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Community Corner

Winter Weather Protection Tips for your Dog

With the polar vortex dipping back down for a second round, it’s time to get prepared for another cold snowy snap. While we remember to prepare our cars, homes and wardrobes for the impending cold, it’s important to also remember our pet’s winter safety needs as well. Winter weather safety for your dog includes cold weather awareness and what to look for in effective winter garments.

BREED COLD TOLERANCE

While Huskies and German Sheppards thrive in cold winter weather with thick insulating coats, all dogs are not as genetically prepared. Dogs with thin, smooth coats will lose more body heat than their double-coated cousins. Additionally, dogs with a low percentage of body fat such as Whippets or Greyhounds are also more susceptible to the cold.

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Puppies and senior dog’s bodies have to work harder to maintain their body temperature in extreme climates. This causes additional stress to internal organs, which if left unchecked could have permanent consequences. Additionally, the cold weather constricts dog’s blood vessels exasperating arthritis in senior dogs.

PAWS, EARS & CHEST

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In general, the top heat lose areas on a dog are the paws, ears and chest.  New research from Japan has found dogs have unique arteries and veins in their footpads to help ‘warm up’ the blood as it returns to the heart thus not affecting the dogs internal temperature as drastically while standing on cold surfaces as first thought.

The tips of dog’s ears and tails are two of the key areas to watch when dogs are out in cold and frigid winds. Those are the most likely areas to suffer from frostbit as they do not have much muscle and are hard to cover with garments.  Watch for these areas discoloring to a pink or gray hue. If you fear frostbite, bring your pet inside immediately. Do not rub the area harshly but slowly warm your pet in a blanket and contact your vet for more assistance.

DOG BOOTS

While research suggesting just standing on cold surfaces may not affect dogs internal body temperatures as much as previously thought, dog boots still may play an important role in keeping your dog warm this winter. Snow and mud clumping between dog’s toes and pads are uncomfortable and can cause irritation. Additionally, harsh snow melt chemicals can actually eat through dog pads and cause great damage. It is important to wash and wipe clean dog pads when they come back indoors.

CHEST PROTECTION—THE DOGGY DICKEY

The easiest part of the dog to protect during winter weather is the chest. Most breeds have less fur on their chest while the chest cavity is where the major arteries and vital organs reside.  A chest covering is also important for blocking wind; wind will draw more heat out of the dog’s body than simply cold temperatures on a calm day.

Cover your dog’s chest with a warm but breathable material (ex: fleece, wool). The easiest and most effective product on the market for chest protection is The Doggy Dickey. The Doggy Dickey—as the name suggests—only covers your dog’s neck and chest as a human dickey would. Made out of anti-pill fleece, you can feel the body heat being trapped between the dickey and your dog after only a short time in the cold. Plus the Doggy Dickey doesn’t restrict dog’s range of motion like some sweaters or tee-shirts might. This makes for a comfortable and easy to put-on garment that both human and dog will love.

WINTER JACKETS

Dog’s fur coats lose insulating power as they get wet. Even double-coated dogs can suffer from the cold if they become wet. During rainy or snowy weather, a waterproof jacket which covers as much of the dog as possible is the best tool for keeping your dog dry and thus warm. It can be hard to find full body coverage for larger and deep-chested dogs. In these situations, layering a jacket over a dickey or other chest protecting garment is the best way to ensure your dog is both warm and dry when enjoying time outside.

BOTTOM LINE

The bottom line, keep an eye on your dog. Each breed and individual is unique. But if you see your dog is shivering, he’s cold. Bring him inside, dry him off and wrap him in a blanket to warm up.

There are many types of winter garments on the market. Since dogs have such a variety of shapes and sizes it is important to try products on your dog to find the right mix of comfort and protection. There are not ‘standard sizes’ in dog clothing so measuring your dog and using brand sizing charts is the best method to finding the right fit for your dog.

Locally, the Super Pet Expo in Edison, NJ, running February 7-9, 2014, is a great place to view and try-on  a full gamut of winter garments. The expo has hundreds of vendors, entertainment and is pet friendly. So it’s a great indoor activity for the whole family. Use the promo code “AMERICANDOG” to receive $3 off the ticket price when you purchase your tickets online at http://www.SuperPetExpo.com.

ABOUT THE DOGGY DICKEY & AMERICAN DOG APPAREL

American Dog Apparel was founded by Lindsey McGraw and Sharkey in December, 2011. Our premier product is The Doggy Dickey—The original neck and chest warmer for dogs®. The Doggy Dickey is available online at http://www.americandogapparelco.com. Or visit our booth at Super Pet Expo in Edison, NJ on February 7-9, 2014. At our booth, you can try The Doggy Dickey on your dog to find the perfect fit and color. 






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