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Anoka, Minnesota — In the dead of winter in Minnesota, dogs, especially those of short-haired, muscular, or small breeds, can be found wearing outerwear for walks around the neighborhood or for excursions around the state's many lakes. It's not uncommon to see.
Dog couture may conjure up images of Halloween costumes and well-dressed social dogs, but dog coats have become serious business. A dog's coat is not only the sturdy leg of a burgeoning multi-billion dollar pet products industry, but also a symbol of society. The evolution of the human-pet relationship.
But this raises questions. Does your dog need a coat?
what the vet says
Simply put, it depends on a variety of factors, including the dog's breed, its coat, size, age, health, and situation, Dr. Jerry Klein, chief veterinarian for the American Kennel Club, told CNN. Ta. Klein said smaller dogs are usually more sensitive to cold than larger dogs, especially those closer to the ground.
The breed's fur type is an important factor, whether it's single coated, double coated, hairless, or thinning, because double-coated dogs have an undercoat that keeps them warm in the winter.
Believe me, I'm a 70 year old man. I don't like the cold anymore either.
– Dr. Jerry Klein, American Kennel Club
Older and younger dogs may benefit from extra warmth, especially if they have underlying health issues that affect their body temperature regulation, or if they have diabetes or osteoarthritis. he said.
“Trust me, I'm a 70-year-old man. I don't really like the cold anymore either,” he said.
dachshund wears prada
There are many options in the dog apparel business in 2024, catering to all types of pet owners. He can pony up for a $1,000 Gucci or Prada coat, or he can spend two 10 spots on a Chewy weatherproof coat.
But Fifth Avenue's shift from high-end, high-fashion to high-performance, technological features has certainly accelerated in recent decades.
Based in Bend, Oregon, Ruffwear is part of a large group of companies located at the intersection of the pet products and outdoor gear industries.
“We approach dog apparel the same way we do human outdoor apparel, in the sense that we look for ways to contribute to outdoor manufacturing, outdoor innovation and technology, and canine comfort. We are also working on this,” Peter Kearns said. , Product Director at Ruffwear.
pets and pandemic
From 2020 onwards, this trend has become even stronger. The coronavirus pandemic has led people to spend more time at home with their pets and welcome new companions. As a result, sales of pet supplies skyrocketed.
Before the pandemic, spending on pets rose slowly and steadily after the Great Recession, rising from $46 billion in 2009 to $75 billion in 2019, according to the American Pet Products Association.
The impact of the pandemic has been devastating, with spending soaring to $104 billion in 2020. Spending is then expected to reach $148 billion by the end of 2023 and nearly $280 billion by 2030 (not including the breakdown of apparel sales).
“People are adopting more dogs, people are staying home with more dogs. But the other thing I think we sometimes overlook is that our business It’s more to the core, it’s how much people are taking their dogs outside,” Joe said. Hafner bought the company from its longtime owner last year.
“Even after the pandemic, people will continue to have a love and respect for nature and take their dogs for long walks and hikes,” he added.
Cooler consumer trends, as well as changing weather patterns (such as shorter winter seasons) and an increase in extreme weather events, led Voyager to introduce a line of cooling coats this summer, he said.
“If your goal is to protect your dog from the weather and protect it from extreme heat or extreme cold, there is room in the market for that type of performance wear,” Hafner said.
A coat for peace of mind?
Jackie Moold, owner of Nature of the Dog Boarding and Day Care facility in Ada, Michigan, has seen a steady increase in the number of customers who wear coats.
“There are so many different styles of these jackets now, so it can be kind of fun (for owners),” she said. “But mainly, I think it gives people a sense of security. Sending your dog to daycare with a coat on gives you peace of mind that you're taking good care of your dog.”
In Anoka, Minnesota, Nicole Wheatley has been making custom fleece pullovers for dogs since 2012. She made her first coat out of pure necessity. When my Doberman, Shanoa, managed to chew through my expensive winter coat.
For safety, make sure the coat fits well and be supervised while wearing the coat. Consider a coat with reflective material for nighttime safety.
– Dr. Jennifer Bruns, PetSmart
The self-taught seamstress sewed together fleece to keep Shanoa warm and shared the final results on a Doberman owner forum she co-moderated.
“They were like, 'Oh, that's nice, can you make it for me?'” she said. “And it just kind of spiraled.”
Tips for pet parents
Dr. Jennifer Bruns, a veterinarian with PetSmart Veterinary Services, says it's important to watch your dog for signs like shivering or general discomfort to determine when a coat is needed. I am.
“Introduce a coat slowly, as it may take a few times for your dog to get used to wearing a coat in any situation,” Brands wrote in an email. “Make sure your coat fits snugly for safety and be supervised while wearing it. Consider a coat with reflective material for nighttime safety. ”
Coats can also help keep your dog calm in anxiety-inducing situations like the Fourth of July, and keep them dry during rainstorms. In addition to coats, winter clothing such as boots can be beneficial to protect feet from frostbite and injuries caused by chemical deicers, Klein added.
