If only they could speak. Until then, here are our tips for deducing whether your dog needs a coat.
Breed. Short-haired breeds, from the chihuahua up to the Great Dane, have a single coat, so they feel the cold like people do. Dogs bred for cold climates have a dense double coat for insulation. There’s often a helpful hint in the name; Alaskan Malamute, Newfoundland, Siberian Husky, and the super-fluffy Samoyed (I’m testing your Geography there. Give up? In Arctic Russia.) Geography isn’t a guarantee though – a German Shepherd usually has a double-coat but not the (also German) Dachshund.
Thin body type (such as Whippets and Greyhounds) will feel the cold more.
Age. Seniors and puppies can’t regulate their temperature as well. Seniors will likely also have conditions that are affected by the cold, such as arthritis. A dog with stiff joints will often rise slower, or change position gingerly.
Cold feet and ears. Your body directs circulation within to protect your core, so your fingers and toes are left to get cold. For a dog, it’s the ears and feet. If they feel really chilly, your dog needs another layer.
Shivering. Assuming your dog is not anxious or excited. If you’ve just arrived at the groomer, or got out a squeaky toy, definitely look for other indications.
Position. If your dog is lying like the photo below – curled up, legs tucked in – they’re probably cold and trying to conserve heat. Also if they’re hogging the heater, or the sunny spot.
Finally, if you decide to put a coat on your dog, check regularly for signs of over-heating such as panting, thirst, lying on cold tiles, or wanting to go outside to cool off.
This post was inspired by a Siberian Husky in a fluffy jacket walking past my office. Our Husky used to disappear out the dog door on winter nights to sleep on the concrete path where the cold wind would whistle down the side of the house. Stretched out on his back, his belly in the air. Admittedly an Australian winter, but all our other dogs would have fainted at the thought.