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There’s a chill in the air, and it’s only going to get colder, so now is the time to get your dog ready for the winter days ahead, especially if he’s one of those pooches that doesn’t handle the harsh elements so well. Look at that face. How could you let him shiver and shake even for a moment? A warm jacket and boots — and maybe even pajamas — are a must. Plus, he’ll look so darn cute all bundled up.
OK, this is extreme, but if you reside in a place where below-zero temperatures are common, and your dog isn’t blessed with a thick coat of fur, he might need a snowsuit. Yes, they’re available for dogs. In fact, BaxterBoo carries a Muttluks Reversible Dog Snowsuit ($61.77–$95.97) in red or navy.
If you don’t live in a frozen tundra, your dog likely doesn’t need a snowsuit. But you could get him a good coat to wear on cold days. Any canine will look sharp strutting down the street in the gray-and-black-plaid Zack & Zoey Park Avenue Dog Coat ($25.67–$42.77) from BaxterBoo. It’s even got a hood.
Two more fashionable selections from BaxterBoo: Check out the Pocket Dog Parka by Dogo ($51.67–$57.37) with a zip-off hood. It’s striking in green and also comes in black, brown and pink. And then there’s the East Side Collection Hooded Sherpa Coat ($19.57–$43.27). Made of chocolate faux suede and lined with fleece, it’s to die for. http://www.baxterboo.com
“Bring home a drier dog.” That’s how Lands’ End is marketing its practical Pet Squall Jacket ($29.50). Sold in colors ranging from orange sunset to rich green, with an option for monogramming (that’ll cost you an extra $6), the jacket has a water-resistant outer shell and is lined with poly fleece. Another selling point: The reflective strap across the back and the reflective binding will make it easier for drivers to see your pooch when you’re out walking at night.
The Lands’ End Dog Shop also stocks a Down Pet Vest ($44.50). It’s got a water-repellent nylon shell and is packed with 100 percent down fill. The vest is easy to put on. It slips over your dog’s head, and you can adjust the Velcro fasteners to fit snugly around your pup’s body. You can get it monogrammed, too, for an additional $6. http://www.landsend.com/
Sometimes all a dog needs to wear is a good sweater, and Muttropolis has some adorable ones, including a Squirrel Dog Sweater ($45 for any size). Just don’t tell your dog there is a squirrel on his back because he might freak out. The Moose Dog Sweater ($45) is another handsome choice, and the Alpaca Dog Sweater Dress ($69–$85, depending on size) will look sweet on the girlie dog in your life.
The idea of dog pajamas sounds silly, but there are some pooches, especially little ones, that can use the extra layer at night. Muttropolis offers cotton Bone Print Dog Pajamas ($16.80–$21.60), Striped Dog Pajamas ($18) and flannel Monkey With Bananas Dog Pajamas ($29). http://www.muttropolis.com
It’s important to protect your dog’s feet not just from the cold and snow but also from the rock salt that people spread on icy sidewalks. The salt can burn your pup’s paw pads, so it’s best to make your dog wear boots, even if he isn’t so eager to slip into them. Muttluks Fleece-Lined Dog Boots ($49.99–$54.99) from PetSmart provide warmth and paw protection, and they’ve got adjustable leg cuffs for a snug fit. http://www.petsmart.com
Can’t get boots on your pooch without engaging in a wrestling match? Slather Musher’s Secret ($19.48 for a 7-ounce jar) on his paws. Sold at Amazon, it’s a wax that will protect your canine’s feet from ice and salt. http://www.amazon.com
You have a "no dog on the couch" rule, but let’s face it: Your pooch is perched on that couch more often than you are. So make it warm and cozy with a machine-washable K&H Thermo-Cover Heated Sofa Cover ($112.49–$127.49) from Petco. The heating pad’s soft micro-suede cover, available in tan and mocha, will actually protect your furniture by trapping loose pet hair.
Also sold at Petco, the PetSafe Heated Wellness Sleeper ($47.59–$97.99) radiates a low-level therapeutic heat that doesn’t rise above 102 degrees (a dog’s core body temperature ranges between 100 to 102 degrees), so there is no need to worry about your pet getting overheated. The power cord is detachable and chew-resistant, and the cover is removable and washable. http://www.petco.com
If you’d prefer a warm bed that doesn’t use electricity, Drs. Foster and Smith carries a Deluxe Self-Warming Bolster Bed ($84.99–$109.99) that relies on a reflective thermal layer to reflect your dog’s body heat back to him. The bolster and base covers can be taken off and tossed into the wash, and the paw-covered fabric comes in olive, charcoal and taupe.
Drs. Foster and Smith also has a Self-Warming Lounge Sleeper ($79.99–$129.99) that works like the bolster bed using your dog’s own body heat to keep him comfortable. And the cover, which comes in a brown/tan or gray/black combination, is machine-washable. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/
