MadWoofter Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 Poor Tess is getting old and she's starting to feel the cold. I've got a 2nd hand coat I was given which I've been putting on her at night which does the job nicely for now, but it doesn't really fit propery. I'm looking for a coat which fits (and fastens) to suit her. I've noticed that this year she's cool during the day rather than just at night. I work during the day so the dogs are home alone (indoors). Is there a risk of leaving a properly fitting coat on her all day while I'm not there? The obvious things I can think of is she can't take it off if she gets too warm and, even though she spends most of the day on my bed, I'm worried about the straps or fastenings getting tangled in something. Alternatively, is there a particular type of coat that is good for leaving on her? I've had a bit of a look at suppliers but I can't seem to find anything that says "OK for unsupervised use" :D All suggestions gratefully accepted :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pie Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 I have an almost bald very lean dog and leave a coat on her practically 24/7 when it's Winter, the only type of coat I will leave on her while I am out is the Chilly Dog Sweater - not cheap but well made, the neck is snug enough that she can't get a paw into it, it's single layer polar fleece so it is soft and comfortable and she doesn't get too hot, and it has a covered underside and buckles up on top (adjustable strap), so she can't get to the buckle or get tangle in straps, I've left it on her the last three winters and have never had an incident. http://www.chillydogs.ca/index.php/product/index/37 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebanne Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 I leave coats on my greyhounds while unattended, they'd freeze otherwise. I have never known them to get hooked on anything, the worst that has happened is a bit of a chew around the neck or on the tie around the waist. Coat then falls off and dog gets cold but that can be prevented by using one of these The Wolf's Den I don't like coats with legs in them as I have found the older greys have trouble bending their long legs up to get them on and it's extra hard when they are a bit rickerty in hind legs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nevafollo Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 One of mine wears a jacket all the time... shes a cold frog :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MadWoofter Posted May 23, 2013 Author Share Posted May 23, 2013 I figured there were loads of people leaving coats on and I am just being nervous - nice to know that's the case :D Thanks for those links guys - I think I'll look for something that buckles on top. The problem with the coat she has that the straps doing it up loosen over the course of the night so it can become loose and droop off her. Definitley need to get her something that fits :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pie Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 I leave coats on my greyhounds while unattended, they'd freeze otherwise. I have never known them to get hooked on anything, the worst that has happened is a bit of a chew around the neck or on the tie around the waist. Coat then falls off and dog gets cold but that can be prevented by using one of these The Wolf's Den I don't like coats with legs in them as I have found the older greys have trouble bending their long legs up to get them on and it's extra hard when they are a bit rickerty in hind legs. I saw these ones being sold at the Agility Nationals, they looked great! Didn't get one though because my dog is skinny for her length coats like this are usually usually too baggy, but I wonder if they will make me a skinnier version... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Spotted Devil Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 My Spotty dog wears a coat 24/7 at this time of year unless he's training or exercising. I leave the heating on 16C when I'm out and he has a toasty warm crate to snuggle in if it's very cold. The only time he got caught up in something was when I was home! He was being silly (surprise surprise :laugh:) and his coat got caught in the magazine rack - he did get an awful fright and his beautiful Harrods water bowl was broken in the process but he was fine. I moved the magazine rack and have never had another problem. For home use I have coats with velcro - they are more likely to come off if they do get caught. I have an extra thick jacket for outdoors training/camping that I wouldn't leave on him during the day as it is also more secure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steph M Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 Oh wow, those are awesome! I quite like the tiger print. Rawr, etc. Haha. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RiverStar-Aura Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 Or if you're worried about the coat getting caught etc how about lots of fluffy blankets to nest in? My guys don't get coats for fear of them over-heating but they love their mound of fluffy blankets!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsfevr Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 I have witnessed a dog with a coat left on that ended up with a serious leg injury due to it wrapping around so tight. We use coats but don't leave them unattended with them. Also the issue that once warm dogs get hot especially if the day becomes pleasant. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Little Gifts Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 I used to leave mine on my old SBT and have been known to leave one on my young SBT who just hates the cold. One winter she refused to let me take it off her and had it on for three days straight! Getting caught on things was my main fear with my old girl (deaf, blind, dementia) but I find this style of coat (DGG warmies) was comfy and safe as far as not snagging on anything went. My other advice is of course a shameless plug but my Little Gifts fundraiser can make this style of coat to suit your dog's shape/size. There is a link below to my FB page about this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FHRP Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 (edited) My older dogs get coats left on them when the weather is cold and overcast. They are smooth coated dogs with very little body fat and really feel the cold. My current boy wears a Wolf's Den coat but previously I've used ones made of the same fabric that just have a velcro strap around the waste. My dogs have never had an issue, although I realise it's not without some risk. To me the comfort they gain is worth the minimal risk. I also have the luxury of working very close to home so if I thought they needed them removed due to change of weather I could pop home. I have never felt the need. Edited May 23, 2013 by FHRP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ash1 Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 I used to leave mine on my old SBT and have been known to leave one on my young SBT who just hates the cold. One winter she refused to let me take it off her and had it on for three days straight! Getting caught on things was my main fear with my old girl (deaf, blind, dementia) but I find this style of coat (DGG warmies) was comfy and safe as far as not snagging on anything went. My other advice is of course a shameless plug but my Little Gifts fundraiser can make this style of coat to suit your dog's shape/size. There is a link below to my FB page about this. Little Gifts, is that an all-in-one - i.e., no straps, zips, velcro, etc? So pulls over the head and you lift the front legs through the holes? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xena98 Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 I leave coats on my greyhounds while unattended, they'd freeze otherwise. I have never known them to get hooked on anything, the worst that has happened is a bit of a chew around the neck or on the tie around the waist. Coat then falls off and dog gets cold but that can be prevented by using one of these The Wolf's Den I don't like coats with legs in them as I have found the older greys have trouble bending their long legs up to get them on and it's extra hard when they are a bit rickerty in hind legs. I saw these ones being sold at the Agility Nationals, they looked great! Didn't get one though because my dog is skinny for her length coats like this are usually usually too baggy, but I wonder if they will make me a skinnier version... I bought one of those when I was at the Nationals with Gabby. Poor Gabby absolutely froze there and she absolutely loves her coat lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bjelkier Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 I leave my old Labs coat on all day. He's not well and would freeze without it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirislin Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 I'd be worried leaving a coat on mine unattended. Even when I'm home sometimes one of them gets their front leg through the neck hole! I'll be blowed if I can work out how they do it because the necks aren't loose and sometimes it's quite difficult to get their leg out again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrazyCresties Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 With a naked dog, it's pretty compulsory for him to have PJs on all day this time of year :) His are stretchy but close fitting, although he has got his leg through the neck a couple of times - like Kirislin I have no idea how he manages it :laugh: But sometime PJs are still not enough :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OSoSwift Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 MIne have coats on unattended. They are well fitting custom made and have extended necks. So far touch wood I have never had an issue with them coming lose, slipping or getting legs where they shouldn't be. They would freeze without them in winter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
violetmay Posted May 24, 2013 Share Posted May 24, 2013 My dog is fine too. He just wears a coat I made from a pattern I found on the internet years ago. Double layer of polar fleece and just does up with velcro under the tummy and around the neck. It's pretty brilliant and he loves it. Made to his size. Never found one in the shops to be as warm or as right for him. They few I've bought never get worn. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BC Crazy Posted May 24, 2013 Share Posted May 24, 2013 I personnally would never leave a dog unattended with a coat on. As kirslin said, mine do the same. They manage to get their front leg through the neck at times. Just not worth the risk imo :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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