is a doggie jacket necessary?

[zandz]

Zack's jacket is from Ruff Wear, www.ruffwear.com, it's the K9 Overcoat. He is very muscular and wide through the chest and this is the first jacket I have ever found that actually fits him. It was expensive, but it keeps him very warm and it is very durable. He wears it to the dog park every morning and it's been grabbed, bitten, tugged on, etc. and has no marks at all. I will kill myself if I ever spend that much on a dog coat again, but my plan is that this coat will last him forever. I like this one because it's made for active dogs so it's not restrictive in any way across his chest/shoulders, which was my problem with other jackets I had tried for him. Plus this one covers the belly area which he needs.

 

[Donna1969]

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,

The point of the jacket is to keep the core (the trunk of the body) warm..where it needs to stay warm. The internal organs need to keep warm or it will start pulling the blood (which is what warms the body) from other areas, such as the legs, to maintain status quo. If you keep the trunk of the body warm (heart, lungs, kidneys etc..which is ALL in the chest area where the jacket is) the rest of the body will not get as cold. Its something like in the summer when it gets cooler at night, if you leave your shorts on but put on a sweatshirt, your whole body seems to have an even temp and you don't feel cold. Keep the trunk warm and the rest of the body is happy.

You are correct in saying check the feet and in between the toes. Ice, chunks of snow, salt etc can get in there and cause problems.

I don't have coats/jackets for my two. I tried and they just ripped them off and proceeded to shread and try to eat the jackets. :mad: My two let me know when they've had enough..they pound on the door to come in..and usually its when my White boy Carson's lips and muzzle are really pink

 

[paulws]

I got my dogs coats at the PetSmart in Johnston. There is also a great pet store down in Narragansett near the Stop and Shop called Critter Hut that sells good quality coats. Don't know what part of RI you live in, we are in Northern, but also have a home down in Narragansett. We definately do have to get the pups together, hopefully the weather will break soon.
Lynne

 

[Widges]

Tracy,

From order to delivery it was just under 3 weeks but that included the Christmas holidays.

 

[NevaDiva]

. Don't know what part of RI you live in, we are in Northern, but also have a home down in Narragansett. We definately do have to get the pups together, hopefully the weather will break soon.
Lynne

We are in the Darlington area of Pawtucket. Slater Park is a great place for the pups to play. Once the weather warms up of course! Keep in touch.

 

[Roxy_girl]

Hi Roxy just loves hers and if it is not sunny and well below 0 she will just do her duties and run for the door unless her coat is on i tried booties but her friend Bumper just pulls them off.
I got her coat for about 6.00 on ebay find of the century!!its by canine styles the coats sell for 80.00 =0 on that site.
will post a pic (shes not so impressed it was the first try with booties)