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Do the little dogs really need sweaters when going outside? I know alot of people on this site are into dressing their dogs which is fine. I have to admit, for me, its not something I normally do.. The only exception I can see is when they go out in cold weather. I live in Ohio so it gets pretty cold. I have a Maltese, a yorkie mix and my Yorkie, (all around 7, 8 lbs). In years past, when I took them outside in the winter, I just walked them in the yard and came back inside as quick as I could. However, I have started in the last few months to make sure I give them a good walk (just 2 blocks) every day, no matter what the weather. Today was one of the first cold days, and I was worried as I had them groomed 2 weeks ago and their hair is cut pretty short. They seem to start shivering so easily so I put sweaters on them today. My dh said this was silly...that they were dogs and didnt need extra covering to stay warm, my neighbor agreed with them, and I felt silly. So I just wonder, does anyone know what reality is....do these little ones need clothes when they go outside or not? laura: |
I live in Upper Michigan so I know all about crappy, cold weather. Beau has a winter jacket and two sweaters that he wears. I actually noticed that he doesn't get chilled and he doesn't start shivering if he has something on. I don't know if I make this up in my mind so I have a reason for dressing him up but either way we're both happy! :D |
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I live in Ohio too. As windy and blustery as its been the past few days I have bundled Koda up. When he has nothing on and goes out, potty's and wants to go right back in. But when he is nice and warm with a jacket he tends to want to stay out longer and run and play. With winter coming I want him to get as much outside play time as poss, since he won't be getting much soon.:animal36 |
Thanks,but Id really like to know if it is necessary or not. I know it looks cute and cant hurt anything, but will I be neglectful if I dont use them? Thanks. Laura |
I thought that Yorkies and Malts have hair and not fur, which is why they need to be protected from the cold/heat. If they had fur, they would have some protection from the cold. :) |
my guys FREEZE when it gets cold here. Sometimes, Lotte and Bouncer won't even go out the door if I don't put a sweater of jacket on them. Even Lilli in a full coat shivers like she's dying. I wouldn't call anybody neglectful not using them. I just feel that if I get to bundle up to brave the cold wind out there with them, than they deserve to be somewhat warm as well. That, and it makes me feel like a horribly, terrible mom if I'm standing there with my jacket and scarf and they're naked, shivering like they're in a tub of ice water while trying to pee. I just can't make them go out naked with it's cold. I even keep a heating bad in their carseat and let it get warm while i warm my car in the mornings....yes, I know...they are SPOILED! haha |
If they are shivering, I think they need sweaters or coats if you are walking them a couple of blocks. |
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I live in Ohio too. I have been putting coats on Seth and Sasha and PJ's at night. No undercoat so yes I do think it is a must. :D |
I think all the pictures of the little yorkies dressed up are so cute! However, I'm not the type to dress up my dog(s). I did buy my little guy a sweater because Cooper will be 12 weeks when we get him and I don't want him to be chilly. We live in the Bay Area and it doesn't get that cold, but he'll be so tiny! |
I think that if they are just going out quick to potty then it is ok not to put a coat or sweater on them, but if you are going for a walk I think that it is neglectful not to use a coat or sweater. If it is cold enough that you need a coat or sweater on then they need one too. My dogs do not normally wear clothes either, just coats when it is cold or a dress for a special occasion. |
There may not be any scientific data out there about the neccesity of a coat, sweater ect. for a dog in the cold...but common sense here is...Yorkies and Maltese...do have hair and hair only..no undercoat of "protective" fur which is for protection in cold water and weather AND their body mass is very small, which means heat can escape easier than a larger dog AND they have shorter hair from the groomers....= yes, they need a sweater or a coat or maybe both if outside for a long walk....I am really not being a smart A__ just tell dh as I've told mine...you take off your shirt and step outside and see how long you can stand it:rolleyes: Maybe if your nice...the dogs will lend you their coats.... |
I think if they just go out, potty, and come right back in that they don't really need a sweater. But if you're going to walk them around the block, they'll get cold and should have a sweater. If it's too cold for you for that long then it's too cold for them too. They only have a single coat and don't stay warm like dogs with double coats. |
2 Attachment(s) Here is what my two look like after being outside a few minutes to potty. I wouldn't think of sending them out there without a coat. I don't care if anyone thinks they look silly, I want them to stay warm. :-) |
Thanks everyone...what you said about them having hair and not fur, and no undercoat makes sense. I feel kind of guilty that I never thought of it before. My Yorkie is the newest member of my family, and in learning about her I have learned so much about my other two dogs. I never took them for long walks in the cold, but I never put coats on them either. |
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