Articles
Rainy day heroes
Sep
A raincoat that fits well makes all the difference
The light raincoat works all year round to protect dogs of all breeds, and even in summer rains, because it provides great protection without the heat of a heavier raincoat. Raincoats protect the dog’s back, neck, and sides as well as the chest and stomach area. The soft and adjustable tricot collar prevents water from running down the dog’s neck. The wide belly flap protects against mud and sand and keeps the coat firmly in place, without interfering with the dog’s natural movement.
The rain jacket provides quick and easy dressing, making it suitable for daily use, quick leash runs, or longer trips, whenever you need to keep your dog dry in rainy conditions. The raincoat is equally good for dogs with long or soft fur, and even for dogs with sensitive skin that needs to be protected from getting wet. Some dog breeds have long and weather-resistant fur, such as the German Spitz and the long-haired Dachshund, but you may even want to protect their fur, for example, in heavy rain when going to hobbies or exhibitions.
An unlined dog raincoat proves to be a highly practical piece of apparel that can benefit many dog owners. In addition to its slick exterior which is designed to repel water, an unlined raincoat will typically have a similarly slick interior to prevent a dog’s fur from tangling. This is particularly advantageous for breeds with long, soft fur, such as the Maltese.
It also benefits- various other breeds, making the unlined dog rain jacket an indispensable part of canine care. Notably thin and lightweight, an unlined raincoat is invaluable during rainy summer days, especially for dogs with thick fur, like the Bernese Mountain Dog. Although these breeds don’t need extra insulation, the protection from wet weather and mud is much appreciated, especially if you don’t want to bring that wetness and mud into your home. Plus, the unlined dog raincoat’s thin and compact design makes it especially convenient for travel and hikes, accommodating trail buddies such as German Pointers and Cocker Spaniels.
Raincoats are great for layering
Then there is the lined dog raincoat, which offers added structure and sturdiness due to its slightly thicker construction. Typically, a lined version will feature a more durable surface fabric, which can be a better option for active dogs who enjoy lively play with other dogs. Primarily, it provides vital warmth and comfort, particularly in cooler and rainier seasons like autumn and spring. This added insulation proves especially beneficial for short-haired dogs like Jack Russell Terriers or hairless breeds such as the Chinese Crested.
Certain dog raincoats are designed with safety in mind and feature fully reflective exteriors. This is essential for dog owners who live in bustling urban areas and often venture out with their dogs at night or in the early morning. Whether it’s for inclement weather protection, dog coat care, or to improve visibility of your dog at night, both lined and unlined raincoats should be essential additions to every dog’s wardrobe.
A raincoat is also great for layering. In cooler weather, you can put on a mid-season layer under a light raincoat for extra warmth for dogs that get cold too easily, such as Miniature Pinschers. The raincoat also protects against the wind. Thick-furred dogs, such as Shetland sheepdogs and Springer Spaniel, benefit from wind protection until the beginning of winter, even though they don’t get cold otherwise.
No cold-weather worries in an overall
A protective overall covers the whole dog and is especially suitable for dogs with sensitive skin or with long or soft fur. The overall will prevent the dog from getting wet and dirty better than a traditional raincoat. The long legs of an overall will protect the dog’s legs, chest, and belly area, keeping the dog’s fur in these areas relatively dry and clean. Tightening the leg openings will help to keep the overall in place and the length of the legs can be easily adjusted for a snug fit.
For example, the fur of the Bichon Frisé and the Poodle can easily get wet and dirty. By using a coat that protects the fur in wet weather, the dog will generally not need to be bathed as often. The overall also protects fur breeds after washing and on show days, such as for a Havanese, Tibetan Terrier, and Afghan Hound. Clean and brushed fur protected in an unlined overall will also have fewer tangles.
The overall is essential in pouring rain and muddy areas for dogs that are attracted to puddles, such as Cocker Spaniels and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers. It also protects against street dust, road salt, and other roadway pollutants. In late autumn and early spring, dogs that are sensitive to cold, such as the Lagotto Romagnolo and Dalmatian, may need a light thermal overall under a raincoat, which provides a great layering combination until the freezing temperatures of early winter arrive. In cold weather, overalls protect against sticky snow for long-furred dogs, such as the Cotton de Tuléar, Long-Haired Collie, and Australian Shepherd.
Rain overalls are easy and quick to put on before going outside, which comes in handy during the morning rush. Your dog shouldn’t need to be bathed after using the overall, just drying the paws should be good. The overalls have great adjustability at the waist, chest and belly areas, leg length, and collar. The overalls also have an inner collar that will keep rain off the dog’s neck. Thanks to its light material, the overalls are suitable for year-round use.
Wander warmly in a waterproof winter jacket
Dogs cannot withstand cold and windy weather for a very long time. Therefore, as a dog owner, it is important that you know the limit of your dog’s cold tolerance. Then you can prepare for harsh weather and longer time spent outdoors with clothes that will help keep your dog’s body temperature from dropping too low. A jacket protects and warms the dog’s largest muscle groups, and protects the neck, back, and belly from getting wet. The dryer your dog is, the warmer he or she will be.
Waterproof winter jackets are durable and well insulated thanks to effective thermal padding that helps to protect against colder temps. That’s why the jacket is suitable for use not only in cold and damp weather but also in freezing weather. The waterproof winter jacket is great in snowy and slushy weather throughout the winter, and it is especially handy at the beginning and end of winter when you and your dog can be surprised by temps that drop quickly. Hairless and short-haired dogs and those that do not have an undercoat, for example the Chinese Crested Dog, Mexican Hairless Dog, and Whippet, are easily shaken by rapid changes in the weather.
Is one layer enough?
For small dogs, such as a Chihuahua or a Dachshund, it is easier to wear just one layer of clothing in terms of their size. That’s why a waterproof winter coat is a particularly good option for a small dog that is susceptible to frostbite in cold and damp weather.
A waterproof winter coat is also suitable for active, short-haired, and cold-skinned dog breeds that need a lot of daily outdoor exercise, such as Parson Russell Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. One easy-to-wear, multi-weather jacket works all winter long.
