When it comes to cold weather, our furry companions rely on us to determine how to best protect them. This article will answer the question, Do big dogs need jackets? and will provide you with all the information you need to know. Welcome to the Big Dog Den. I’m glad you’re here!
Whether or not your big dog should wear a jacket in the winter isn’t just a matter of being a short-haired or long-haired breed. There’s more to it than that. Because your time is valuable to me, I’ve collected the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding big dog care during the winter and will present it here, in one convenient place.
I’ve gleaned from the experts like The American Kennel Club (AKC), The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). I chose those resources because they focus on the needs of the dog, and not the opinions of humans. I’m excited to share what I’ve learned!
I’ll answer the top questions I regularly receive pertaining to big dogs and jackets and go over the things you need to know about keeping your big dog safe in extreme cold. There’s a lot of information to uncover before determining when to cover your four-legged buddy, so let’s get started!
Today You’ll Discover:
- How Your Big Dog’s “Winter Coat” Works
- Whether Long-Haired Breeds Need a Jacket in Winter
- Which Breeds Were “Built” for Cold (and Which are NOT
- How Cold is Too Cold for Your Big Dog
- The Dangers of Extreme Cold for Your Big Dog
- How to Select the Right Jacket for Your Big Dog
- And SO MUCH MORE!
Don’t Dogs Already Have a “Winter Jacket”?
That’s a great question! Yes, dogs do have a coat that becomes thicker as the temperatures decrease. In most cases, this added insulation is all a dog will need during short exposure times to winter temperatures. However, this does not mean the dog can be safely left out in frigid temperatures for extended periods of time.
Some dog breeds actually have two layers of fur. A shorter layer that is close to the skin and a longer layer on top, which is the coat we see. Even the seemingly short-haired Rottweiler has this second coat of fur.
This “undercoat” is where the majority of shedding occurs. It’s the culprit behind your ongoing floor-sweeping challenge! Thankfully there are two tools that will help you win the battle of that ever-present layer of dog hair on your floor. They are:
- A Special Dog Brush: An “Undercoat Brush” is designed to get through the dense hair of your dog’s undercoat and remove the loose hairs. The “Furminator” is one example of this kind of brush, but there are other brands of Undercoat Brushes, as well. The second type of brush effective at handing both your dog’s coats of fur is referred to as a “Slicker Brush”. I would recommend the Slicker Brush style for dogs with anything but a short coat. The long bristles are great for detangling and are effective at getting to the dog’s skin through even the thickest fur coat.
- A Robot Vacuum: Most dog breeds shed seasonally, but those seasons can feel so long when you’re battling the dog hair around your home! A “Robot Vacuum” is a sound investment. With light-colored tilework throughout parts of my home and a very black dog, I can attest to the amount of sweeping relief a Robot Vacuum allowed me. There are models in a wide price range, so shop around to find one that suits your needs (and budget).
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Almost all breeds will grow a thicker coat for winter except ones with excessively short hair (or little hair). This coat will begin to get thinner (via shedding) as temperatures rise in the spring.
When temperatures soar in the summer months, your dog’s coat serves a different function. In high heat, the coat is an insulator, and also helps protect the dog’s skin from harmful UV rays. For this reason, you shouldn’t shave a dog’s fur too short in summer months.
Regular grooming, in combination with sound nutrition, adequate hydration, sufficient exercise, and annual medical exams will help keep your dog healthy in the “regular” temperature ranges. Extreme temperatures, above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 Celsius) or below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 Celsius), will require additional protective measures.
Do Long-Haired Dogs Need a Jacket?
Long hair does not necessarily mean your dog will be warmer in colder temperatures. Way back in your dog’s ancestry, no matter his (or her) breed, most dogs slept in the barn or in a dog house in the yard. Once having your dog live in your house grew in popularity, things began to change.
The most we domesticated dogs, the less like their ancestors they became. Their diet changed, as did their ability to maneuver and thrive in “the wild”. Simply put, your big dog is nowhere near as “hearty” sd his (or her) great great great grandparents were!
Which Dog Breeds Do Best & Worst in the Cold?
Some dog breeds have a rich (and COLD) history! Rottweilers, Saint Bernards, Huskeys, and German Shepherd dogs come from ancestors that worked hard outdoors, even in cold temperatures. These are the dogs you want if you’re active outdoors in winter months.
