December 12th, 2009 
Dylan Brodderick When I was a child dogs rarely wore dog coats. There was a wide spread myth that a dog’s fur was enough to keep them warm on cold winter days. Clearly, this was false as some dogs are simply not naturally suited for colder climates. The dog coats that were available were generally pretty ugly and generally pretty difficult to put on.
In current times there are hundreds of dog coat options ranging from the plain and simple to the extra-fancy, from the reasonably priced to the super expensive. There are water-proof coats and insulated coats and light weight coats. There are coats more suitable to short haired dogs and coats more suitable to longer haired dogs. There are coats that your dog can step into, coats that wrap around, and coats that are similar to a cape with a waist fastener. Some of the models designed for larger dogs have pockets for owners to carry items such as newspapers, magazines or a small amount of groceries.
Dog coat designs come in a wide range of colours and styles. There are so many different dog coats on the market that it can be difficult to choose the right coat for your dog. The four most important considerations in choosing a coat for your dog are outlined below.
1. Climate. Is the coat intended to protect your dog from the elements or is it more of a fashion statement? If you live in a temperate climate and the temperature rarely goes below freezing then you needn’t worry too much about the insulation factor of the coat. However, if you live in an area that has severe winters then you must really be careful to choose a coat that will protect your beloved pooch. Look for a coat that is both insulated and wind proof. You may also want to find a coat that is also water proof. Many coats use gortex and thinsulate and these coats work well.
2. Machine washable. All dogs get dirty, even those who are on a leash and particularly in the spring thaw. Do yourself a favor and only consider getting a dog coat that is machine washable. Dog coats don’t need to be washed as much as people clothes but you should count on washing the dog coat in the mid-season and at the end of every winter.
3. The ease of putting the dog coat on your dog. If the coat isn’t easy to put on then you won’t use it. If you don’t use it then there is no point in buying it. Look for a coat with good quality Velcro fasteners as these seem to be the easiest. Also look for a coat that fastens at the back or side of the dog.
4. Size of dog coat to purchase. Before you start searching for the perfect dog coat you need to take a few measurements. Measure again the circumference if his neck and add 1 inch. Measure again around the broadest part of his chest and add one inch. Lastly, measure your dog from the start of her tail to the base of her neck. Take these measurements with you when shopping for a dog coat.
Find more articles about finding dog coats by visiting fleas website.
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