Do Dogs Need Sweaters in Winter?
There are few things more adorable than a dog in a cute sweater. They appear in everything from postcards to calendars. However, dog sweaters can be a bit controversial. Some people say that dogs already have a furry coat and don’t need a sweater to stay warm in winter.
Let's look at whether that's true and whether it applies to all dogs.
Key Takeaways
Not every dog needs a sweater, but dogs can still suffer in cold temperatures. It is important to understand your dog breed's needs and health to determine whether you should buy a sweater.
Table of Contents
Your Dog’s Body Temperature
Like humans, dogs are warm-blooded mammals that generate body heat. Your average dog has a body temperature of 99.5–102.5°F (37.5–39.2.°C), which is slightly warmer than humans. They also regulate their heat slightly differently, since they pant to cool off rather than sweat.
This means that severe cold weather or cold water can cause their temperatures to drop to dangerous levels, potentially resulting in frostbite or hypothermia. Some dogs have thicker, more-insulating fur, but other dogs may quickly cool off under the wrong circumstances.
As a general rule, thin-coated breeds may become uncomfortable at around 45°F (7°C). Below 32°F (0°C), and small breeds and susceptible dogs will get cold and cannot spend a lot of time outside. Below 20°F (-6°C), the majority of dogs will be susceptible to hypothermia.[1]
These warnings are universal; however, you may be able to stave off the cold a little longer if your dog is well-equipped for the cold. Sweaters can be stylish as well as practical, and can come in a variety to suit different needs. Check out Sparkpaws’ Knit Dog Sweater for some options.
Workdog Insulated Utility Jacket Green
Factors Affecting Body Heat
Some dogs may be able to handle cold temperatures better than others, and may not need a winter jacket. This can be due to general reasons or specific reasons linked to the individual dog. Dog owners should pay careful attention to their dogs, as different dogs in the household may have different needs. Here are some factors that might affect your dog’s susceptibility to cold weather.
Size
Small and toy breeds have a smaller mass, which means they produce less body heat to keep themselves warm. Small dogs are also more likely to be close to the cold ground and more likely to get wet by snow and ice, further reducing their temperature.
Small dogs may need a good winter coat to stay warm more than a larger dog would. Fat and obese dogs are also more susceptible to staying warm than skinny dogs.
If you have a rescue dog or a dog that has lost a lot of weight due to illness, then your dog may easily struggle to stay warm in temperatures that may otherwise be comfortable. Dogs need sweaters if they do not have the size and body fat to maintain a safe body temperature.
Breed
Your dog’s breed can affect their ability to maintain heat. Some dogs were bred to stay warm, while others get cold easily.
Some dogs grow a thick winter coat that helps them stay insulated. For example, breeds like Siberian Huskies, Samoyeds, or Malamutes rarely get cold and may prefer to stay outside in winter weather. Other breeds, like Pit bulls or Chihuahua’s, may have very short coats, which means they lack the natural insulation to stay warm.
Your dog’s breed can also affect their size and general muscle mass, both of which affect your dog’s ability to stay warm. It can be a good idea to look up the comfortable temperature range for your specific breed to determine if they need to wear sweaters in your climate.
Fur type
Some dog breeds may have dense fur and a thick undercoat that helps them stay warm. Thick fur is not just long fur, but fur that has a deeper coat underneath it. You can part your dog’s fur down to your dog’s skin to check if they have a downy underlayer close to their skin.
This underlayer can help keep a dog warm and water-resistant. Without it, even longer-haired dogs may need a coat to keep warm.
WarmShield Water-Resistant Jacket Olive
Age
Age can impact your dog’s ability to regulate heat. Unweaned pups should always be in a warm (at least 75-80°F (24-27°C)) heated room with their mothers, and may need a winter sweater even indoors.
Even weaned puppies (more than twelve weeks old) are very susceptible to the cold, given their small size and muscle mass. Always monitor them closely in cold weather, even indoors.[2]
Senior dogs can also feel the cold. Senior dogs may experience health problems, including arthritis and other conditions, that make the cold painful and uncomfortable. An older dog may need a winter coat to stay warm, even if they didn't when they were younger.
Health Conditions
Certain health conditions may cause a dog to need dog sweaters, even if they may not need them when they’re healthy. Dog owners may need to consider getting dog sweaters if their dog suffers from-
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Hypothyroidism - Hypothyroidism is a hormonal imbalance that can cause issues with temperature regulation.
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Diabetes - Diabetes can make it hard to help your dog stay warm, as it affects their ability to heat up. Low glucose levels can also make a dog feel very cold.
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Heart problems - Cardiovascular issues can impair the body's overall circulation and ability to generate and store heat.
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Anemia - Can affect circulation.
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Arthritis - Arthritis can become very painful in cold weather, and make it harder for a dog to move around and stay warm.
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Cushing's Disease - Another hormonal disease affecting heat regulation.
