Who doesn't have fun sorting through the new selection of doggy fashion coats when they hit the shelves?
With so much choice from Coats, Jackets, Jumpers and Hoodies to the ever popular Flano's, not to mention the different materials they are all made from, how do you choose?
A big factor when choosing should be how is the coat going to suit the needs of your pooch and lifestyle? Is it purely a fashion statement or will it be used to keep your 4-legged mate warm on those cold Winters days? Once you know what the purpose of your coat is for, you can determine if a nice little knitted jacket is the perfect one or do you need one that is waterproof or reflective for those early morning, late afternoon walks?
The selection is never ending, then once you have selected how do you know if it will fit your dog? A well fitted coat should be firm but not too firm, it should allow room for the straps to be adjusted if your dog puts on a little weight over Winter, it needs to be able to allow your pet to walk and run comfortably and still be able to toilet without messing up the coat or jacket. Be mindful that coats can be an anxious experience for our pets if they are not fitted correctly.
Your local Just For Pets store are coat fitting experts, bring your dog into store today for a FREE professional coat fitting.
Once you have your coat or jacket how long do you plan to leave it on your pet, will you take it off through the day or when your pet is inside with you to allow the dogs skin and coat to breath?
A lot happens under that coat or jacket and you need to ensure you still check your pet over in the colder months for bumps and lumps.
One of the most common problems for dogs who have a winter jacket is the hair becomes matted. Not only can matted coats can be very painful for dogs, they can also hide lots of skin problems, including flea infestations.
Dogs prone to matting include those with soft hair e.g; Poodle, Bichon Frise, Cocker Spaniel and those with a mix of Poodle, plus longer hair breeds such as Maremma's and Golden Retrievers.
A winter coat should be removed daily and your dog brushed to prevent matting and skin and coat problems. It is important when brushing your dog that you get down to the skin (but be gentle) a lot of the time it is only the hair that is brushed, when the matting actually starts at the hair shaft.
Brushes such as slicker brushes are ideal for removing matts and knots. Brush a small section at a time. Push the coat up with your hand to the line of the skin, pat the brush into the hair, and pull away from the dog's body gently.
There is also a great range of coat sprays, colognes and dry shampoos available to assist you with brushing out knots and to eliminate the matting.
Speak to your Just For Pets store for more details on our extensive coat care ranges.
