Which dog breeds need to wear clothes in winter?

When the cold wind blows and the snow floats outside the window, we can't help but look at the dogs around us while wrapping up our cotton clothes. They wag their tails and seem carefree, but have you ever thought that some dogs are silently enduring the cold? Just like we will add clothes to our cold-fearing family members, in the cold winter, putting clothes on some dog breeds is the warmest care given by their owners. Knowing which dog breeds need this warm care more can help us better protect their health and comfort on the road of loving pets. ​

Small dogs are often the "key targets" who need to wear clothes in winter. Take Chihuahuas as an example. They are small in size, usually weighing about 1-3 kilograms, with a thin layer of body fat and limited heat storage. When the temperature drops below 10℃, Chihuahuas may shiver and curl up, and even their body functions may decline due to low temperatures, causing respiratory infections, gastrointestinal discomfort and other diseases. There is also Yorkshire Terrier, whose hair is long but soft and fine, and has poor warmth retention. The cold wind can easily penetrate the hair and take away the body heat. This kind of small dog has a weak ability to regulate body temperature. A suitable piece of clothing is like building a warm "small house" for them. When choosing clothes, the owner can choose a cotton coat or fleece coat with soft material and strong warmth retention, and ensure that the size of the clothes fits well and does not affect the dog's activities. ​

Short-haired dogs are also in need of winter clothing. The hair of the French bulldog is short and sparse, close to the skin, and cannot form a sufficient warmth barrier. In cold weather, their skin is directly exposed to the cold air, and the heat loss rate is extremely fast. The same is true for pugs. The short hair and flat facial structure make them more likely to feel cold in winter, and their respiratory system is relatively fragile. Cold stimulation can easily cause respiratory problems such as coughing and asthma. Dressing short-haired dogs can not only keep warm, but also reduce the irritation of external dust and bacteria to the skin. You can choose clothes with windproof fabrics, and design elastic bands at the collar and cuffs to ensure warmth and prevent cold wind from entering.

Elderly dogs and puppies also need to wear clothes in winter. As elderly dogs age, their body functions decline, their metabolism slows down, and their resistance to cold decreases significantly. Even dogs that are originally cold-resistant will become afraid of cold after entering old age. They may experience slow movements and stiff joints, and the cold will aggravate these symptoms. Putting warm clothes on elderly dogs can relieve joint pain to a certain extent, allowing them to remain relatively comfortable in winter. Puppies cannot cope with the cold as effectively as adult dogs because their bodies are not yet fully developed and their body temperature regulation center is not yet perfect. Especially puppies who are just a few months old have a slightly higher body temperature than adult dogs, but their own heat production ability is weak and they are prone to hypothermia. When choosing clothes for puppies, pay special attention to the safety of the material, avoid using fabrics with irritating odors or easy to shed hair, and prevent dogs from accidentally eating them.

There are also some special dog breeds that also need to wear clothes in winter. For example, dogs who have just undergone surgery are weak and have poor resistance. The surgical incision also needs extra protection to prevent cold stimulation from affecting wound healing. And dogs with certain diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, are more sensitive to temperature changes, and cold may aggravate their condition. At this time, putting on suitable clothes for them is an important measure to help them survive the cold winter.

In the cold winter, putting clothes on the dogs in need is a loving protection given by the owner. From choosing the right clothes to gently putting them on, every action is full of love and care for the dogs. When we see dogs playing freely and growing healthily in warm clothes, we know that this effort is like the warm sun in winter, warming the dogs and our own hearts.