Having your dog wear a raincoat does more than make a fashion statement. It plays a critical role in protecting them from nature’s elements. Even if you have a double-coated breed, like a Siberian Husky, who seemingly never gets soaked, water-resistant apparel can go a long way in preventing illnesses, offering warmth, and promoting comfort.
To help you choose the right raincoat for your dog, we discuss the different benefits, how to find the right fit, and what goes into maintaining these clothing items.
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Here’s a scenario that many dog owners are familiar with: their wet dog comes in from the outdoors and immediately shakes themselves off. Instantly, flecks of dirt and water droplets are everywhere. Raincoats for dogs offer a simple solution to keep both your pet and your home cleaner. In the long run, they can help reduce how often you must mop your floors and bathe your dog.
Even if your dog has a thick coat, it’s a good idea to keep them protected from the elements during any rainy weather. Here are a few of the benefits of raincoats for dogs:
Many raincoats for dogs look similar at first glance. However, there are various features and materials that offer unique benefits. For example, some raincoats rely on Velcro straps rather than plastic buckles. While Velcro offers on-the-go convenience, raincoats with plastic buckles ensure a tighter fit for dogs who may pull on walks or generally engage in a lot of movement.
A raincoat’s fabric or material can also make a huge difference in its effectiveness. Avoid raincoats with a fleece or flannel exterior. These materials don’t repel water in the same way that polyester or duck canvas does. Look for a raincoat made of a reflective material lined with nylon. Even if the nylon interior gets wet, the coat will dry quicker compared to more absorbent materials.
Finally, you may also consider getting a raincoat with a detachable hood. These can be particularly useful in preventing water from getting in your dog’s ears and causing infections. The hood may attach to the raincoat with either buttons or Velcro, allowing for easy removal or addition, depending on how heavily it’s raining.
A raincoat that’s too tight will restrict your dog’s movement and deter them from wearing it again. Yet, a raincoat that’s too loose will allow rain to seep through and soak your dog’s fur. So how do you ensure your dog’s raincoat fits properly? Use a soft measuring tape to assess the circumference of your dog’s neck, chest, and stomach. Also measure the length from your dog’s neck to the base of their tail.
Chewy
Some raincoat sizes rely on dogs’ weight rather than bodies’ measurements. To get your dog’s weight, first weigh yourself solo, then weigh yourself again holding your dog. Subtract the two numbers, and you’ll learn how much your dog weighs. Keep in mind that using weight to buy well-fitting clothes for your dog doesn’t always work. After all, a 30-pound French Bulldog will have very different measurements than a 30-pound Basset Hound.
Here’s a tried-and-true method of ensuring a raincoat fits your dog: the two-finger slide test. First, put the raincoat on your dog. Then, see if you can slide two fingers under the straps. If you can’t, the raincoat is too tight. If you can fit more than three fingers, then it’s too loose.
It takes some time to find that “just right” fit for your dog. But with time, patience, and a basic understanding of your dog’s body type, you can find a raincoat that promotes their health, comfort, and overall well-being.
Some dogs happily wear raincoats and other apparel without question. But others may need more convincing. Thankfully, with the power of positive reinforcement methods, many things are possible. This training modality relies on associating a desired behavior with a positive outcome. Here’s how you would use this method to accustom your dog to wearing a raincoat:
It takes time and patience for a dog to grow familiar with wearing a raincoat. But by associating positive experiences with its use, you can expedite the process.
To promote a dog raincoat’s effectiveness and longevity, it’s essential to wash it from time to time. The good news is that many of these products are machine-washable, so you can toss them in with your own laundry. But watch out for any special requirements to avoid holes, tears, and other degradation. For instance, some raincoats may require the delicate wash cycle rather than the standard one. Others may do better in cold water instead of hot water.
Depending on the raincoat’s material, hand-washing the item may be best. Using a solution of dish soap and warm water, you may need to spot-clean stains or remove shed fur by hand. Reading the label inside your dog’s raincoat can offer information about the best way to keep it clean.
©Artem Zakharov - stock.adobe.com
Raincoats are great for dog owners looking to keep their pets’ skin, fur, and the insides of their ears dry. But did you know that these items are just one type of clothing to protect your pet on rainy days? Other related items include:
Regardless of your dog’s age, size, or breed, they can benefit from wearing a raincoat. Keeping their skin and fur dry goes a long way in preventing adverse health conditions and prioritizing their comfort.
The post Does Your Dog Need a Raincoat? Why Some Dogs Benefit From Raincoats appeared first on American Kennel Club.
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To help you choose the right raincoat for your dog, we discuss the different benefits, how to find the right fit, and what goes into maintaining these clothing items.
mayalain/Getty Images Plus
Raincoats for Dogs Offer Many Benefits
Here’s a scenario that many dog owners are familiar with: their wet dog comes in from the outdoors and immediately shakes themselves off. Instantly, flecks of dirt and water droplets are everywhere. Raincoats for dogs offer a simple solution to keep both your pet and your home cleaner. In the long run, they can help reduce how often you must mop your floors and bathe your dog.
Even if your dog has a thick coat, it’s a good idea to keep them protected from the elements during any rainy weather. Here are a few of the benefits of raincoats for dogs:
- Protecting your dog’s health. Being exposed to cold weather and rainy conditions for long periods can lead to respiratory complications, such as pneumonia. Many raincoats are lined with fleece, nylon, or other insulating materials to keep dogs warm during inclement weather.
