What to consider before purchasing a dog rain jacket
Dog rain jackets are more than just adorable — they’re practical, too. Even your most basic raincoat for dogs is more than meets the eye. Besides keeping your pup dry, they can help with warmth, visibility, and even skin and coat health. Contents
Not all dogs need a rain jacket, though, especially if their coat naturally traps warmth and repels water. If your pup tends to not go outside when it rains, or if she finds clothes uncomfortable, it may not be a worthwhile investment.
Those who do benefit from a dog rain jacket will be thrilled with the investment, though, so do give it some thought before deciding one way or another. Here are a few factors to consider before purchasing — or forgoing — a raincoat for dogs.
Coat length matters when choosing a rain jacket
Dogs with naturally long coats have a built-in barrier against the cold and rain, whereas short-coated breeds do not. Hairless dogs are especially prone to complications from exposure, so make sure to keep these breeds covered up — as long as they don’t mind, of course:
If your dog normally has a longer coat but is currently groomed or shaved much shorter than usual, you should consider getting her a rain jacket. Having less fur makes it easy for rain to reach the skin, causing even more of a chill.
The answer to the question ‘Do dogs need raincoats’ is not always a yes. A dog’s fur is designed to face the elements, and attempts to keep them dry are often more for the owners convenience than the dogs need. Labradors and spaniels, for example, have very little need for waterproof dog coats as they were bred to work; collies heading sheep is another excellent example of a dog who doesn’t need a coat. However, some breeds do benefit from wearing a coat, and there are some cases where field dogs may also need to stay dry, so lets take a closer look.
There is also a case for waterproof dog coats for older or unwell dogs. Very elderly dogs may still enjoy a short walk, but getting wet can aggravate conditions like arthritis, making them feel quite uncomfortable. A dog with an injury or surgery may also need to wear a coat to prevent the wound from getting wet as it heals. Infection can occur if a dressing gets wet, so if you have a dog in recovery that needs a good walk in the rain, a coat is medically recommended. You should also check the dressing for damage when you get home.
Of course, if you need to exercise your dog before heading to work, a coat makes things easier when you get home, and if your pooch doesn’t mind a coat, it benefits you both. We make waterproof dog coats, are UK-based, and have an excellent selection for your four-legged friend, no matter how big or small they are. ! Doggie Coats 19 Park Road Lytham St Annes FY8 1PW
Some breeds and our examples are by no means an exhaustive list, do have problems with temperature regulation, particularly if they get wet. Chihuahuas can be particular weather divas, but this is not bad behaviour. They can struggle to get warm, which is even harder when they get wet. Whippets and greyhounds have very short coats, and most (there are always exceptions) find rain pretty miserable. If you have ever seen a sighthound trudging in the rain, you may have noticed their tail firmly tucked between their legs-a sure sign they aren’t happy. We would also suggest waterproof dog coats for Chinese crested owners; these dogs are famous for lacking fur, and their skin must be protected and looked after.
At this point, we will also nod to the wonderful dogs who have taken on service roles for their humans. Guide dogs, seizure alert dogs and many others. Often these are field breeds like labradors because of their fantastic temperament, but there is a big difference between fieldwork and human support work. A service dog owner will likely need their four-legged companion by their side all day. If it is a wet day, the dog will be subject to getting wet all day and not having time to dry off. In this case, it is also good for service dogs to have a waterproof coat, especially if they are harnessed and unable to run free to warm up.