5 min read
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens,
Puppies in sweaters and warm woollen mittens,
Beds to snuggle in and blankies to cling,
These are a few of my favourite things.
Winters are here and while us non-furry folks are hustling around in the festive spirit trying to make the most of the holidays, it’s important we follow our pet’s winter to-do list and dress them upright for the season. Each day in the season will have a different type of cold and not all dogs feel the cold in the same way. Which is why it’s great to have options to choose from when it comes to winter wear for dogs.
In this blog we’ll explore 5 winter wear for dogs and seasonal must-haves every pet parent should own in 2023. So without further ado, let’s dive into the world of winter care for dogs:
1. 5 winter wear for dogs to take the world by storm
1.1 Cosy up with dog and puppy sweaters!
As the months itch closer to the new year’s, the temperatures drop to zero degrees or even lower. When the fog settles in, you know it’s time to stay indoors and snuggle with your pet. Some dogs and puppies find it tough to regulate their body heat on their own. Sweaters are great winter clothes for dogs and our personal all-time favourite to keep our furry companions warm. Unvaccinated puppies and senior dogs with compromised immunity benefit from dog and puppy sweaters immensely.
What else? Soft and comfortable dog sweaters are not only an investment but also a style statement that’ll make your dog’s instagram game stronger than ever! (Just when you thought your doggo couldn’t get any cuter).
HUFT Tip: Dog winter clothes should fit well. Remember to measure your dog’s neck, chest (girth) and length from neck to tail, before adding the sweater to the cart.
1.2 Keep it casual with sweatshirts for dogs
Not a sweater doggo? No problem! While some dogs may not be thrilled at the idea of wearing a knitted sweater, there are still more options to keep them warm through the season. You can layer your furry family member with a sweatshirt that matches their cool persona. Those relaxed dog winter clothes are not only super-duper easy to wear but also they have multiple plus points over a sweater that’ll make you and your pet fall in love with them.
Sweatshirts for dogs are made with lightweight and stretchable material that lets them move and run about as they’d like. High tummy cuts allow for easy pee breaks. They’re warm yet at the same time soft on your pet’s skin. A hoodie style will make sure your dog’s head and ears are covered from chilly winds.
HUFT Tip: We recommend pet parental supervision when pets are wearing clothing.
1.3 Match the mood with quilted dog jackets
It doesn’t matter whether you're on a team sweater or team sweatshirt. Because having a quilted dog jacket in your pet’s wardrobe is an absolute MUST. There can be no debates.
Designed to fight with the cold-biting winds and to make your dog’s winter hikes comfortable, dog jackets are versatile and stylish winter wear for dogs. They’re waterproof to protect from light rain or hail, velcro attachments make them effortless to put on and take off and the perfect style can turn every pavement into a runway!
Many dog jackets have a leash opening that allows you to keep your dog safe as they walk and get some exercise in their routine. Our favourite ones are reversible dog jackets that let you enjoy the best of both worlds!
1.4 Say it with a t-shirt
On days when the winter sun is a bit stronger than other days, our furry companions need something lighter. Dog t-shirts are the perfect choice in this scenario. These comfortable and stylish garments will give your furry companion the right amount of coverage without overheating them. They’re designed with breathable, soft material and come in various fun, funny and cool quotes and designs. So pick one that suits your pet’s personality the most
1.5 Boot up!
Walking on cold pavements can cause our dogs chapped paws. Cracks in paws can be an extremely uncomfortable ordeal. But the good news is that you can prevent this! Invest in comfortable and breathable dog boots for winters. These paw protectors provide a barrier against the freezing grounds as well as sharp objects. Waterproof dog boots are designed to repel rain and moisture, keeping the risk of an infection away. It also gives your dog a better grip while walking on slippery areas.
HUFT Tip: If your pet’s going to be wearing dog boots for the first time, they might find the experience a bit awkward at first. However with time and practice, they will get comfortable walking in them.
2. Winter care for dogs (that are not clothes)
When it comes to winter necessities for our dogs, it can go beyond having a wonderful winter wardrobe. Here are (more) ways you can ensure your furry family member’s comfort and health through the chilly season:
2.1 Sleep tight on cold nights
All dreams are made of love and nobody knows it better than our dogs. Our doggies love their winter naps and what’s a better place to tuck them in than a comfortable dog bed, created especially for them. A space to call their own, snugly dog beds make our dogs feel safe. Orthopaedic dog beds provide optimum support for our senior dog dealing with arthritis, joint pain and back issues. Loss of appetite, sleeplessness, destructive behaviour, excessive barking, packing and panting are some common signs of anxiety in dogs. And a dog bed made of faux fur can help reduce nervous tension. After all, there’s nothing better than a good night’s sleep.
