Is your dog feeling cold? How to choose the right garment for your pet

Not all dogs are made for the Finnish winter

It is minus ten degrees outside, snow is falling, and you tighten your winter coat before stepping out the door. Your dog looks at you expectantly – but does it also need extra protection? For many owners, dressing their dog feels unnecessary or even silly. The truth, however, is that a large number of dogs – especially in Finland's harsh winter conditions – benefit significantly from warm clothing.

Finland is a demanding environment for dog owners. Winters can be harsh: temperatures vary from thawed autumn ground to Arctic freezes, it is windy, sleeting, and roads are full of road salt. It is no wonder that winter clothing for dogs has grown in popularity in recent years – owners have started to better recognize their pets' individual needs.

In this article, we will go through which dogs need clothing, how to recognize signs of being cold, which material is best for dogs, and how to acclimate your dog to clothing stress-free. You will also get practical instructions for measuring the correct size.

Which dogs need clothing?

There is no simple answer to which dogs should wear clothes in winter. The need depends on several factors: breed, dog size, coat structure, age, and health condition. Here are the main groups:

• Short-haired breeds: Greyhounds, whippets, Italian greyhounds, xolos, dachshunds, Weimaraners, Dalmatians, and for example boxers are breeds whose thin coats provide very little insulation. These dogs clearly feel the cold more easily than their thicker-coated relatives.
• Small and lightweight dogs: Chihuahuas, Maltese, bichon frisés, miniature pinschers, and similar small breeds lose heat faster than larger dogs because their relative body surface area is greater. A small dog therefore has more "cooling surface" per kilogram of weight.
• Dogs with simple coats: Poodles, doodle mixes, and bichons are good examples of breeds whose coats may appear thick but do not effectively insulate against cold – the wind passes through easily. Additionally, these coats collect snowballs that further cool the dog.
• Senior dogs: As dogs age, their metabolism slows down and their body's temperature regulation weakens. Dogs suffering from osteoarthritis or other musculoskeletal diseases benefit especially from warm clothing, as cold worsens stiffness and pain.
• Puppies: Small puppies do not yet regulate their body temperature as effectively as adult dogs. Even short outdoor moments in freezing weather can be stressful for a puppy.
• Sick and recovering dogs: A dog that is weak due to surgery or illness often needs extra warmth even indoors.

It is also important to remember that a long coat does not automatically mean a warm coat. Wet fur does not insulate effectively – and in Finland, dogs often get their fur wet in snow, sleet, and spring meltwater. Sometimes a shorter coat can practically be warmer than a long one because it does not retain moisture in the same way.

How to recognize signs of cold in a dog

A dog cannot directly tell you that it is cold. Instead, the body signals this in many ways – when you know what to look for, you can react in time before the cold causes real harm.

The clearest signs that your dog is cold:

• Shivering or trembling: Just like in humans, a dog’s muscles contract to produce heat. This is typically the first and clearest sign of cold.
• Curling up or tail between legs: The dog tries to reduce its skin surface area to retain more heat in its body.
• Cold ears, paw pads, or tail: Limbs and extremities cool first because the body directs blood flow to vital internal organs. Feel your dog’s ears after being outside – if they feel cold, the dog is too cold.
• Reluctance to go outside or slowing down during walks: If a dog that normally runs excitedly to the door suddenly slows down or constantly seeks indoor areas, the reason may well be the cold.
• Lifting paws: The dog lifts its paws alternately off the ground. This may be due to cold from ice, snow, or road salt – and is a clear sign that the dog is uncomfortable.
• Restlessness or whining at night: A dog that cannot find a comfortable position or whines during sleeping time may simply be cold.
• Reduced activity: A decrease in energy or unusual tiredness in cold weather may indicate that the body is using its energy for heat production instead of other functions.

If your dog shows severe symptoms – shivers intensely, is confused or lethargic – it may be hypothermia, which is a medical emergency. In this case, immediately bring the dog to a warm place, dry it, and contact a veterinarian.

Materials in dog clothing – why alpaca is a superior choice

The materials used in dog clothing vary significantly in quality. The market has many cheap acrylic or polyester garments that look cute but hardly provide warmth or comfort. By understanding the properties of materials, you can make purchases that truly serve your dog.

Acrylic is the most common material in inexpensive dog knits. It is cheap to produce and easy to wash, but it does not breathe, can cause static electricity, and irritates sensitive skin. Acrylic garments provide some warmth, but their thermal insulation is clearly inferior to natural materials. Additionally, acrylic releases microplastic particles during washing.

Polyester is durable and quick-drying, which is why it is widely used in functional outdoor clothing. It is well suited for rain and wind protection layers, but for actual warmth it is rather weak without additional insulation.

Cotton is soft and breathable, but it absorbs moisture and dries slowly. In dog outdoor clothing, cotton is almost a poor choice because wet cotton knitwear only cools the dog further.

Alpaca wool is clearly superior among these options. Its uniqueness lies in the fiber structure: alpaca fiber is hollow inside, creating natural air pockets. These air pockets insulate heat efficiently while keeping the garment lightweight. In an alpaca knit, the dog stays warm without having to wear a heavy or overly hot garment.