- Reducing bacterial and fungal growth. Hairless and nearly hairless dogs have unique skin care considerations. For example, the moisture from rain can lead to bacterial and fungal growth, causing dermatitis. Raincoats offer a protective barrier to keep their skin dry.
- Enhancing comfort. Some dogs, like senior dogs and many sighthounds, have little fat to keep them warm when temperatures drop. This can lead to shivering, decreased energy, and frostbite. Even a thin raincoat can offer a lot of insulation.
Materials and Features of Dog Raincoats
Many raincoats for dogs look similar at first glance. However, there are various features and materials that offer unique benefits. For example, some raincoats rely on Velcro straps rather than plastic buckles. While Velcro offers on-the-go convenience, raincoats with plastic buckles ensure a tighter fit for dogs who may pull on walks or generally engage in a lot of movement.
A raincoat’s fabric or material can also make a huge difference in its effectiveness. Avoid raincoats with a fleece or flannel exterior. These materials don’t repel water in the same way that polyester or duck canvas does. Look for a raincoat made of a reflective material lined with nylon. Even if the nylon interior gets wet, the coat will dry quicker compared to more absorbent materials.
Finally, you may also consider getting a raincoat with a detachable hood. These can be particularly useful in preventing water from getting in your dog’s ears and causing infections. The hood may attach to the raincoat with either buttons or Velcro, allowing for easy removal or addition, depending on how heavily it’s raining.
How to Ensure a Raincoat Fits ‘Just Right’
A raincoat that’s too tight will restrict your dog’s movement and deter them from wearing it again. Yet, a raincoat that’s too loose will allow rain to seep through and soak your dog’s fur. So how do you ensure your dog’s raincoat fits properly? Use a soft measuring tape to assess the circumference of your dog’s neck, chest, and stomach. Also measure the length from your dog’s neck to the base of their tail.
Chewy
Some raincoat sizes rely on dogs’ weight rather than bodies’ measurements. To get your dog’s weight, first weigh yourself solo, then weigh yourself again holding your dog. Subtract the two numbers, and you’ll learn how much your dog weighs. Keep in mind that using weight to buy well-fitting clothes for your dog doesn’t always work. After all, a 30-pound French Bulldog will have very different measurements than a 30-pound Basset Hound.
Here’s a tried-and-true method of ensuring a raincoat fits your dog: the two-finger slide test. First, put the raincoat on your dog. Then, see if you can slide two fingers under the straps. If you can’t, the raincoat is too tight. If you can fit more than three fingers, then it’s too loose.
It takes some time to find that “just right” fit for your dog. But with time, patience, and a basic understanding of your dog’s body type, you can find a raincoat that promotes their health, comfort, and overall well-being.
Get Your Dog Used to Wearing a Raincoat
Some dogs happily wear raincoats and other apparel without question. But others may need more convincing. Thankfully, with the power of positive reinforcement methods, many things are possible. This training modality relies on associating a desired behavior with a positive outcome. Here’s how you would use this method to accustom your dog to wearing a raincoat:
- Introduce your dog to the raincoat in a familiar yet neutral setting, such as your living room.
- Allow them to sniff and explore the garment in short increments. Offer a reward or verbal praise with each successful interaction.
- Have your dog wear the raincoat for a few minutes at a time indoors. Keep their mind focused on toys, games, and treats while they get used to the sensation.
- Transition your dog to wearing the raincoat outdoors. Assess whether the garment restricts their movement or causes discomfort while they’re on walks or playing.
It takes time and patience for a dog to grow familiar with wearing a raincoat. But by associating positive experiences with its use, you can expedite the process.
Cleaning and Maintaining Your Dog’s Raincoat
To promote a dog raincoat’s effectiveness and longevity, it’s essential to wash it from time to time. The good news is that many of these products are machine-washable, so you can toss them in with your own laundry. But watch out for any special requirements to avoid holes, tears, and other degradation. For instance, some raincoats may require the delicate wash cycle rather than the standard one. Others may do better in cold water instead of hot water.
Depending on the raincoat’s material, hand-washing the item may be best. Using a solution of dish soap and warm water, you may need to spot-clean stains or remove shed fur by hand. Reading the label inside your dog’s raincoat can offer information about the best way to keep it clean.
©Artem Zakharov - stock.adobe.com
Other Rainy-Day Apparel for Dogs
Raincoats are great for dog owners looking to keep their pets’ skin, fur, and the insides of their ears dry. But did you know that these items are just one type of clothing to protect your pet on rainy days? Other related items include:
- Rain boots. Dog boots with deep grooves on the bottoms prevent your dog from slipping on wet or icy pavement. They can also prevent frostbite, puncture wounds, and fungal infections between their toe pads.
- Rain caps. Floppy ears can trap moisture, increasing the likelihood of ear infections. Shower caps (which can double as rain caps) cover your dog’s ears, shielding them from bacteria. These products can attach to your dog’s collar or rely on a drawstring to stay in place.
- Microfiber towels. Microfiber can draw moisture from your dog’s fur and skin, drying them off after a romp in the rain. These towels are ideal for dogs who may still manage to get wet despite wearing a raincoat.
Regardless of your dog’s age, size, or breed, they can benefit from wearing a raincoat. Keeping their skin and fur dry goes a long way in preventing adverse health conditions and prioritizing their comfort.
The post Does Your Dog Need a Raincoat? Why Some Dogs Benefit From Raincoats appeared first on American Kennel Club.
Read more...
