How to Put a Coat on a Dog

Dog coats can help small, short-haired breeds retain body heat in cool weather.

While some dogs have thick, luxurious coats, others aren't so lucky. Dogs with short hair need extra insulation during cold weather. Dog coats can provide the extra warmth a dog needs; they can also make a stylish fashion statement about the dog's owner. Dog coats come in a variety of sizes, from coats sized to fit the tiny Chihuahua to the enormous Great Dane. Dog coats come in two types: sweater-type coats that pull over the chest and blanket-type coats that fasten around the dog's middle.

Instructions

Sweater-type Coats

1. Insert the dog's head through the bottom of the coat and pull the coat down the dog's neck. The dog's head should come out the neck hole.

2. Pick up one of the dog's feet, and slide it through one of the the arm holes on the coat.

3. Pick up the other foot and slide it through the other hole.

4. Pull the coat down over the dog's chest.

Blanket-type Coats

1. Slide the dog's head through the collar on the front of the coat. Some coats have an extra fastener under the neck instead of a collar.

2. Position the coat over the dog's back, and fasten the stomach strap under the dog's abdomen. Some coats use hook-and-loop connectors, others use snap locks.

3. Check the straps to make sure they are not too tight. You should be able to slip two fingers between the strap and the dog's skin.

References

• "Canine Couture Dog Coats"; Kooler Design Studio; 2008
• "The Everything Dog Grooming Book: All you need to help your pet look and feel great!"; Sandy Blackburn; 2008
• Drs. Foster & Smith: Dog Clothing: More than Fashion