Dog coat without velcro

Some coats have hair/fur friendly “Velcro” these days.
There are lots of reasons to use dog coats not just as fancy dress costumes. Very small dogs cannot regulate their temperature as easily as larger breeds and can get heatstroke and hyperthermia very easily. Some dogs get cold and shiver just as as you would without your coat in some weather conditions, especially breeds without much body fat to weight ratio (eg sight hounds) and/or a double coat (like a spitz or a border collie has for example) or waterproof oily coats eg working Labrador. The other sensible
Reason is that many folks are generally house proud these days and many like
to cuddle their dogs or have them on the furniture/bed as they are important companions so bodysuit type waterproof coats (as often used for breed show dogs attending shows) or other types of coat simply keep the dogs clean and dry as we have domesticated them and brought them indoors (some are assistance dogs and so must be indoors in a warm domestic setting). Indoor dogs in centrally heated homes often don’t acquire a thick coat to protect them in the winter as they would if they lived outdoors, as some eg farm dogs do, and some dogs get allergies or skin conditions which cause hair loss (temporary or otherwise) and bitches feeding litters of puppies lose their coat due to hormone changes and have no protective undercoat which can be problematic in the winter. This all also depends on how much time the dogs spend outside in the wet/cold too on their walks and if it’s the woods and lakes/beach or walking around town. It is also necessary to keep dogs cool in the extreme heat of the day which can be difficult if you are travelling/at outdoor shows or camping and so now thankfully you can get cooling jackets too. Also elderly dogs who didn’t need anything when they were younger sometimes start to feel the cold and need a little help as they age (as we all do). Hope that helps those who are struggling with the concept of “dog clothes.”

Wonder if the original poster found a dog coat in the last five years ?

Some coats definitely cause trouble with long-haired dogs, so you’re right to avoid Velcro. Buckles and snap fastenings are much easier to manage and don’t pull on the fur. My neighbor’s spaniel has the same issue, and they switched to a buckle-closure jacket that’s both practical and comfortable. If you’re open to exploring different options, Supreme Dog Garage has a good range of coats that focus on quality materials and thoughtful fastenings, including pieces that don’t rely on Velcro. Worth checking if you want something that’s functional without the hair tangles.

I've been anti coats for dogs on the basis they have good coats without the need for additions. I did buy a coat for my old cross breed, whippet like, fine coat and as he got older, he did feel the cold. He actually enjoyed it being put on and it was good to see hi enjoying walks without shivering.

That was 15 years ago and my next two dogs were water retriever types so they had undercoats and didn't need any help

I've just bought a lightweight water proof called Lovelonglong- amazon (sorry folks) £12.99 for my spaniel. It has long legs and a zip along the back so easy to put on and off. I Never thought I'd put a coat on my spaniel but whilst I don't mind the time needed to care for her long skirt and feathers, its not much fun for her. She's a good girl, been trained to be showered, brushed and combed, good with the hair drier but, it's the time needed and the effort to get knot and matts out. We used the coat a couple of days ago. She was very unimpressed, walked in an odd way initially, obviously felt uncomfortable. But -despite being in long very wet grass and mud, only her feet and the tips of her ears needed cleaning. I hope she'll adjust to the coat. I wish I could explain 'wear this girl and no need for a long grooming session'

Must preview! Cold weather!

I used to have Great Danes, they don't have an undercoat and therefore need covering in colour or wet weather.

Good luck with your little dog Holidayenthusiast

Thanks for your suggestions. I’ll have a look at the Buster and Aquafleece coats.
My dog is a rescue Shih tzu who was mistreated and has a lot of anxieties. He won’t toilet in the garden but refuses to go out for walks in the rain. This can result in a very distressed dog at times. The coat is needed to make his life a little more bearable in rainy weather.

Maybee70 ... sorry to take a while getting back with a reply.

Yes thats the one, fascinating and informative. I had a lot more respect for the devotion the dogs give us

There was an accompanying program covering some similar points that was good too.

Our Boxer wears a rain coat with Velcro fastenings. Keeps her warm & dry in the cold & wet so when we get home she just needs her legs & paws dried off. Saves us lots of hassle with towels.

Namsnanny

Watch the very good program on BBC iplayer BlueBelle. Tells the of the evolution of the domestic dog.

People put their horses in coats dont they?

What was interesting about that programme was that dogs are the only animals other than humans that understand the concept of pointing: something that I have always taken for granted with my dogs.

My large dogs love their outdoor coats. One has long hair and one has very little hair. I also have a Yorkie who won’t move if I try to put a coat on him! One of the large dogs has a bedtime fleece which he loves.

Watch the very good program on BBC iplayer BlueBelle. Tells the of the evolution of the domestic dog.

People put their horses in coats dont they?

I'm not a fan of clothing for dogs either BlueBelle but one of my dogs a Yorkie cross has a coat which does not protect her from the rain and she ends up shivering and soaked if there is a downpour. The other two dogs would run a mile before wearing clothing.

Nature intended all dogs to have coats like a wolf. Not the dogs fault that man bred them in all shapes and sizes and with different coats. My whippet would freeze if she didn’t have a coat to wear in winter and would catch a chill if she got wet.

No they haven’t scentia no dogs wore coats when I was growing up ??? Perhaps you re a very young gran
Of course she’d go out if you had not trained her to expect one

I bought my dog an Equafleece. Lovely little jumper. No buckles or zips. Easily washed. Different designs. Their website shows you how to measure for correct sizing.

Dogs have had coats from the get go!!
My dog is a single coat breed and could not go out if she didn’t wear one.

Sorry for being ignorant but why does a dog need a coat they never had them years ago It seems a modern phenomenon to dress digs in coats ....didnt nature supply them with a fine fur coat

This one has a buckle.

Oh heck. I was sent an advert for a non Velcro coat (it said some dogs are afraid of the sound) but can’t remember the name of the company. I’ll see if I can find it.