2.2 Weekend movies under the blanket
Picture this. It’s a silent cold night outside. You’ve got your favourite movie on. Your dog’s furry paws are cuddled with your fuzzy socks under a warm, adorable dog blanket. Life is perfect.
Apart from the main purpose of keeping your dog warm, dog blankets can make our dogs feel safe, much like a security blanket for a child. From your couch to your dog’s bed, or even during car rides, they provide comfort and warmth wherever your pup goes!
2.3 Some extra care for the season
We’ve all had those days of dry skin in winters. Cold winter months in particular can present a unique set of challenges for our furry companions too. The dry, chilly air can lead to chapped and sore snouts, as well as dry and cracked paws. Keeping these areas moisturised with pet-safe healing balms and paw butters can help.
HUFT Tip: Sardine oil is a great supplement to boost your pet’s immunity during winters. And if you wish for a vegan alternative that has a much pleasant smell, you can use hemp seed oil for dogs. Both provide your dog with similar benefits.
Dog winter clothing keeps our dogs warm. But you know what else they do? They protect our dogs from falling sick or catching hypothermia. Waterproof jackets keep their coats dry in case there is hail or rain in the winter. Senior dogs with arthritis or joint problems benefit from added protection from the external environment. Warm clothes also give our dogs a sense of safety and the reassurance that they’re loved.
Here’s how to introduce winter wear for dogs. Begin by letting your dog sniff the new clothing and familiarise themselves with its scent. Next, gently make your dog wear the clothing. Reward them with treats and loving words. Ensure the clothing fits well and does not restrict your dog’s movement. If your dog starts squirming or shows signs of discomfort or stress, remove the clothing and try again later. Remember, wearing clothes isn’t something that comes naturally to our canine. Hence, it’s great to be patient during this process. Over time, most dogs adapt to wearing winter clothing, associating with the feeling of warmth and comfort during winter months.
There are few things a pet parent should keep in mind when it comes to dog winter wear. First, the clothing should not hinder our dog’s natural movement. Measure your dog correctly before purchasing the perfect size fit. A size that’s too small can cause discomfort and a size too big can restrict their movement and not provide adequate warmth. Secondly, each dog regulates their body temperature differently. So keep an eye out for their comfort. Dogs can overheat in winter clothing if they’re exercising or playing. Hence, it’s advisable to not let your dog wear clothing all day long. Always supervise your pet when they’re wearing winter clothing. Moreover, if your pet suffers from skin allergies, opt for materials that’s soft and gentle on their skin. Consider choosing soft acrylic for sweaters, cotton poly fleece for sweatshirts and quilted shell fabric for jackets. Look for linings that are soft and comfortable on your dog’s skin.
You can buy high quality dog winter clothes by shopping from HUFT’s all-new winter collection. From warm cable-knit sweaters, relaxed fit sweatshirts to waterproof dog jackets in trendy styles, you have endless choices to make your furry one’s winter a season to remember.
Essential winter clothes for dogs include cable-knit dog sweaters for staying warm indoors, cosy and sweatshirts for a more relaxed fit, trendy waterproof jackets for outdoor walks and lastly dog t-shirts for dogs who prefer something lighter during sunny days. You can also invest in dog boots to keep your dog’s paws from getting chapped.
Remember to take extra care of your dog’s grooming during winters. Winters can mean fewer baths but it’s important to not let their skin and coat turn dry. Use pet-safe moisturising shampoo and conditioner. To avoid cracked paws and snouts, keep those areas moisturised with pet-friendly balms. Wearing clothing for an over recommended period of time can sometimes lead to matting. We recommended booking a spa appointment with a professional groomer so they can deal with the situation better. HUFT Tip: Remember to dry out your pet’s coat thoroughly after a bath to avoid them catching a cold.
Yes! Puppies and senior dogs have weaker immunity than adult dogs. Which is why caring for them extra during the winter months is an absolute must. Puppies generally have more energy than senior dogs but they’re still growing and can benefit from warm sweaters that cover their chest and back. Lightweight sweatshirts will allow them with more flexibility in their movement. Senior dogs have reduced mobility who prefer to stay indoors during winters. However in the few they do go out for a walk, waterproof velcro jackets are easy to wear and also come with hind leg elastics for a better fit and easy pee breaks.
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