Thank you, @Kembe.
Cold Weather Gear
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Since the weather is becoming cooler now in many states and I there have been many posts asking about cold weather gear, I thought I would share what I use as I have spent many hours searching for the "perfect" gear.
Ruff Wear Cloud Chaser Soft Shell Jacket size xsmall (for both my 22# and 17# bs). IMO it is the BEST jacket as it can be used for rain, snow, cold, whatever and fits snuggly to keep them warm.
Muttlukss Fleece Lined Dog boots. For my 22# male I use xsmall for his front and xxsmall for his back paws. For my 17# female I use xxsmall for all four paws.
You can do a search online for the items to find the best price as they can be spendy but well worth it for our furry kids.
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Never tried boots for AJ. That would be interesting. (Possible photo opportunity?) He has a safety vest he has to wear when we're at the docks. He doesn't mind that, but he doesn't like his chest covered.
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Check out Montana Dogwear, If we lived where it really gets cold, I think that is the coat I would get for my fur-kids. They are $50-something, but you can see how well they fit the basenjis in the photo gallery.
That Cloud Chaser looks great, especially for very active dogs.
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Check out Montana Dogwear, If we lived where it really gets cold, I think that is the coat I would get for my fur-kids. They are $50-something, but you can see how well they fit the basenjis in the photo gallery.
That Cloud Chaser looks great, especially for very active dogs.
That is a great site! It is nice to see how they actually fit our dogs and especially that they put a tail knotch in for our little ones
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I actually love their clothes too, just think it might be too hot for us down here in TX, although, on Otis great hunt yesterday, it got down to about 64 degrees by the time we were leaving and he was shivering..?
Maybe he needs one of their coats..
I like the idea of a tail notch, how ingenious and easy to do. Why doesn't more companies think of that?
I guess I am going back to their site again. -
Are cloths really necessary? Or it this just us humanizing and making our dogs "cute" and turning them into our "babies"?
I myself have been looking at jackets for Gizmo for when the winter comes. So asked my vet, and she told me:
"Shivering is a method of diverting energy and warmth, it's natural, and it does not necessarily mean the dog is freezing. A dog will shiver even if it is just slightly chilly out, they are keeping their muscles warm and keeping the blood flowing, just like gymnasts do. It prevents injury should they suddenly need to leap into action.
Also as long as you keep the dogs moving/active they will not freeze. Puppy's however is a different story, since they have less belly hair, and should wear a jacket that covers the belly/tummy area.
Cloths is supposed to be used when the dog will be standing still for a long period, like at a dog show or you are taking a break during a hike etc."
The vet has Chihuahuas, and she takes them out in the snow far bellow freezing, and they do not freeze because she keeps them active.
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Sorry, while your vet is technically right, I have to disagree with her on some things. Some dogs get colder than others, then there are the ones with health problems as well. While Shadow will not wear a coat, he gets colder than the girls. He has less muscling, because he's lazy basically,;) so IMO his body does not work as efficiently at creating heat. My boxer has health issues and has no hair, how would that vet like her to keep warm? And I mean, she has NO hair.:eek: She's definitely getting a coat this year.
But this is all my opinion. Not a confrontational answer.
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Nerdy, that is interesting what your vet said. I live in Maine (cold/snow). When my pup Aaliyah came home at 11wks, she would bound around in the deep snow non-stop. I didn't put a sweater or coat on her as I never once saw her shiver. Granted we wouldn't be out for an hour, but at times she'd be in the snow 15 - 20 minutes or until the adults came up on the steps and wanted in to lie by the fire.
Of my 3, the only one that truly seems to mind the cold is Brando - he has a razor short coat - the girls both have thicker coats. None of mine wear coats/sweaters or boots. The adults act like they have straight jackets on if you put a coat on them - even a Montana Dogwear horseblanket type coat - they hate having clothes on and won't walk, doesn't matter what type or material. I've never attempted to get Liyah acclimated to a coat or sweater as I've never seen her shiver - she's a busy kid
:D.Never attempted boots as I can guess how that would go without even trying. :rolleyes: I do put Musher's Secret on their paws - and they actually seem to like that - a mini spa treatment
and it has made their tolerance to snow/cold better.I don't leave them outside in the cold un-attended. And actually before I ever see shivering, I usually see them doing the little paw dance meaning their feet are cold. At that first sign, I take them in by the fire.
So at my house, clothes aren't used. When they get to be elders, I may give coats/sweaters another shot, but for now they go au natural.
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Cloths is supposed to be used when the dog will be standing still for a long period, like at a dog show or you are taking a break during a hike etc."
Or when they sit still during a hunt..before the attack..
I don't know if I think clothes are as necessary as all these dog clothing stores want us to think, but if it made my dog more comfortable in the cold why not.
I have dachshund that is miserable in the merely 40's, but if you put a coat or sweater on him he will not move, he simply hates it…so he rather be cold.
I think I will make Otis a fleececoat, gota really great pattern fro free off the net, fleecec is $4.00/yard right now, so the coat will be about $4.00 and that is with left over materials..can't beat it.
Houston doesn't get as cold, needless tosay, as the rest of teh country, but it is the humid 40's in "our winter" and that even gets me cold and I am a swede at heart.. -
My bad, I just remembered it wasn't my vet that said this but the lady at the pet store! LOL, I went to the pet store directly after the vet visit, got them mixed up!!
So far Gizmo has been doing fine in the cold. He will shiver if he stops to do some bird watching, which he does ALL the time….I think he wishes he could fly...hehe. Once we start walking it's all good.
I will have to wait and see how he does once winter hits. Looking forward to seeing his reaction to snow! (if we get any that is)
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When mine are outside running around in the cold (generally they won't go out if it is in the single digits anyway) I don't think the coat is necessary because high energy activity generates heat. Mine won't wear coats usually unless it's just for a walk and even then it has to be really cold (or raining) - I do require dog boots on them because they use salt and chemicals to clear the streets of snow.
However, I have seen pictures (on the forum galllery maybe) of basenjis that had frostbite on their ears. So cold can be an issue. -
I am actually looking for a good raincoat, would love to sew one, but don't think I can find the proper material.
Does anybody know of a good, very well fitting raincoat?
Otis doesn't mind a little drizzle, but hates the rain, and, hey, so do I, but if he was properly dressed for a walk in it, maybe he would enjoy it better. I know I don't mind rain if I have a coat or umbrella.
Suggestions would be great.. -
My Topper is 14 and even here in Florida he gets cold when the wind blows in winter. Eddie gets cold too, but Nicky could probably be out in freezing weather with no problem. I have sweaters I put on them when the temp drops and they seem much happier…but if they are not cold, they won't let me put them on! They are all older so not too active on our walks.
