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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think dogs don't need clothes

177 replies

Poetrypatty · 10/12/2021 10:07

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.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
27
MakingTheBestOfIt · 10/12/2021 12:21

According to the Dog’s Trust: Short-haired breeds, puppies or old dogs might need a winter dog coat.

I agree it is more common now than years ago. This thread reminded me of when DH’s grandmother saw me buying cat food and was absolutely horrified at the waste of money. Apparently in her day cats ate what they caught and the occasional scrap from the table. The idea you’d pay for food specifically for them seemed very decadent to her.

drinkingwineoutofamug · 10/12/2021 12:23

My Belgian mail cross gets cold. Hates the rain with a passion. She has a wide range of coats. Little coat for spring , big coat for winter .
She has many hand made fleeces as well due to her odd shape I can't just go into a shop and buy off the peg. She only has thick hair round her neck and thin coat everywhere else. It's hail stoning here so I doubt I will be able to get her out of the house without her big duffel coat on!

My sons now famous beagle. Has a very thick coat hence she survived the wild for 18 days , but she's now got very pink sensitive skin from loosing all her nature oils. Another reason for a dog to wear a coat for cleanliness reasons they shouldn't be washed.

drinkingwineoutofamug · 10/12/2021 12:25

@Poetrypatty

Loving these dog pics Smile

Those whose dogs have an extensive wardrobe, where do you keep it all?

My doggie has her own half of the coat cupboard. 4 coats , 3 jumpers Blush
Hellolittlestar · 10/12/2021 12:25

Believe it or not some dogs get cold in this weather.

TedMullins · 10/12/2021 12:33

@Sirzy

Mine has a coat but hates wearing it. I do insist on it when the temp get below zero because he shivers but otherwise I leave it at home and I wash him or dry him off if he gets muddy or wet.

That sounds like my son!

Haha, I totally agree with this. I have a pug but I don't put him in tutus! He has a rain jacket for when it's pissing down and a jumper for when it's really cold, but otherwise the elements don't really bother him. My chihuahua on the other hand refuses to leave the house if there's so much as a spot of drizzle. He definitely needs a coat. Sometimes even with it on he'll refuse to walk and has to be picked up and put inside my coat!
Forion · 10/12/2021 12:33

I live round the corner from a chihuahua and he has loads of different sweaters and coats because he's tiny and can't maintain his body temperature.

TedMullins · 10/12/2021 12:33

Oops, quoted the wrong post. I meant to reply to the one about a pug in a tutu

tinierclanger · 10/12/2021 12:36

Mine has a onesie on this week because she’s just been spayed, so people might assume it’s a style choice but it’s not Smile

Otherwise, she sometimes has a coat on if it’s absolutely tipping it down, because she is like a very soggy rug when she comes in otherwise! But not apart from that, it’s not against the cold.

timestheyarechanging · 10/12/2021 12:39

Mine has waterproof anorak type thing as he gets so muddy. He's long curly haired so it's better for all of us if we can minimise the wet.
Kids also get him a Christmas jumper. It doesn't bother him at all and it brings the kids pleasure so I don't mind.
Partners elderly (16) short haired dog now needs a coat as she shivers in the cold and she has arthritis so we all we can to reduce the effects and still be able to take her out. So yes, some dogs do need coats.

liveforsummer · 10/12/2021 12:40

You should see my little terrier hunched and shivering waiting at the school gate if she's not got her coat. She thinks YABVU

User3638484293 · 10/12/2021 12:43

What's wrong with a dog wearing a coat or jumper when it's cold?! I have a petite JRT and and she gets really cold and shivery when it's cold and rainy. YABU.

Kittybakes89 · 10/12/2021 12:55

Our wee dog hates the cold and will shiver dramatically so has a wee jumper for winter and rain coat for cold wet walks

To think dogs don't need clothes
userxx · 10/12/2021 13:03

My dog sleeps on a hot water bottle at might as the heating goes off. I've bought him his own for Xmas.

liveforsummer · 10/12/2021 13:04

@Santahatesbraisedcabbage we have that coat too.

@User3638484293 I was led to believe they were a hardy breed too. Mine spends most of her time asleep under the teddy fleece duvet on my bed, she's only on top at the moment because the routine has been different in the hoagie today so she's keeping an eye on the going's on 😆

To think dogs don't need clothes
To think dogs don't need clothes
liveforsummer · 10/12/2021 13:05

*house - no idea where autocorrect got hoagie from 🤣

TheSnowyOwl · 10/12/2021 13:06

Depends on the dog. Depends on the horse for that matter as well. Many domesticated animals are designed to live how and where they now do.

Although I’ve no idea what my BSH cat’s excuse is as he can generally be found snoring under a blanket.

KateInHappyland · 10/12/2021 13:09

YANBU, if you’re referring to dressing them up in ‘fashion’ clothes and silly outfits.

However some dogs do need a practical coat for the winter as they feel the cold and need it to stay warm. That’s different and completely reasonable.

BackInBlackAgain · 10/12/2021 13:11

Dogs dont need clothes, some do need coats when being walked due to being short haired / skinny etc they really feel the cold.

My dog is short haired and skinny and could probably use a coat in winter but no way would he wear one. It would be like wrestling an angry crocodile trying to get one on him.

I dont believe dogs that live indoors need PJ's. My friend has several pairs for her dogs and they sleep on her bed, just no need.

DorothyZbornakIsAQueen · 10/12/2021 13:12

@Santahatesbraisedcabbage

I have 2 scrawny Lurchers.. They love a jumper!
😍😍😍
stayathomegardener · 10/12/2021 13:14

Hmmm my whippet needs a coat our refuses to go out if cold but falls sideways to the floor when attempting to "dress" him.

Conversely scruffy lurcher needs to be wearing a Christmas hat for general cheer so YABU.

To think dogs don't need clothes
liveforsummer · 10/12/2021 13:14

@BackInBlackAgain the coats are usually a simple 2 strap design so no wresting needed. The 'clothes' you say they don't need help keep tummies warm and dry, sometimes free from irritation. Not sure why a dog might need a coat on it not a jumper tbh.

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 10/12/2021 13:17

As others have said, it depends on the dog. Ddog1 is a brown lab - she has a thick coat and doesn't feel the cold, so we haven't bought her a jumper. Ddog2 is a little rescue pointer cross from Cyprus - we live in Scotland - and she really feels the cold, so we've got her a couple of jumpers and they do keep her warm.

She doesn't need to have them warmed on the radiator, before they're put on, but that doesn't stop dh. She's not spoiled, though.... Xmas Hmm

stayathomegardener · 10/12/2021 13:17

@Santahatesbraisedcabbage where did you source their PJ's. Gorgeous.

FOJN · 10/12/2021 13:20

I think this look could be called reproachful!

To think dogs don't need clothes
PruGnu · 10/12/2021 13:23

I have a toy poodle and we keep him trimmed fairly short. He gets really cold and shivers if he hasn't got his coat on, sometimes refuses walk. Plus as a small dog who's tummy is fairly close to the ground the amount of dirty spatter from the pavements means he stays a lot cleaner with his all in one suit on.