I didn’t realize big dogs wear sweaters too.

That was the unsolicited comment I got from the lady who passed us in the street early Wednesday morning.

“Yes ma’am they sure do – especially when the temperature is only 31°F”, I responded.

All day I thought about that brief encounter and wondered, am I strange, or is it “odd” to see a dog Harley and Jaxson’s size wearing a sweater in the winter?

To me it just makes sense that protective clothing (such as a sweater) is appropriate when temperatures hover below 35°F. I mean, I put on a coat, hat and gloves that day, so it made sense to put a sweater on them…

Warm winter clothing for your dog is usually determined by – 

• Their size – smaller dogs have a harder time retaining heat. They may need a sweater or a coat during the winter
• Breed – short haired dogs (Whippetts, Chihuahua, Italian Greyhound) may need cold weather wear. Long haired dogs (Pomeranian, Chows, Husky’s  and Great Pyrenees) don’t.
• Outside temperature – 45°F and warmer typically don’t require outdoor attire. Temperatures below 45°F are questionable depending on the length of time you intend to be outside. If you’re only going to be out there for about 10 minutes, there’s no need.

HOW COLD IS TOO COLD? – 

Again, most articles state anything below 45°F for some cold-averse breeds.

Small breeds, puppies, senior dogs or dogs with super thin hair should have something on once the temperatures dip to 32°F.

Dogs with thick coats who are bred for cold weather will not require a sweater.

Once it drops to below 20°F, all dog owners should at least be aware of their dog’s well-being and look for signs that your dog is too cold, even if they are a breed that can take the cold weather.

Pedigree Foundation

But listen, don’t feel like you’ve got to wait until it gets down to a certain temperature. Do what you believe is best for your dog so that he will be comfortable. #doyouboo

Truth be told, I’ve never seen either of them “cold.” To be honest they’ve never come inside after a walk and showed any signs that they were cold. 

But just like us – dogs can get cold.

If they start – 

• shivering
• displaying anxiousness
• whining
• looking for a warm place to curl up
• holding up one paw

– it’s time to come inside.

I KNOW WHAT YOU’RE THINKING – 

Yes, my Boys have fluffy hair, but they are not double coated. They are just fluffy! 

Harley’s hair is very fine and thin – so I can only imagine a 31°F wind chill can’t be enjoyable. His sweater is not extremely thick and it’s not lined…

As my mom used to say – 

It’s just a little something to block the breeze when it blows.

Jaxson’s hair is curlier – but I keep it short so he wears the same sweater…

When we lived in Virginia, they even wore snow suits…

These weren’t worn to keep them warm, they were more to prevent the snow balls from forming all over their body. Those things took forever to melt from their hair. #hours

When I think about my Dood’s cold tolerance – I prefer to lean on the side of caution comfort. I would rather put a light sweater on them for a little insulation, then not.

Especially if we’re gonna catch a ride in an open golf cart with Public Safety across campus to a meeting…

So all you big dog pet parents out there – tell me – 

Do your big dogs wear sweaters too when the temperature hits 31°F?

Happiness is a day called Friday ❤️