Does Your Little Dog Really Need A Coat?

Do You Have A Coat For Your Dog-Dog Raincoat?

Dogs are born with their own fur coat so you might think that adding another layer on top of that is a little silly. However, dogs, especially the little breeds like chihuahuas and Yorkies, can lose their body heat more quickly than the much bigger dogs. Small, short-haired dogs have almost no protection from nature to keep them warm in colder temperatures.

Little dogs get cold very quickly which can mean they are more easily prey to illness.

Biting cold, chill winds and rain can affect dogs the same way they affect humans. And when your dog is uncomfortable, he's unhappy.

However, don't just buy the first little jacket you see for your dog. The coat must fit the dog very comfortably around the neck, chest and armholes. Pay close attention to these areas and remember that coats won't usually stretch like a jumper does so an exact fit will be more important.

Probably the easiest way of measuring your dog is from the base of the neck to the base of the tail and if you're in any doubt then always, always buy the next size up so your little dog can still be comfortable even if it fills out a little more.

Older and aging dogs benefit from some extra clothing help too. Fleece lined dog jackets will keep senior dogs comfortable especially if they are suffering from weary joints and bones. Dogs that are not in the peak of health will also benefit from a warm coat from time to time.

Pick waterproof materials for your dog's coat so they are kept as dry as possible on rainy days or for days that they just can't keep out of the puddles in the park.

Even if you don't invest in a big coat you might think about buying a raincoat for your dog. Short-coated little dogs can quickly become miserable in the rain, and like chilled to the bone. If you live in a wet climate, your little dog would probably welcome some sort of rain proof coat.

	Guardian Gear Vinyl Dog Rain Jacket with Reflective Strip, Small, Blue List Price: $16.99 Sale Price: $7.78
	This heavy-duty, waterproof vinyl rain jacket keeps pets dry in wet weather and saves from the hassle of wet dog smell and extra coat maintenance. Features a drawstring hood, leash opening, and a handy back pocket with velcro flap closure...

	Guardian Gear Vinyl Dog Rain Jacket with Reflective Strip, XX-Large, Yellow List Price: $23.99 Sale Price: $14.68 Used From: $16.62
	This heavy-duty, waterproof vinyl rain jacket keeps pets dry in wet weather and saves from the hassle of wet dog smell and extra coat maintenance. Features a drawstring hood, leash opening, and a handy back pocket with velcro flap closure...

	Guardian Gear Vinyl Dog Rain Jacket with Reflective Strip, X-Large, Yellow List Price: $22.99 Sale Price: $12.09
	This heavy-duty, waterproof vinyl rain jacket keeps pets dry in wet weather and saves from the hassle of wet dog smell and extra coat maintenance. Features a drawstring hood, leash opening, and a handy back pocket with Velcro flap closure...

	Guardian Gear Vinyl Dog Rain Jacket with Reflective Strip, Medium, Blue List Price: $19.99 Sale Price: $7.71 Used From: $13.09
	This heavy-duty, waterproof vinyl rain jacket keeps pets dry in wet weather and saves from the hassle of wet dog smell and extra coat maintenance. Features a drawstring hood, leash opening, and a handy back pocket with velcro flap closure...

	Guardian Gear Vinyl Dog Rain Jacket with Reflective Strip, XX-Large, Orange List Price: $23.99 Sale Price: $12.95 Used From: $17.60
	This heavy-duty, waterproof vinyl rain jacket keeps pets dry in wet weather and saves from the hassle of wet dog smell and extra coat maintenance. Features a drawstring hood, leash opening, and a handy back pocket with velcro flap closure...

	Guardian Gear Vinyl Dog Rain Jacket with Reflective Strip, X-Small, Blue List Price: $15.99 Sale Price: $6.70
	This heavy-duty, waterproof vinyl rain jacket keeps pets dry in wet weather and saves from the hassle of wet dog smell and extra coat maintenance. Features a drawstring hood, leash opening, and a handy back pocket with velcro flap closure...

	Guardian Gear Vinyl Dog Rain Jacket with Reflective Strip, Medium, Yellow List Price: $19.99 Sale Price: $12.99
	This heavy-duty, waterproof vinyl rain jacket keeps pets dry in wet weather and saves from the hassle of wet dog smell and extra coat maintenance. Features a drawstring hood, leash opening, and a handy back pocket with velcro flap closure...

	Guardian Gear Vinyl Dog Rain Jacket with Reflective Strip, Medium, Pink List Price: $19.99 Sale Price: $8.75 Used From: $8.11
	This heavy-duty, waterproof vinyl rain jacket keeps pets dry in wet weather and saves from the hassle of wet dog smell and extra coat maintenance. Features a drawstring hood, leash opening, and a handy back pocket with velcro flap closure...

	RC Pet Products West Coast Rain Wear Dog Coat, Size 16, Royal List Price: $38.00 Sale Price: $31.04
	RC Pets West Coast Rain Wear is a lightweight coat that is tailored for a comfortable fit. Keep your dog dry and warm with the water resistant treated nylon shell and cozy fleece liner. Large reflective strips on the sides give you maximum night time visibility...

	Casual Canine Nylon Camo Dog Rain Jacket, X-Small, Multi-Color List Price: $15.99 Sale Price: $3.95
	This stylish Casual Canine camo jacket keep dogs dry and warm in wet weather. Reversible jacket features a removable hood and Velcro straps for a secure fit. Reversible design goes from camo print to solid for style versatility...