Greyhounds, though, have so little body fat and such short hair that they have a harder time maintaining their body temperature in colder climates. If your big dog is a breed that has the same characteristics (low/no body fat and short/thin hair) then you can assume that, like the Greyhound breed, your dog will need extra protection from cold temperatures, too. This doesn’t mean you can’t own a dog in this breed category if you live in a colder climate, only that you’ll be responsible for providing the warmth they can’t provide for themselves.
Awesome, unique sweaters and jackets for your big fur baby from Muttropolis
How Cold is Too Cold for Big Dogs?
When temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 Celsius) it’s time to start paying attention to your dog’s outdoor protection needs. In addition to what the thermometer says, there are three other factors to consider regarding the weather. These are:
- Wind Chill: Although wind chill does not change the temperature, it does change how quickly body heat dissipates, making your dog’s body react as if the temperature were actually lower.
- Cloud Coverage- Even in the coldest temperatures, the sun is a warming factor. When the sun is behind thick cloud coverage, this little bit of cold relief vanishes.
- Moisture- Snowy rain is called sleet and it saturates skin just like rain. Furthermore, when freezing snow hits warm skin, it melts, leaving your big dog’s fur and skin just as wet as rain would. This moisture promotes a more rapid loss of body heat, making the cold more extreme.
Signs Your Big Dog is TOO COLD
Although your furry companion is good at communicating via those “puppy-dog eyes” it’s so hard to say “NO” to, his (or her) primary method of communication with you will be through body language. Begin learning your dog’s body language as soon as he (or she) arrives at your home, and make a study of that language throughout your dog’s life.
- Shivering
- Whining
- Anxiety
- Slowing Down
- Paw Lifting
Can Big Dogs Get Frostbite or Hypothermia?
Your big dog is absolutely susceptible to both frostbite and hypothermia. Let’s take a brief look at each to discover how to prevent and treat either condition.
Frostbite: Freezing cold temperatures bring the risk of injury to exposed skin tissue. It’s commonly called frostbite. It is painful, the damage is irreversible, and it can lead to gangrene, a life-threatening condition. Your big dog’s nose, tail, ears, and paws, in particular, run the highest risk for frostbite.
If the temperature is at the freezing point or below, the most effective way to prevent frostbite is to limit exposure to the cold severely. Cut potty walks back to no more than ten minutes at a time. Utilize the warmest parts of the day for more vigorous exercise activities, or just wait for a warmer day altogether.
Signs of Frostbite on Your Big Dog
- Discoloration of skin in the areas prone to frostbite (discussed above).
- Prone areas are painful or cold to the touch.
- Swelling in prone areas.
- Your dog experiences pain as the prone area(s) is (are) warmed.
What To Do if Your Big Dog Gets Frostbite
Before you do anything, bring the dog inside to gradually warm.
DO NOT put the dog in a hot bath!
DO NOT rub the area that has frostbite!
It is recommended you call your dog’s veterinarian immediately if the area(s) with frostbite turn black, do not warm to the touch, or are painful for your dog.
Otherwise, just treat the area with a topical over-the-counter antibiotic cream and keep the affected areas clean and dry. Use extra caution re-exposing these areas to frigid temperatures. I would suggest you add protection by applying some paw balm to the areas that are prone to frostbite before taking your big dog outside.
Hypothermia: This is the condition where the outdoor temperatures are so cold, your big dog’s body temperature cannot be maintained. Hypothermia is the first step in freezing to death and should be seriously considered before taking your big dog out for an extended period of time in extremely cold temperatures.
Signs of Hypothermia in Dogs
- Excessive Urination
- Rapid Breathing
- Cold Feet and/or Ears
- Hair Standing on End
Treating Hypothermia in Dogs
When you see any of the above signs, get your big dog to warm shelter! Be sure he (or she) is dry and wrap him in a warm towel or blanket. Carefully monitor your dog as his (or her) body temperature slowly returns to normal. This will take 30-60 minutes or more!
