A veterinarian explains whether dogs need or not coats in winter
Do dogs need coats and sweaters in winter? This is a veterinarian to say.
We know all thosedog owners Who finds fun to put tutus on Toto. And althoughdress dogs in costumes Can be entertaining, there are cases in which it is more for the need. Every winter, for example, the question remains: dogsneed coats? According toRachel Barrack, DVM, founder of practice based in New YorkAnimal acupuncture, the answer to this question depends on the dog.
"When temperatures fall, some dogs can benefit from a sweater or jacket to stay warm," says the barracks. "This is particularly recommended in small toy breed dogs and dogs with short hair coats."
As for the canines with thicker coats, such as Bernese mountain dogs and Saint-Bernards-Barrack, says they should be an endless sweater. This is because these big dogs "do not require additional insulation".
However, if your big dog is older, you may want to consider making a sweater. "Winter can be particularly difficult forolder dogs, "said the barracks." Like human elderly, canine elderly people have weakened immune systems and are more likely to viral infections such as influenza and bacterial infections. Older dogs are often subject to arthritis, which can aggravate the severity of the temperature. "
In addition to putting a coat, it also recommends acupuncture and Chinese plant therapy for older dogs. These two treatments "can be very beneficial to mitigate associated discomfort" than the Senior Canines.
The real winter accessory your dog needs - whether they are big or small, young or old-are a pair of boot. Depending on the barracks, "the salt used for the ice cream roads can cause a gouje of the outer layer of the tab buffer, leaving a sensitive layer of fresh skin that can take days to weeks to heal."
The morality of history is to pay attention to your dog's behavior in winter. Although all dogs do not require coats, most canines can be cold as humans, then the barracks says "exercise caution when updating your dog in extremely cold weather."