There are a lot of opinions about putting clothes on dogs and whether it is cruel or not, but there are reasons for the use of clothing that actually help them.
Not all dogs are bred to be equipped for winter weather so their natural coat is not enough to keep them warm. Just like we have to manage keeping dogs bred for the snow cool in summer (NOT by shaving them – their coats are part of the insulation that keeps them cooler in summer, but by adjusting the environment), dogs who were not bred for cold weather need some assistance too. Having a dog who is genetically not bred for cold weather is basically the equivalent of us walking outside without a coat! Sometimes you will find that the dog gets excited to see the jersey and lets you put it on easily because they know the jersey means warmth and comfort.
How to know if your dog should wear a jersey?
How naturally your dog is to keep themselves warm generally depends on the breed, size and age. However, if they just don’t have a heavy coat there is only so much they can do to conserve heat. Smaller breeds and breeds that naturally have very short coats will likely benefit from a nice fleece jersey. Older dogs with weaker immune systems and dogs with diseases that impair hair growth also typically need additional help in keeping warm.
This doesn’t mean just putting on some clothes will keep them warm, they need a fleece style material. You also need to consider comfort for them – warmth may not be worth the discomfort for them! This is why it is so important to measure their neck, back, chest and belly for a good fit – it's most important to make sure the neck and armpits fit correctly to avoid chafing. Sometimes an incorrect fit can cause them to urinate on their jerseys because the length of the tummy area is too long.
Jerseys must be easy to put on & take off – if not, it is definitely too small! They also need to be durable. The best pieces will have nothing that can be chewed off and swallowed. The jersey must be safe, comfortable and warm so your little shivering furbaby can withstand cold weather.
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