AIBU to wonder why so many dogs wear coats these days?

[DogCoat]

I am quite old, so in my day, you never saw dogs wearing coats. These days, a high percentage of dogs are dressed in coats to go out. What is this all about? Why did dogs not used to need coats, but now they do?

The reasons relate to a huge growth in two types of people. First, those afflicted by a blindness that stops them noticing that dogs have coats to keep them warm. Second those who would like children but find dogs a good substitute and cover them as if they were children.

My dog’s hair will get extremely wet and take ages to dry if he gets drenched out on a walk. He has a fleece lined waterproof coat to keep him warm and dry. Just like you’d put on a child, or even on yourself. He’s tiny.

You tolerate what you are used to, and dogs are used to warmer centrally heated houses these days so feel the cold more when they go out.

My late OH had Pulmonary fibrosis, one of the side effects was breathing in cold air would cause an intense coughing fit that could easily make him pass out and fall. Because of it we had to heat the house to 23.5c all year round to keep him safe.

He died in March and one of our cats is not coping with the new lower temp and is shivering a lot despite it still being 21c. I have to leave him warm spots to sleep in with a blanket to get under when I go out. I turn the heating off at night now and he now sleeps under my blanket with me despite hating being covered for the previous 11 years of his life. It doesn't help that his brother just died and they'd sleep curled around each other.

Keeps the mud out of the house.
Easier to chuck a muddy equafleece in the wash than to wash the dog.

The coat thankfully. 😀

My DDog shivers terribly if it gets below 10 degrees Celsius. And she has very thin fur (greyhound type of dog).
Besides, she looks so elegant in a fashionable coat or jumper - she just suits them - but then that breed always just looks correct in a beautifully-tailored ensemble!

If it's very cold people say your poor dog is shaking he's small and cute They are happier when he has a coat on Also he's very close to the ground so can get very cold and muddy

I think a big part of it is that dogs’ lifestyles have changed just like ours have. Many breeds that used to live mostly outdoors are now indoor pets in heated homes, so they don’t build up the same cold tolerance they might have decades ago. Smaller breeds, short-haired dogs, seniors, or those with certain health issues can really benefit from a bit of extra warmth or protection, especially in wet or icy weather.

I’ve got a whippet who practically shivers if the temperature drops below 50°F, so a lightweight coat makes our walks much more comfortable for him. It’s not about “dressing them up” for fun, it’s about comfort and health. Some owners even use accessories like paw protection for snow, salt, or hot pavement. I got mine from Supreme Dog Garage after a friend recommended their website: https://www.supremedoggarage.com/shop/dog-walking-accessories/dog-shoes-for-walking/classy-hype-dog-shoes-for-walking/, honestly, it’s been a game-changer for winter walks.

So while it might look like a fashion trend at first glance, for many of us it’s just part of making sure our dogs are happy and safe in all kinds of weather.

OLD THREAD
Dog coats have been around a long time. I bought one for my dog in 1966 as it made him easier to dry after a rainy walk.

Ours don't!! They'd be far too hot running around, get stuck in hedges and a hinderance whilst swimming in a river 😂nothing is keeping mud off a spaniel either.

They have fleeces on to dry off with after a wet walk, but never ever a coat for walking itself

We aren’t furry though. I adore dogs btw! 😀

You didn't meet my ex boyfriend. By your logic he was allowed to walk about naked

Is your dog a Dorkie?

Haha! After I’d posted I thought, well I can’t really account for anyone’s furriness can I!

My whippet loves jumpers, coats whatever. She gets very excited when ones appears and runs away if you try and take it off . She is a nesh bugger though and any excuse for an extra layer. My fox terrier other, hates them and only consents to one if it's absolutely hoying it down or heavy snow. But she's a little tank.

I realise this is a resurrected thread but shout out to all the dog photos.

❤️❤️❤️

Mine has very short hair and actually dithers. He brings me his blanket and looks pointedly at the log burner when it’s cold. He’s bought me logs from the pile before now 🫣🥰🥰🥰

That is so sweet. ❤️

Because I have a feral mud & water loving Springer Spaniel, who when wet, spins upside down on my lovely rug!