is a doggie jacket necessary?

[NevaDiva]

I live in good ol New Engand with all the cold and snow you can handle. Thankfully it has'nt ben too bad this year. My question is this. I want to keep Neva exercised in winter and cold days but sometimes she shivers so badly from the cold and it breaks my heart. I have never been one for the "dress up dogs" (just not my thing) but should I buy her a jacket of some sort? Is it necessary for colder climates or am I overreacting? She LOVES to play in the snow but I have been limiting her time outside bc of the chill. Any advice? Thanx.

 

[Widges]

Like you I was none too sure about a dog jacket, but them we spent one very cold evening watching my kids play soccer and Billy shivered so much I decided to buy him one. After searching on this site I came accross some other threads on where other owners get their jackets from. I ordered Billy one from a great place called horse creations and cannot tell people enough about Billy's custom made jacket. The coat is fabulous and he does not look 'poncy' in it, and above all it keeps him warm (& dry when it occasionally rains here).

 

[kassa]

I live in Massachusetts and don't believe in dog coats for boxers. Just because you bundle up the body doesn't mean the feet won't still be in the cold and wet snow.

Unless you're going to add boots and leggings, I'd just watch for when the feet and muzzle get pink, and head inside then. Also be sure to check the pads for ice balls between the toes!

Now if you had a lot of outside family activities and the dog would be curled up in a chair or something off the ground for a period of time with the family, then I can see a jacket being useful.

 

[zandz]

Zack gets a jacket when it is freezing or below, or slightly above that but really windy. I'm in Md so it doesn't get super cold here and it doesn't snow much. We go to the dog park early every morning and if it's cold and he isn't wearing his jacket, he stands next to me, kind of hunched over with his tail tucked. With his jacket on, he runs and plays non stop. He is the first dog that I have ever had a jacket for and before he came along I thought it was just some extra thing people did for no reason. I believe he is more comfortable with it on, so therefore I use it. My other two dogs have good thick coats so they don't need anything extra.

 

[NevaDiva]

Thank you all for the input. Where can I get one for a Boxer? All the pet stores have are those toy dog clothes.

 

[Escher_fan]

I tried a coat on Mya but she won't move with it on. When it gets colder we shorten the time outside and try to get her to play a little more in our unfinished basement to get rid of some of her excess energy. Three or four tennis balls bounceing off the walls in the basement gets her all hyped up and out of energy fairly quickly.

 

[JaredKyah]

Thank you all for the input. Where can I get one for a Boxer? All the pet stores have are those toy dog clothes.

I did get one at Petco at the beginning of the season, I believe Petco on line still has them, they also have boots as well

 

[msjosi]

Old Navy has some good dog clothes and jackets for dogs of all sizes and their prices are generally cheaper than the pet stores and the outfits tend to be more "stylish"! Post a picture of Neva in the jacket when you get one

 

[Haylydon]

I got a great coat for Splash at LL BEAN. He will only wear it when he is in the mood. Sometimes he will pull it off other times he is fine. I agree that you still have to check there feet when you come in, especially with the salt on the street and sidewalks. Anything helps as far as I am concerned.

 

[bayleighmom]

Old Navy has some good dog clothes and jackets for dogs of all sizes and their prices are generally cheaper than the pet stores and the outfits tend to be more "stylish"! Post a picture of Neva in the jacket when you get one

Bayleigh has a coat from Old Navy! Here is a link to another place online.

www.fidofleece.com