Comments on: Does your dog need a coat? Probably not

By: FlowerPower1234

FlowerPower1234 — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 05:22:38 +0000

Well, unfortunately Maxi, you couldn’t be more wrong. BECAUSE a dog’s internal body temperature is 102 degrees is EXACTLY the reason they DON’T need coats. Ask any Vet Tech (which I am) or Licensed Veterinarian. Sores can be rubbed on your dog from sweaters and coats, not to mention them overheating. And BTW, they create their OWN heat if they’re walking! So to Anne-n-Spencer who otherwise made a lot of sense in her comments, you said you might amend your “no coats” stance for dogs who walk under their own power… but it’s those dogs who do NOT need coats. Walking uses calories and produces HEAT )

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 03:12:27 +0000

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By: Maxi

Maxi — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:15:08 +0000

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

By: Anne-n-Spencer

Anne-n-Spencer — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 15:00:10 +0000

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.

By: eshever

eshever — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:14:10 +0000

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.