I have a 65lb lab/pit mix with short hair. We just moved to eastern Washington and are expecting a big snow year.
Is there a certain temperature where it's a good idea to put a sweater on my dog? Does she even need one? I'm not a dog owner who ever dresses up my dog but having the temperature get so low is new to me. ( We have a high of 17degrees coming on Tuesday)
Opinions? Thanks!
What type of coat does the dog have? A single coat like an APBT? Or a double coat like a Lab? If more similar to a Lab, it's unlikely the dog will need a sweater at any temperature. If her coat is thin, she doesn't need one unless she's showing signs of being cold (like shivering, whining, etc).
Judge it by your dog. If she's shaking and clearly cold, if she doesn't want to go outside, then maybe it's time for a sweater. I see plenty of people putting sweaters on their pit bulls, greyhounds, and small breed dogs here even beginning in the low 30s. Some of us with dogs who have thick double coats never have to.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com As for those who say dogs self-regulate or that they shouldn't wear a sweater because they're a dog: no. Some dogs don't have the body fat or coat to withstand frigid temperatures. Some dogs obviously do just fine, especially those with thick coats, but a pit mix is likely to find the weather too cold for comfort.
Mother Nature has given your dog a great temperature control method - FUR! It traps pockets of air that act to keep your dog's skin near a constant temperature. Putting a sweater on a dog will actually cause it to overheat. I imagine a lab/pit mix has short hair so don't let her get wet and stay wet for too long outside. She'll let you know when it's time to warm up. (Besides, you don't want all the other dogs laughing at her, do you?)
Does he have the Labs thick double coat or the APBT single coat? If he has the Labs thick double coat he does not need a sweater at all. If he has the APBT single coat if he is going to be out for more that a quick bathroom break he may need a sweater/jacket if it gets extremely cold. Let his behavior be your guide of if he needs one or not. If he starts displaying signs of being cold (shivering, showing signs of distress) then he needs one, otherwise he does not
No, she doesn't need one. Most dogs (especially large breeds) thrive in colder weather, compared to warmer. It doesn't matter if her fur is short or long, she is still covered head to toe, as if it were a big black blanket around her whole body.
I have a Beagle and it was 35 this morning and he still makes it through the morning without a sweater.
dont put anything dogs regulate their own temperature.
Your dog should not be wearing a sweater. That's weird.
his fur is enough
put it on him when the sun dosen't shine or when you have to put on a jacket and mittens.
