the coat was rehomed.
However Gitdog is a sensitive little soul (when it comes to cold, if not for anything else) and is currently doing his best hypothermic pooch impression. And that's before we set foot out of doors....

I don't want to spend lots in case he hates it, but am wondering whether to just get an equafleece type thing or something a little more weather resistant.
He will model the final choice for your delectation in due course.:D
Any suggestions?


[purplesignup][/purplesignup]

Katiehound

Is this for wet weather or for warmth, or even for both?

My hounds feel the cold as they only have one thickness of fur with no undercoat. When it is cold in the morning with heavy frost (or night come to that...brrrr....) they wear kennel coats.
I bought the very first and since then have sewn them out of a mix of fleece / blanket / undersheet fleece using the first purchase as a pattern. I sew a fixed neck without velcro opening and then they are tied on with acrylic tapes from centre back, under tum and tie on the top of the back.
Similar to this:
http://www.dogcoats.net/catalog/index.php?cPath=22_31

For cold wet weather I have Danish design coats as here:
http://www.muddypaws.co.uk/dog-coats-clothing/dog-coats/2-in-1-waterproof-coat

just been given some lurcher coats which are a bit long -so we have coats coming out our ears! These are waterproof outers with fleece lining.
I had just made my girl a coat- photo :
post 83
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=5260550&page=5

elsien

Thanks - it was more for the cold but if he's going out in snow a bit of waterproofing wouldn't hurt. Do you think that Danish one would be ok under a fairly sturdy harness without moving around too much?
If I tried to sew something he'd probably still be waiting the year after next.

minimad1970

I can't wait to see Gitdog in his coat. I put one on my dog once, he stood frozen to the spot for ages and then started to walk really slowly backwards as if he was trying to reverse out of it. I hope you have better luck

Katiehound

elsien wrote: »

Thanks - it was more for the cold but if he's going out in snow a bit of waterproofing wouldn't hurt. Do you think that Danish one would be ok under a fairly sturdy harness without moving around too much?
If I tried to sew something he'd probably still be waiting the year after next.

The Danish one has a removable inner which clearly isn't meant to be used alone! However with the addition of tapes mid back and at neck you could use on it's own.

The weatherproof part is unusual as it has a chest piece which then passes under tum and fastens on mid back so it is fairly secure. I honestly don't know if it would work with a harness. Possibly your best bet would be to find a local supplier and then try one out

unholyangel

elsien wrote: »

Thanks - it was more for the cold but if he's going out in snow a bit of waterproofing wouldn't hurt. Do you think that Danish one would be ok under a fairly sturdy harness without moving around too much?
If I tried to sew something he'd probably still be waiting the year after next.

I have the danish design one mentioned by katiehound for my staff as she loves her warmth. And in neon yellow since she's dark brindle and cant see her when its dark

It has a removable fleece lining - although its the waterproof part thats designed to be used on its own rather than the fleece. So just waterproof part during warmer weather and add the fleece lining when its colder.

Where is the harnesses clip? If its near the base of the neck you should be fine. If its further down their back, might be wise to run a short lead extension from the harness clip up through the jacket then attach the lead (also means you don't need to mess around trying to find & clip it through the hole).

minimad1970 wrote: »

I can't wait to see Gitdog in his coat. I put one on my dog once, he stood frozen to the spot for ages and then started to walk really slowly backwards as if he was trying to reverse out of it. I hope you have better luck

Mines will usually go to the front door then stops and backs away as if to say "no, all the other dogs will laugh at me". She's better in the danish design coat though. Still kind of walks around like a wee sausage roll but her love of warmth wins out.

elsien

This shows the type of harness. And what it needs to stand up to. I'm also aware that I don't want the harness buckle to be anywhere near the coat fastenings - might be too uncomfortable.

unholyangel

elsien wrote: »

This shows the type of harness. And what it needs to stand up to. I'm also aware that I don't want the harness buckle to be anywhere near the coat fastenings - might be too uncomfortable.

The opening for the lead to attach would be where the top part of the harness is.

The strap.....it doesnt sit far behind their front legs/shoulders so that might be an issue!

GBNI

My schnauzer had a Masta dog coat. It was fleece lined and waterproof. They normally manufacture horse rugs so they're good tough coats! They are various different styles available so definitely worth a look.

UKTigerlily

Equafleece would be ideal, it'd go under the harness (assuming the harness can go bigger) & is super warm . . apparently if Gitdog were to jump in a pond, he'd remain dry under it tho I didn't try throwing my Chaya in a pond lol

He'd also look stunning in green, blue or better still, red!

elsien

Which equafleece did you have? I'm looking at the tankie at the moment because I don't want the suits with longer legs (they just look silly) and the coat and jumper look to have fastenings in the wrong place.