Does a Doberman need a coat?

The Doberman is considered a “tough dog”. