From holiday sweaters to hoodies, there are a variety of dog sweaters available on the market. But aside from looking cute, does your dog really need one? For some dogs, the answer is yes.
As the weather outside starts to get cold, it’s important to ensure that your dog is warm and comfortable. While some breeds of dogs naturally have a dense fur coat that keeps them warm in cold weather, that isn’t the case for all dogs. Many dogs could benefit from wearing sweaters during the cooler seasons.
Benefits of Dog Sweaters
Although you may think dog sweaters are just a way to dress your dog up, most sweaters serve the practical purpose of keeping dogs warm. Because they’re soft and don’t restrict movement, many dogs can adjust quickly to wearing them. Sweaters are also usually less warm than dog jackets, so they can be more comfortable for dogs to wear inside the house.
Sweaters can also be useful to help reduce shedding fur in environments that need to be kept clean. Dog sweaters can also help protect healing and irritated skin from being scratched while your dog is healing from an injury. While outside, sweaters can even help protect that sensitive skin from being scratched by branches and can help to keep your dog clean.
Do Dogs Need Sweaters?
Not every dog is going to need or benefit from wearing a sweater. Large breeds of dogs who are healthy and have a thick coat of fur generally don’t need to wear sweaters and could even overheat in them.
Dogs that can become cold easily are some of the main candidates for sweaters. Dogs that most frequently struggle in colder temperatures are small dogs, especially toy breeds, and dogs without thick fur. Lean dogs with short fur, such as Azawakhs, Whippets, and Greyhounds, also frequently benefit from sweaters during cold weather since they don’t have a lot of fur or body fat to insulate them.
Hairless breeds, including the Xoloitzcuintli, American Hairless Terrier, Peruvian Inca Orchid, and Chinese Crested Dog, may need sweaters during cool and cold weather as they can become cold quickly. Other dogs who benefit from sweaters include dogs whose fur has been shaved, young puppies, and senior dogs.
Dog Sweater Size and Fit
When selecting sweaters for your dog it’s important to ensure you pick the right size and fit. A properly fitting dog sweater will fit your dog without being too big or too tight. A baggy sweater can result in your dog getting caught or tangled in the sweater. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it can also be scary or cause your dog to trip and get injured. On the other hand, a sweater that is too tight can restrict movement, which is uncomfortable and can also lead to injuries. A properly fitted sweater should allow your dog to move normally and not restrict their movement while they walk, run, or play.
To properly measure your dog for a sweater you’ll need a soft measuring tape. This will allow you to easily measure different areas of your dog’s body. Sweater measurements usually include the length of your dog’s back, around their chest, and the size of your dog’s neck. Before purchasing a sweater for your dog, make sure to check the measurements to ensure the sweater will appropriately fit your dog. Just like with human clothing, the same size in different brands will likely fit differently. For example, your dog might be a size small in one brand, but a medium or extra-small in another. This is why it’s so important to check the measurements for a sweater before purchasing.
Picking the Right Sweater
In addition to selecting a sweater that is the right size for your dog, you’ll also want to pick the right kind of sweater. Dog sweaters come in different styles and weights. For extra cold weather, your dog will want to wear a thicker sweater to keep them warm. For weather that is cool but not cold, a lighter sweater will keep your dog cozy.
If you’re putting a sweater on your dog to help prevent shedding, pick a full-body sweater that covers your dog’s body and legs. Full-body sweaters are also great for dogs who are recovering from surgery or have itchy skin that you’re trying to protect.
Another feature to look for when purchasing sweaters is a built-in hole for a leash or harness attachment to go through. This will make it easy to put your dog’s sweater on over their harness before walking. Sweaters that have legs also are ideal for especially cold weather as they help insulate more of your dog’s body.
How to Clean and Maintain Dog Sweaters
One mistake that dog owners will often make with dog sweaters is to not wash them frequently. Just like our clothes, when our dog wears a sweater they get dirty. Dog sweaters need to be washed regularly to keep them clean and sanitary. Sweaters can take on the oil from your dog’s skin and coat, as well as dirt, and mud they might pick up while on a walk, or playing in your yard. This can lead to sweaters being smelly, or even cause skin irritations for your dog.
It can be helpful to have enough sweaters that you can wash them each time your dog wears one. Be sure to follow the washing and drying instructions on each of your dog’s sweaters. While most dog sweaters are machine-washable, some may require handwashing and need to be air dried. Following washing instructions will help keep your dog’s sweaters from shrinking and will help them stay looking their best for as long as possible.
How to Get Your Dog Comfortable Wearing a Sweater
The key to making sure your dog is comfortable wearing sweaters is to intentionally introduce them to wearing clothes. First, let your dog explore the sweater with it lying on the floor or held in your hand. Praise your dog for sniffing and exploring the sweater. When your dog is comfortable with the sweater being near them, put the sweater on your dog.
Be sure to give your dog lots of praise and small treats. By pairing wearing the sweater with praise and treats, you’re helping your dog to develop positive associations with wearing a sweater. At this stage, keep the sweater on for a very short period, then remove the sweater. Each practice session slowly increases the amount of time your dog is wearing their sweater.
While your dog has the sweater on, engage your dog in activities that they enjoy, such as playing with toys. Not only does this help create a positive association with wearing the sweater, but it also helps provide a positive distraction to your dog, so they’ll forget they’re wearing the sweater. The more familiar your dog becomes with wearing their sweater, the longer they can comfortably wear one.
Supervise Dogs in Sweaters
Avoid leaving your dog unattended while they’re wearing a sweater. Dogs who are unsupervised can become entangled in their sweaters, which could lead to injuries. Even dogs who are comfortable and like wearing sweaters can accidentally become tangled. If you’re going to leave your dog unattended at home or in a crate, it’s best to remove the sweater first.
The post Does Your Dog Need a Sweater? Why Some Dogs Benefit From Sweaters appeared first on American Kennel Club.
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