How Do I Know If My Dog Needs a Jacket?
A dog jacket is more than just a fashion statement; it provides needed warmth for a dog that has become used to living indoors. Urban dogs’ coats are often thinner than those of rural dogs, which spend more time outdoors, reports Ketzel Levine of NPR.org. Although a dog jacket will not protect your dog completely against colder weather, the extra layer of insulation certainly will help. However, not all dogs need jackets. While every individual dog is different, there are ways to determine whether your dog could benefit from wearing a jacket. Bring your dog to the veterinarian for a checkup before the winter season starts, to rule out health conditions. Health problems such as heart disease, kidney disease or a hormonal imbalance might make your dog more vulnerable to the colder weather, according to the veterinary experts at HealthyPet.com. Consider your dog’s age. An older dog might require extra warmth, especially if it has arthritis, which can make its joints tender and stiff. A ve
