A dog's a dog: he's got his own coat – so he doesn't need a designer one. So say the opponents of dog garments. Yet four-legged fashion is becoming ever more diverse. And many a dog owner would sooner give their pet some winter warmth with a jumper or jacket than see him fall ill. Experts from the specialist retail chain Fressnapf have their own opinion on this subject and explain the pros and cons...

A dog who's outside a lot throughout the year normally needs nothing more than his own natural garb. Regular walking enables the organism to adjust to the different seasons and boosts the immune system. There are canines who just won't accept dog clothes – for them it would be an ordeal to wear such things. And if the “second skin” doesn't fit right, it can lead to painful chafing wounds which would without doubt impair the animal's quality of life.

Still, what about dogs who are ill and whose immune system is weakened? Or old animals who, if anything, suffer from arthritis? These creatures often can't make up for heat loss by racing around and playing. Also, puppies, freshly shorn dogs and breeds with short, less thick hair or which lack an “undercoat” or sub-coetaneous fat tissue, can catch cold or become chilled at below-zero temperatures or in cold wet weather. Pets who live in heated rooms and are only ever briefly outside can likewise become afflicted by the cold.

Shivering is a reliable sign that your four-legged friend is too cold. Recurring colds and bladder or kidney inflammations can also indicate this. In combination with the wet, some dogs react with extreme sensitivity to cold which is why their owners provide them with waterproof protection, particularly in the abdominal region. At temperatures below ten degrees Celsius, additional protective clothing for animals plagued by the cold makes thoroughly good sense. This can be a pullover or an upholstered waterproof vest, depending on the weather conditions. Functionality is therefore an important factor in the choice of garment. Apart from this, bear in mind that your pet has to feel at ease in it and be able to move freely. The best thing is to take your dog with you when shopping for clothing – try it out and see how he gets on with it.

Those who completely dismiss the notion of dog garments can still prevent their four-legged friend from getting too cold. A towel for drying off the fur during walkies is very useful, particularly for animals who like to take a “bath”, even in icy temperatures... Otherwise, the following applies: if your dog “freezes” quickly, take him out more often – but for shorter periods. If he gets wet from the walk, rub him down well and put him somewhere warm and dry.


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No mere fashion frippery! Protective clothing can make thorough good sense for your four-legged friend – above all when it's not just wet outside but cold, too. Photo: Fressnapf (Photos may only be reproduced with permission and in connection with editorial text. High-resolution photos can be requested from the Fressnapf press office.)