Small dogs tend to benefit from extra insulation during the winter, as they have a harder time retaining body heat. Medium or large dogs who have lost muscle mass due to age or illness may also need sweaters to help them retain the heat they do produce.
At what temperature does a dog need a coat? If there's snow and ice on the ground, or persistent chilly winds, then a winter jacket for your dog is a good idea. Small or thin-furred breeds, puppies, and senior dogs will generally need a winter coat when the temperature outside feels at or below 32°F (0°C).
An easy way to determine if your dog is cold is to feel their ears and body. If either are cold to the touch, you need to warm them up. If your dog starts shivering or shaking, skip the sweater and bring them inside. Shivering could be an early sign of hypothermia.
Putting a sweater on a dog with a thick, dense coat is likely unnecessary and may even make them uncomfortably warm. For dogs with fine or short hair, however, a sweater provides an extra layer of insulation that can help regulate their body temperature and keep them snug and warm.
If your dog likes to be nestled in blankets all the time, they may like wearing a sweater. Not all small dogs, however, should be bundled in a sweater, even if it's an adorable look. Pomeranians, for example, would not need a sweater because of the sheer length of its coat.
One reason behind the calming effect of dog clothing can be the mild pressure applied by the clothing on the dog. Constant pressure to a dog's torso works like a medicine which creates a calming effect.
There is no harm in dressing a dog in a comfortable, cotton or wool sweater for winter weather; in fact, it is helpful for reducing stress and keeping smaller breeds warm in cooler temperatures.
In southern Australia, that's most nights in winter. If a dog will be in the wind or rain, that number should be more like 18 degrees, whereas if the dog can bask in the sun, it could be down to 10. As the temperature drops further, even breeds considered to be cold-tolerant will eventually need coats.
Clothes may cause a dog to potentially overheat and become sick. Always keep an eye on your pet when they are in clothes indoors and in warmer climates.
Dogs and cats don't have that luxury, but their fur, which keeps them warm in winter, also protects them in the summer by preventing them from taking on too much heat. It's a fine system until it gets too hot, at which point it can be overwhelmed, with potentially dire consequences.
If the tips of your pet's ears are warm, they're probably warm enough all over – the extremities tend to get cold first. Animals which are smaller, leaner, or animals with shorter coats will feel the cold much more acutely.
Common Signs Your Dog / Pet Is Feeling the Cold
Your pet may be shivering, trembling or cuddling into warm spaces. Dogs and cats may curl up on your bed, lounge or near the heater as they seek warmth.
"Paws are one of the few areas of a dog's body that are not protected by fur, and as a result they are prone to the cold," says Satchu. "Dogs can potentially suffer from frostbite if conditions are severe.
Use caution when the temperature drops below 45 degrees Fahrenheit (around 7 degrees Celsius). It's potentially unsafe for little-or-medium-sized dogs with thin coats to be outside, but big dogs with heavier coats are probably OK.
At 10 degrees, you need to keep an eye on them as it can be potentially unsafe depending on their age, general health, and breed. Seven degrees indicates that there is certainly potential danger, and at four degrees the temperature is potentially life-threatening.
Don't Wear Indoors. It is important to remember that coats and sweaters on dogs should only be worn if needed when they are outside in very cold weather. Dogs should not wear these clothing items in the house as they can overheat easily.
They even provide resources on what clothes are safe- and even which clothes should (or shouldn't) be worn. If this doesn't clearly quell any questions, the answer is simple: ultimately it is up to the dog's comfort as to whether or not he or she needs pajamas or other articles of clothing.
Overheated dogs can suffer heat exhaustion, heat stroke or sudden death from cardiac arrhythmias. Panting, followed by disorientation and fast, noisy breathing could signal overheating. Other possible signs: Collapsing or convulsing, bright red or blue gums, vomiting and diarrhea.
“Dogs cuddle to get warmth, bond with their family members or pack, and because it releases chemicals and hormones that make them feel good,” Bernal says. When dogs cuddle with us, their brains release the feel-good hormone oxytocin, “which reinforces their desire and enjoyment of touch and bonding,” she adds.
Although coastal Australia isn't known for especially cold weather, when the winter months arrive there are a number of steps you should take to keep your dog healthy and warm. Of course, some dog breeds handle winter weather better than others, but as the temperature drops, so does your pup's tolerance for the cold.
As a general guide, above seven degrees is considered safe for most breeds. If the weather drops to below zero, it is beginning to become unsafe for most dogs. Below minus 12 degrees, while unlikely in Australia, is considered life-threatening.
Although many cat and dog breeds have luxurious thick fur to keep them warm, when they are outside or on walks in the cold, they will still likely benefit from an additional winter coat. This is especially important if you have a thin, older or short haired breed.
A crate cover, like a blanket or crate-specific covering, can be beneficial to many dogs and can help reduce anxiety and soothe dogs by limiting visual stimuli, which in turn can prevent excitement and barking.
Most dogs are comfortable being petted on the chest, the shoulders, and the base of the neck. When petting these areas, reach in from the side, rather than moving your hand over the top of the dog's head.