Sweaters for Dogs

Dogs in sweaters? What could be better! Do dogs benefit from wearing coats and sweaters? Sure! Some dogs even like the comfort of wearing a sweater indoors as well as outdoors.

There’s a lot to consider when taking your dog out for a walk on a cold day. We want our dogs to get outside to play, get exercise, meet up with pals, and do some exploring. But how do you determine how long you can safely stay outside in the wintertime, and is there anything you can do to help your dog stay warm and comfy?

Dogs react differently to dropping temperatures depending on their breed, size, length of hair, and age. Dogs that have been bred and thrive in cold Northern climes (like Siberian Huskies, Newfoundlands, and Samoyeds, with their thick, double-layered coats) will be able to better tolerate cold compared with breeds that have exceptionally thin coats, like Greyhounds and Xoloitzcuintli.

When considering your dog's tolerance for cold, you’ve also got to factor in the age of your dog, the size of your dog, body fat, and conditioning. Young and old dogs are more susceptible to the cold, and smaller breeds are prone to lose body heat faster than larger breeds.

On top of that, you’ve got to consider the type of cold that your dog will be facing - depending on the wind factor, whether it’s damp, snowing, or raining, and whether your dog will be active on your outing.

For a round-up of how to take care of your dog as the temperature drops, check out the online article How Cold is Too Cold for Your Dog? by Jennifer Coates, DVM.

The bottom line, according to Dr. Coates? 

"In general, cold temperatures should not become a problem for most dogs until they fall below 45°F, at which point some cold-averse dogs might begin to feel uncomfortable. When temperatures fall below 32°F, owners of small breed dogs, dogs with thin coats, and/or very young, old, or sick dogs should pay close attention to their pet’s well-being. Once temperatures drop under 20°F, all owners need to be aware that their dogs could potentially develop cold-associated health problems like hypothermia and frostbite.

The best way to monitor dogs when it’s cold is to keep a close eye on their behavior. If you notice your dog shivering, acting anxious, whining, slowing down, searching out warm locations, or holding up one or more paws, it’s time to head inside.” Jennifer Coates, DVM ​

Photo via Aardman Studios

Wooly Comfort and Joy

The fun part of keeping your dog warm during the chilly months? You can help your four-footed friend stay warm and unabashedly fashionable in a hand-knit sweater, designed by dog-loving knitters.

Below are some knit and crochet patterns for dog sweaters for various sizes and breeds – from large long-haired dogs to small, large-necked pugs. Most patterns are sized for Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large, so don’t assume that a pattern for a large dog can’t be sized down, and vice versa. Some patterns are also for XS and Petite sizes.

You can knit your dog a super-comfy warm sweater in colors and patterns you can’t buy in a pet store. It’s your chance to knit a bright orange sweater for your small dog so you can quickly spot him in the dog run park!

It’s easy to picture a Golden Labrador donning a distinguished cable knit sweater, a Scottish Terrier rocking a hooded sweater, and a Beagle in a dashing multicolored striped sweater.

The patterns are offered for free from various sites – just click on the curated links below. Some links take you directly to the pattern page. Others take you to a page where you’ll need to sign up for an account before being able to download the pattern for free. But afterwards, you’ll be on your way to making something for your dog pal that’s both fashionable and practical!

If you have more than one pooch, will you make them matching sweaters? Or, will you knit a sweater to match one of your own?

Either way, your dog will thank you. Wishing you many happy winter walks beside your pal...