Page 2 | To think dogs don't need clothes

Poetrypatty · 2021-12-10T10:07:24+00:00

I don't have a dog (although I do like them) so maybe I am missing something here, but this morning at least a third of the dogs I've seen are wearing coats or jumpers [confused] I know this didn't used to be a thing. Surely they don't need them? One I saw even looked uncomfortable in a badly fitting coat.

Prescottdanni123 · 10/12/2021 10:21

My first two dogs didn't wear coats because their natural, fur coats were thick enough to keep them warm. My current dog (a border terrier) really feels the cold. Which is rare for border terriers. I think that it down to the fact that while she has her undercoat, her warm second coat never really grew, apart from in a stripe down her back. So I need to put a coat on her in cold weather, but it is out of necessity, not a fashion statement. She just wears a plain, waterproof coat.

I do agree that the hoodies, tutus, hats, dresses etc is ridiculous though. I even saw a pack of dog wellies in B&M a little while ago. Madness.

Simonjt · 10/12/2021 10:21

We have a Shiba Inu, he wears an all in one, he doesn’t need the warmth, but it means only his head and paws get wet, so he doesn’t need a full bath after a walk.

givemushypeasachance · 10/12/2021 10:21

As previous posters have said - greyhounds, lurchers, other dogs like that do need clothes. They have very short hair, thin skin and very little body fat, so if it's cold and windy and wet outside if they didn't have a coat on they would get hypothermia! If they're properly sprinting about they generate body heat, but for a standard 20 minute walk around the park in the cold, if you're wearing a coat, they would probably need an extra layer as well. And some people with cooler houses will also put indoor house coats/'pyjamas' on them, to save having the heating on so much.

RallySooney · 10/12/2021 10:22

My Lurcher point blank refuses to walk if I put a coat on her. Very stubborn. Folk must think I'm a terrible owner as I'm all muffled. Reminds me of my toddler refusing a hat and coat in sub zero temperatures, although I did win the battle with that one.

FOJN · 10/12/2021 10:22

That sounds like my son!

Is he a very good boy?

Kayjay2018 · 10/12/2021 10:24

Our Doberman has an equafleece, she feels the cold in winter, my rescue is a proper mutt, doesn't need a coat for heat but if there is mud to walk in (or sink in) he will be in it so the coat keeps him cleaner.

Alfr · 10/12/2021 10:26

I have never put clothes on a dog until my current dog. He's an elderly Irish Setter, with a very fine silky coat, and very little hair on his undercarriage. He is out all day with me with the horses, and gets really cold and shivery, particularly if it's raining. He hates his fleece, and I hate putting it on him, but he really suffers without it!

GodspeedJune · 10/12/2021 10:27

I’m not normally one for clothes for dogs, but am thinking of getting something for my elderly spaniel to wear on walks. She doesn’t run much to keep warm, and takes ages to get dry when home, so I worry about her feeling a chill.

I’d never use one on my border collie - she’s double coated so even if her outer coat is wet, her fluffy undercoat will keep her warm.

Meadowbreeze · 10/12/2021 10:29

@RIPWalter just FYI I think your full name is on that pic. Very cute dog though!

LadyCatStark · 10/12/2021 10:29

Greyhound/ whippet type dogs do, one near us has a knitted snood type scarf too. My lab fell in the river in the recent snow and didn’t give 2 shits even though steam was coming off his body!

CounsellorTroi · 10/12/2021 10:29

In our local dog friendly coffee shop the other day there was a greyhound type dog wearing a onesie, with a hole around the tail area obviously. He seemed quite comfortable in it!

ponkydonkey · 10/12/2021 10:30

I'd love to put a nice coat on my dog
But she's a lab collie cross and loves the cold.... will play for hours in the snow

DimplesToadfoot · 10/12/2021 10:30

My current dog really feels the cold, so she has a coat to keep her warm. Despite owning a dog I hate the smell of wet dog, so my dogs coats also keep her dry. Win win

I've had long haired dogs that haven't felt the cold so they've not had coats and I've put up with the smell, I act according to what my dog needs.

Animals in dress up, dogs in pretty dresses, guinea pigs in suits etc now they are another matter and I personally dislike it, however it does no harm, it doesn't concern me and each to their own.

alpinia · 10/12/2021 10:31

I have a technically waterproof all weather young labrador who refuses point blank to go out if it's both windy and rainy. I'm frankly a bit embarrassed by it. Would happily consider a waterproof coat if it would help.

QueenofKattegat · 10/12/2021 10:31

YABU

Carboncheque · 10/12/2021 10:32

Mine has a waterproof coat for when it’s really pouring down. It’s very lightweight and doesn’t stop her from tearing through the trees and bushes following scents. Without it, she’d be wet to the skin in ten minutes and just stand there looking forlorn. With it, she can be out for an hour and still be reluctant to go home.

Lou98 · 10/12/2021 10:32

I'm a dog groomer and a lot of people put the coats with the full legs etc on their dogs because if they don't and they get wet on walks, their fur gets matted if they're not dried and brushed properly.

Also, some dogs do get cold - my MIL's got a tiny shih tzu and if she's not got a jumper on she won't go out in the cold, she just shakes and refuses to move.

I have two short haired dogs but they run around loads so don't need jumpers as they warm themselves up.

Every dogs different, as long as its not for the owners amusement (thinking silly costumes etc) then I don't really see the issue

penguinwithasuitcase · 10/12/2021 10:33

My dog doesn't need a coat, but sometimes I put one on him just to upset people

Tee20x · 10/12/2021 10:33

YABU. Some dogs get cold in the winter months.

ponkydonkey · 10/12/2021 10:34

@alpinia mines the same hates the rain...

RIPWalter · 10/12/2021 10:36

[quote Meadowbreeze]@RIPWalter just FYI I think your full name is on that pic. Very cute dog though![/quote]
Thanks, I realised as soon as I pressed post, and have reported it for deletion. But it's not a big deal as this is my user name that I use for posting pics of dog, my garden (that may already be on Instagram) or references to where I live (fairly unique location). I definitely have a different user name for more controversial areas of Mumsnet!!

NoSquirrels · 10/12/2021 10:38

@Carboncheque

Mine has a waterproof coat for when it’s really pouring down. It’s very lightweight and doesn’t stop her from tearing through the trees and bushes following scents. Without it, she’d be wet to the skin in ten minutes and just stand there looking forlorn. With it, she can be out for an hour and still be reluctant to go home.

Coat recommendation?

My dogs started to get a bit funny about unacceptable weather - despite being as a PP says an all-purpose weather dog! - so a lightweight waterproof is what I need to try her with.

ANameChangeAgain · 10/12/2021 10:38

As others said, some dogs feel the cold. I've a thin coated working dog, she never wears a coat working as they can snag and be dangerous, but in cold weather when she stops she wears an equifleece to stop her cooling too quickly. Same principle as wrapping up our human athletes after a race, or throwing a rug on a horse after work. We want her to be comfortable, happy and safe.

Itsalmostanaccessory · 10/12/2021 10:40

Not all dogs have been bred for our winter climate. Of course they need a coat or jumper.

Megan2018 · 10/12/2021 10:41

We have a toy poodle as an unusual farm dog at the stables I keep my horse at. He wears clothes for warmth and waterproofing but also to keep him cleaner as it’s a very muddy, dirty place.
He’s not your usual farm dog and isn’t really equipped for outdoor life (although he loves it!).

I don’t like clothes as fashion items and they must fit well. But they are necessary sometimes.