When I should put his coat on?
 

Hi everyone,
It's getting chilly here on the east coast and I was wondering what temperature range I should put Boltons coat on? It's a real winter coat, nothing frew frew.

I don't use the winter coats til winter-winter...snow on the ground kinda cold winter.

Prior to that I use hoodies and sweaters. ZoE has already started wearing sweaters cos it's been in the mid 40's here in Michigan lately.

I usually put Levi in the equivalent of what I am wearing. If I need a sweater/jacket/hoodie - that's what I'll put on him as well. If I need an actual coat, then that's what he wears too.

I need to get Katie Scarlett a light jacket or sweater. It's getting chillier here in PA too. Thanks for asking this question too! :)

If he shivers, then it's time for a coat. ;)

That's what I do as well.

I agree with Yorkiedaze, if they seem to be shivering or obviously cold then it's time for a coat. Every dog is different and I don't think you can really put a general sort of rule of thumb temperature to when a coat is necessary. I know a lady who raises American Hairless Terriers and she has commented that one of her boys tends to stay warmer than her other dogs and while the others seem to want to wear clothing pretty much all the time or snuggle up in a blanket he seems more comfortable without until the weather gets a bit cooler.

Dogs have a higher body temperature and sweat differently than we do (they sweat primarily through their feet). So what might work for us may not be what works for them. I think if we pay attention to the dog we should be able to tell if they are comfortable or not.

I read an article yesterday that talked about the fact that sled dogs wear booties occasionaly but that they can get overheated if they wear them for too long even though it is very cold and so they must be monitored. They also mentioned that sweat can collect in booties and grow greebly fungus etc. if worn for too long when the dog doesn't actually require them. I wasn't aware that it should be monitored and just sort of figured if it was cold it shouldn't really matter a whole lot so I thought I would share. I realize sled dogs are not yorkies but I think sometimes we might be tempted to cover them up sooner than might be actually necessary and what works for one dog may be not enough or could be too much for another.

Lu is pretty little (just under 3.5 lbs) and she will act like she is a bit chilled. She seems to make it pretty apparent when she would rather be snuggled up in a sweater etc.

Thanks everyone! We had Boltons light coat on last night, he isn't fussy about it

Ditto

I bought a really nice two in one... it has a hard shell that functions as a rain coat... and an fleece liner that works as a sweater. then you connect them together when it's really cold. It was expensive but he loves it.

I use the shell when its windy but not cold, and the fleece when it's just cold. I kind of also judge with myself. If I need a wind breaker or rain coat he gets the shell. if I'm in a thin winter coat he gets the fleece, if there is snow he gets both.

:thumbup: This is a great answer.

I don't put a Coat on mine per se, for warmth anyway. When we go out, they are jogging/running and that's enough to keep them pretty warm, unless it's wet/raining.

I do have and use RainCoats, which are pretty "warming" on their own. I spray them with ScotchGuard, and just use them to keep my guys dry until they get home.

Here at the house, I never put a Coat on them for them to just go outside and Potty. I have a Doggy Door, and they come and go as they need to on their own.

Temperature doesn't seem to matter as to how far they go out on the Property when it's cold, but, Rain does, neither like to get wet.
HA, when it's raining, I've seen My Male Sneakers stand on the edge of the Breezeway Concrete, hike his leg, and pee out on the Grass. :D

But, when we're out jogging, BOTH of them will jump into the Bayou or in every available Mud Puddle. Go Figgure... :confused:

:thumbup::thumbup:

I live in Jersey too and haven't broken out the sweaters or coats yet. I generally don't put anything on Morgan until I can physically see that she is cold by shivering. Usually i'll put a sweat shirt or fleece pjs on her in the winter months because it can be quite cold in my house. I don't put anything on her when she goes outside to potty if its only for a few minutes. If we're going for a walk or will be outside for more then 10 minutes then I'll put a coat on her.