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Nervous system issues - Dogs that suffer from tremors, seizures, or other issues may struggle to stay warm. They are also more likely to collapse outside in the cold and should be monitored.
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Injury - Heat can escape from a healing wound, and blood loss from trauma or a recent surgery can affect the ability to regulate heat.
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Pregnancy - Pregnant dogs are normally warmer, but some complications can also put them and their babies at risk if they get cold.
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Infections - Fever and infection can weaken a dog and suppress their immune system, and make them more likely to feel the cold weather
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Scars - Very large scars can impact the skin's ability to regulate temperature, as well as a dog’s ability to feel when they are getting too cold.
Cable Knit Dog Sweater Pine Green
Climate
Cold weather looks different from area to area. It may be a good idea for dogs to wear sweaters in places that reach below freezing or that receive a lot of snowfall. Wet and windy conditions can also make fur less effective. On the other hand, it might not be necessary in places where your dog stays inside most of the time.
Either way, dog sweaters can be a useful emergency item to keep around in case of power outages, blizzards, unexpected travel, unusually cold weather, or the occasional walk in uncomfortable temperatures.
Additional Benefits of Dog Sweaters
Besides the reasons mentioned, dog sweaters have added benefits. Dog sweaters can help keep snow from clumping on your dog’s fur. This snow can be uncomfortable, as well as melt and make bedding wet when the dog comes back inside.
Not all dogs enjoy sleeping in blankets. Wearing coats can be a more comfortable alternative to keep your dog warm when they sleep at night. They may also be less likely to chew up their dog sweaters than a thick blanket or bed.
For some dogs, wearing dog jackets can provide a swaddling effect and a sense of security. This can help nervous and anxious dogs to feel more confident and secure, as well as keep them warm.
Slip-on Insulated Jacket Metallic Pink
Potential Issues With Dog Jackets
While most dogs need sweaters in cold weather, there are some downsides to wearing coats that owners should be on the lookout for.
Ill-fitting Dog Sweaters
A sweater should always be for the dog's benefit; if the sweater doesn’t fit well, it can be very uncomfortable or even a health hazard.
Dog sweaters should not be too tight around the dog’s neck. This can be a choking hazard, cause chafing and hair loss, and make it difficult for your dog to bend their neck to sniff or eat. You should always be able to fit two fingers between the sweater and your dog.
When wearing clothes, always make sure your dog can comfortably go to the bathroom with them on. This will preserve your clothes for longer, and help your dog to stay healthy and clean.
On the other hand, very loose sweaters can snag and get tangled, which can also be dangerous. A very loose sweater will also not be to the dog's benefit as it is less likely to be able to properly insulate them from the cold.
Always make sure that you measure your dog properly and are getting the right size coat.
Overheating
As mentioned, many dogs have a thick coat or a soft undercoat that insulates them, like Siberian Huskies. These dogs may still need a coat on occasion, but if the weather is not cold enough for that breed to be uncomfortable, then they may overheat.
Make sure you have the right sweater for your dog. Don’t make them wear it for hours and hours at a time, and make sure that your dog is comfortable and not panting too much.
Dogs may not need their sweaters if they’re going to be physically active and running around a lot. Also, be mindful of coming in from cold weather into heated spaces, as your dog may overheat indoors with a sweater on.
Discomfort
Many dogs are happy to wear clothes, but others may hate the swaddling effect. Some dogs may just not like to wear clothes, and that is ok. Give your dog some time to adjust, but if they really hate their jackets, then they may just not be right for them.
Try to find some other alternatives, such as keeping them in a warmer room or providing them with blankets to snuggle into instead.
Conclusion
Determining if a dog needs a sweater in winter depends on a mix of factors, including their size, breed, age, health, fur type, and the climate they live in.
While some dogs, such as small, thin-coated, senior, or dogs with weaker immune systems, benefit greatly from the added warmth and protection, others with thick, insulating coats may not need one and can even overheat. A general rule is that if your dog is shivering or looking cold, a coat or sweater is always a good thing to have on hand.
A well-fitting sweater can offer comfort, security, and protection from snow and cold, but it’s important to monitor your dog’s comfort and choose gear that suits their individual needs.
If you are interested in seeing the different types of sweaters and jackets available, check out Sparkpaws’ Knit Dog Sweater Collection for a variety of colors and types of options to suit your needs.
WarmShield Water-Resistant Jacket Cosmic
Frequently Asked Questions
At what temperature do dogs need a sweater?
Dogs generally need sweaters or coats when temperatures drop below 45°F (7°C), especially small, short-haired, elderly, or sick breeds, though factors like wind, wetness, and individual comfort matter
What is the 7-second rule for dogs?
If you cannot hold your hand for more than seven seconds on a surface without it freezing or burning, the temperatures are too extreme for your dog, and they need some shoes to protect their paws.
Do sweaters actually help dogs stay warm?
Yes, sweaters can help retain body heat to keep a dog warm in extreme temperatures. Consider getting a jacket or coat if you would prefer better insulation or waterproof qualities.
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