Does your dog need a coat? Probably not
Animal welfare experts in Great Britain are warning that the trend toward outfitting dogs in clothes — especially winter coats — may be causing the animals to overheat.
The RSPCA has gone so far as to compare the practice to leaving dogs in cars during hot weather, and says it may consider prosecuting those who are putting their dogs at risk.
Some experts say that, except for small, short-haired and hairless breeds, clothing is unnecessary and interferes with a dog’s ability to regulate its own temperature, the London Telegraph reported over the weekend.
And a few question the growth of “canine couture” – dressing dogs in “fashionable” clothing – saying it is demeaning to the animals and could even encourage bad behaviour.
“There are very few occasions when an animal needs a coat, even in the recent cold weather, Mark Johnston, from the British Small Animal Veterinary Association, told the Telegraph.
“Dogs have developed a very effective coat of their own, which will protect them from the elements. It is adjustable so they can raise the fur to control their temperature. Dressing them in a coat diminishes the animal’s ability to regulate their own body temperature and could be detrimental if the animal gets too hot.
“Too high a temperature is more of a risk to the dog’s health than too low a temperature. Clothing could also rub and cause sores and if the animal is wearing it for a long time, it could cause skin conditions. Fashion-wise, coats are pointless for dogs.”
Helen Briggs, a spokeswoman from the RSPCA, added: “Under the Animal Welfare Act, you are obliged to provide appropriate conditions and environments for your dog. So if you are slapping a great big coat on it when it really doesn’t need it, then that could cause it to suffer if it is overheating.”
Beverley Cuddy, editor of Dogs Today, said: “People fall in love with these items of clothing when they see them in the pet shop and don’t think about why their dog is going to wear it.
“It seems to bring the little girl out in owners. They are often the people who used to like dressing up dolls. Some dogs do enjoy the attention but there are others that look really embarrassed. The outfits can be ridiculous. The dog definitely knows if you are laughing at it and I don’t think it is terribly pleasant.”
(Photo from Mommasbabies.com)
Posted by jwoestendiek January 14th, 2009 under Muttsblog.
Tags: canine, clothes, clothing, coats, cold, couture, dog, dogwear, fur, heat, jacket, jackets, rspca, temperature, wear, weather, winter
Comments
Comment from Anne-n-Spencer
Time January 14, 2009 at 11:00 am
This was conventional and widely accepted wisdom when I was growing up. The only dogs who truly need a coat in cold weather are Greyhounds and their cousins, who have no subcutaneous body fat. For them, a coat in a cold climate is a must. Other dogs have very nicely evolved systems for dealing with the cold–that includes their fur coats, their body fat, and their internal mechanisms such as shivering–which aren’t the same as ours. The idea that coats and sweaters are bad for the skin is also a bit of longstanding wisdom.
I’d really rather see some interest focused on foot protection for city dogs. Ice, harsh de-icing chemicals, and other hazards can cause them a great deal of discomfort. It’s bad for them to lick their foot pads when there are chemicals around, and that’s what they instinctively do. I’ve noticed that various working dogs now have boots that protect them from the hazards of their jobs. I think boots are a good idea.
I might amend my “no coats” stance for tiny dogs who are out a great deal (and who walk under their own power as opposed to being carried in bags) or for smooth-coated dogs of any size who are out in harsh climates. If we ever take Spencer to Antarctica, I’ll probably invest in a sweater for him. But in general I think people who dress up their dogs should invest in Barbies.
Comment from Maxi
Time June 18, 2009 at 8:15 am
Hi!
Thank you so much for free advert. Just FYI. Some (like us) live in states that it gets bitterly COLD in winter and believe me out of love & concern for my Shih-Tzu’s I do put a coat on them to go out to potty. Just the drop in temperature to go out is chilling! a dog ’s temp. @ 103 to go out in weather that is 25 degree’s and not putting a coat on them is dangerous! So please take care of your babies and think about health rather than “looks”. obviously if its 80 degree’s outside comman sense tells you they do Not need a coat to go out! And if you can get boots on them good idea!
Again thanks for the advert.
From all of us @ mommasbabies.com
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Time January 30, 2010 at 11:12 pm
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Comment from eshever
Time January 14, 2009 at 10:14 am
I’d be a lot more comfortable with the information in this story if the information came from a source other than the RSPCA. They have a lousy reputation in Britain on animal issues. They’ve become quite radical (more like PETA) and many people have taken them to court — and won — when the RSPCA has frivolously seized animals. So I’m a little hesitant to take their advice on dog matters.