Is A Dog Coat Necessary?
Not really. Some dogs may be unbothered by rain and wind and mud. Some fur coats can stay pretty clean, just needing a wipe with a towel when you get home.
But for dogs who are a pain to wash, have delicate fur, or hate getting wet, a coat could be very valuable. They also keep them warm and make them feel the chill less. Remember that just like humans, when dogs are exercising, their muscles create heat. This expels and they can then be very cold when they stop, so a coat could help trap that heat until you get home, even if the weather is dry.
My Dog Doesn’t Like Coats – What Can I Do?
They are practical in our minds, and dogs do feel the benefits, but at the end of the day, a coat is still classed as an accessory. Some dogs don’t like feeling restrained or being dressed up, so while a coat does them no harm, they won’t be happy with it on.
Never force your dog to wear anything they don’t want to. Also, take the coat off if they appear to become agitated or stressed when wearing it.
There are other ways to protect them from the elements, such as lead umbrellas, but not all are practical. You may just have to wash them every time they get dirty or use wipes and dog towels.