FAQ: Clothing for dogs

Most small and short-haired dogs need clothes from late autumn to early spring, when it is cold, damp and windy. A raincoat is especially useful in autumn and spring, and in winter a warm jacket and protection from road salt.

Autumn often brings rain and early darkness, so for dogs that need clothes a light waterproof raincoat with reflectors is a good fit. In late autumn, as temperatures approach zero, small dogs benefit from a lined raincoat.

During a thaw snow, water and salt mix together, so a waterproof jacket or a suit with legs plus boots works best. Such weather feels colder than the thermometer shows, because moisture cools quickly.

In hard frost, small and short-haired dogs need a warm windproof jacket or suit, and boots or balm protect the paws. Shorten walks and watch for shivering or lifting of paws.

In spring, with melting snow and lots of mud, a light raincoat or suit with legs that is easy to rinse is very handy. It keeps mud off the coat, so the dog itself needs less washing after walks.

The seaside is often windy and damp, so small and short-haired dogs benefit from a windproof jacket even on a cool summer day or in autumn. After swimming, dry the dog well or put on a drying robe.

Once daytime temperatures stay steadily above about +10 °C and it is not raining, most dogs no longer need a jacket. On cool mornings or evenings, small dogs may still benefit from a light sweater or vest.

A cooling vest is soaked in water, and the evaporating moisture cools the dog's body. It can help on hot days, especially for flat-faced, dark-coated or active dogs, but does not replace shade, water and rest.

In humid, muggy weather water evaporates more slowly, so a cooling vest works less well. At such times it is especially important to avoid exercise in the heat, walk at cool times of day and make sure the dog has water.

No, because a dried-out vest stops cooling and in some cases can even trap heat. Re-wet the vest regularly and watch for signs of overheating such as heavy panting, weakness or vomiting.

Most dogs need no clothes in summer. Exceptions are cooling vests in the heat, light T-shirts against the sun for hairless or pale-skinned dogs, and life jackets when boating.

Yes, hairless, closely clipped or pale-skinned dogs can burn, especially on the nose, ears and belly. A light UV-protective T-shirt covers the body, while other areas need protection with shade.

A life jacket is recommended when boating or kayaking, for dogs that swim poorly, flat-faced breeds, older dogs and puppies. It has a handle on the back so the dog can be lifted out of the water.

Choose by chest girth and weight, with a bright colour, reflectors, a sturdy handle and a buoyant section under the neck that keeps the head above water. Test the jacket in shallow water before a trip.

It is a garment made of absorbent material such as microfibre that you put on the dog after swimming or rain. It soaks water out of the coat, so the dog dries faster and wets the car or home less.

First let the dog sniff the garment and give a treat. Then briefly lay it on the back, later put it on for a few seconds, praising every time. Gradually increase the time and go outside in it for the first time once the dog is calm with it at home.

Do not force the dog or dress it by force, as this strengthens the negative association. Return to short training sessions with treats, check that the garment is not tight or noisy, and choose a model that is easier to put on.

Many dogs freeze the first time they are dressed because they feel unfamiliar pressure on the body. It usually passes after a few times if the garment fits. If the dog freezes for long, the garment may be too tight, too heavy or uncomfortable.

First check that the garment is not rubbing, tight or causing itching. If it fits well, redirect the dog with a toy or a command, and use the garment only on walks when the dog is busy.

The dog may be trying to get rid of an uncomfortable feeling from a tight garment, a rough seam or a label. Check the garment, remove irritating details, and if the dog keeps rubbing, choose a different model or fabric.