Your big dog will need IMMEDIATE medical care if you note any of these 3 symptoms:
- Your Dog’s Breathing Becomes Slow and Shallow
- He (or she) Becomes Lethargic or Disoriented
- The Shivering has Stopped, but Your Furry Buddy is Still Cold to the Touch
Caring for Your Big Dog in the Cold
Your big dog’s routine doesn’t need to be too altered by colder temperatures. Dogs still need to go outside for potty breaks and most adult dog breeds still need an average of 45-90 minutes of exercise each day. Without this opportunity to burn off excess energy, your big dog may develop behavioral problems that are disruptive.. or even destructive!
Hydration is as important in the winter months as it is on a hot summer day. Make sure your dog has a constant supply of fresh and clean water.
If your big dog is a hearty “winter breed” like the ones we discussed previously, he (or she) will likely want to be outdoors playing in the colder temps than the breeds that weren’t “designed” to winter outdoors.
Determine whether or not your dog needs a jacket by considering the temperature, the breed of your dog and the length of time he (or she) will be outdoors.
No matter your dog’s breed, when temperatures near the freezing point, BRING YOUR DOG INSIDE.
Protecting Your Big Dog’s Paws During Winter
We discovered that frostbite is a present danger in the wintertime for your big dog and the pads of his (or her) feet could be in particular peril during freezing temperatures.
3 Products for Protecting the Pads of Your Big Dog’s Feet:
- Booties: Found at any pet supply resource, booties are a simple and inexpensive way to protect the pads of your dog’s feet from extreme cold (or heat!) Although your dog may initially protest to having booties on his (or her) feet, they are an excellent measure of protection when your dog will be out in winter months for a prolonged period of time. Taking your dog hunting or hiking are two examples of when you might consider booties. Remember that booties are moisture and cold resistant. Not cold and moisture-proof. They are not 100% protection.
- Self-Adhesive Paw Pads: These small pads are ideal for quick walks on the cold pavement, which is particularly harsh on your dog’s paw pads, especially in areas where salt is used on sidewalks and roads to control ice. Self-adhesive paw pads are NOT effective for longer tracks in cold temperatures and/or wet snow, but they would be slightly better than nothing at all. They are, however, highly effective on hot pavement, but that’s a different article altogether, LOL!
- Paw Balm: The pads of your big dog’s feet can become dry and cracked from walking in extreme temperatures. Paw Balm provides a layer of protection to help prevent that damage. Additionally, paw balm works as a treatment if the pads of your big dog’s feet have been dried out and are tender from the weather.
Selecting The Right Jacket for Your Big Dog
You’ll want a jacket for your big dog that is snug, but not tight. Pay attention to the fit, ensuring the jacket will not interfere with your dog’s ability to “potty”. Additionally, the jacket shouldn’t be too heavy for the temperatures as it could cause your dog to become overheated. A lighter jacket is sufficient for most dog breeds until the temperatures near the freezing mark. Only then is a “heavy-duty” jacket material needed.
I would recommend you get a waterproof jacket for your dog because a wet coat in the cold temperatures can be worse than wearing no coat at all!
How to Measure Your Big Dog for a Jacket
In extreme cold, you will want a jacket that covers your big dog from neck to tail and around the belly (but not the genitals). Most pet shops won’t accept a return on canine clothing, so it’s a good idea to measure your dog before purchasing a jacket to ensure a proper fit.
With the dog standing up, measure from the base of the dog’s neck (where the collar would sit) to right at the base of his (or her) tail. Some jacket styles will require a neck measurement, too. In addition, measure the girth of your dog’s chest area at the biggest part and smallest to make sure the jacket won’t be too tight (or loose).
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Most dogs will “warm” to the idea of wearing a jacket with a little time and patience on your end. The best way to do this is to put the jacket on your dog indoors for a few minutes at a time, gradually increasing the time. HOWEVER, some dogs NEVER adjust to wearing canine clothing of any sort. NEVER force your dog to wear clothes of any kind if you’ve had 3-5 unsuccessful attempts of dressing him (or her).
I sincerely hope today’s article has answered all your questions about your big dog’s possible need to wear a jacket. I know there’s nothing more important than his (or her!) safety and well-being, especially when climates get extreme.
We’re always adding to our library of knowledge regarding big dog breeds here in the Big Dog Den, so be sure to stop by often. The more you know, the more enjoyable your experience of owning a big dog will be! Stay healthy and safe and enjoy your four-legged best friend. 🙂
*This article has been reviewed in accordance with our editorial policy.