Advantages of alpaca compared to other materials:

• Thermoregulation: Alpaca insulates effectively against cold but breathes well, so the dog does not overheat when coming indoors.
• Hypoallergenic: Unlike sheep’s wool, alpaca wool does not contain lanolin, which is a common cause of allergic reactions. This makes it an excellent choice for dogs with sensitive skin.
• Moisture management: Alpaca absorbs moisture only about 10% of its own weight and dries quickly. It also retains its thermal insulation properties when slightly damp – an important feature in Finnish slushy weather.
• Soft and non-itchy: Fine alpaca fiber does not cause itching or irritation, so the dog tolerates the garment better.
• Durability: A high-quality alpaca product lasts for years, whereas cheap acrylic knitwear pills and stretches quickly.
• Ecology: Alpaca is a renewable natural material that is biodegradable and often produced in small-scale artisanal traditions.

If you want to invest in your pet's warmth and comfort, high-quality alpaca sweaters are an investment that pays off through warmth, durability, and your dog's well-being.

Choosing the right size and measuring

A poorly fitting garment can be uncomfortable or even dangerous for the dog – it may tighten, chafe, or restrict the dog's movement. Proper fit is the single most important factor in dog clothing.

The size of a dog garment is usually determined by three measurements:

• Back length: Measure your dog's back from the lowest vertebra of the neck (about behind the ears) to the base of the tail. This is the most important measurement.
• Chest circumference: Measure the widest part of the chest, usually just behind the front armpits. Remember to leave some room – two fingers' width is a good guideline.
• Neck circumference: Measure the neck circumference loosely so that the garment's neck opening does not press or restrict breathing.

Practical measuring instructions:

• Always measure the dog standing – measurements are distorted when lying down.
• Use a flexible measuring tape.
• If your dog's measurements fall between two sizes, choose the larger size.
• Note that there are significant differences between dog breeds: a long-backed dog, such as a dachshund, needs a different garment than a compactly built French bulldog.

Manufacturers often provide size charts that guide the selection of the correct size based on back length and chest circumference. Always check the size chart of the specific product before purchasing, as sizes vary between brands.

It is advisable to test the fit of the garment at home before longer walks: the dog should be able to move freely, sit, lie down, and relieve itself normally. If the dog bites the garment or freezes in place, the garment is likely the wrong size or shape.

Tips for acclimating your dog to clothing

Many dogs react suspiciously to the first clothing trial or even refuse to move. This is completely normal – the dog is not used to the feeling of having its movement restricted or surrounded by fabric. With good acclimatization, almost all dogs learn to accept the garment.

Gradual acclimatization works best:

• Step 1 – Familiarization: Let the dog sniff the garment at its own pace. Praise and treats should be offered just for approaching and sniffing.
• Step 2 – Short contact: Place the garment on the dog's back for a few seconds at a time without dressing. Always praise and reward.
• Step 3 – Dressing indoors: Dress the garment for the first time indoors, where the dog feels safe. Keep the garment on for a short time (1–2 minutes) and reward clearly.
• Phase 4 – Gradually increase the time: Increase the wearing time gradually. Support learning with food rewards and a cheerful tone throughout the process.
• Phase 5 – Outdoor time with the garment: When the dog calmly tolerates the garment indoors, it is time to test a short outdoor walk. Movement and sniffing outside often ease the situation – the dog forgets the garment in everyday bustle.

A few important rules of thumb for acclimatization:

• Never force it. If the dog clearly becomes stressed, stop and try again later.
• Put on the garment always in a calm situation, not in a hurry or just before something stressful.
• Always check that the garment does not tighten under the armpits or around the neck.
• Do not leave the dog unattended with the garment during the first times.

If your dog learns to associate the garment with going outdoors – a fun activity – most dogs begin to accept it or even get excited about it.

What about a dog hat? When is headwear needed

Dog headwear often brings smiles, but it also has a genuine practical purpose. A dog's ears are a particularly sensitive area in the cold: thin skin, sparse hair, and abundant blood vessels make the ears the first place cold affects.

A hat or ear protector is especially useful in the following situations:

• The dog has long, floppy ears (e.g., cocker spaniel, basset hound, Afghan hound) – these ears are more exposed to cold than erect ears.
• The outdoor temperature drops clearly below freezing, especially in strong wind.
• The dog is already prone to cold (small size, thin coat, age).
• The dog has just been neutered or its immune system is weakened.

The dog's alpaca hat combines practicality and style: the soft alpaca material stays comfortably on the ears without tightening, and it does not irritate the sensitive inner surface of the ears. The high-quality material breathes just like a knitted garment, so the ears do not sweat under the hat.

Here too, acclimatization is the key to success. Start by having the dog wear the hat for a few seconds and gradually increase the time with the help of rewards. Most dogs learn to tolerate the hat within a few sessions.

Summary

Dressing a dog is not a trivial trend – for many dogs, it is a significant practice that improves well-being. When choosing the right garment for your dog, consider four things: suitability for your dog's individual needs, good material, the correct size, and a calm acclimatization.

Here are the most important rules of thumb:

• Short-haired, small, elderly, and sick dogs need clothing more readily than thicker-coated and larger dogs.
• Signs of being cold include shivering, crouching, cold ears, and reluctance to move outside.
• Alpaca wool is clearly the best material for dog clothing: it warms effectively, breathes, is hypoallergenic, and withstands wear.
• Measure your dog carefully before purchasing – proper fit is the most important feature of the garment.
• Acclimate gradually and use rewards – forcing does not work.
• Protecting the ears with a beanie is especially advisable for long-eared and cold-sensitive dogs in freezing weather.

Your pet deserves to feel comfortable even in winter – both indoors and outdoors. When the dog is warm and lively throughout the winter, shared walks are also more enjoyable.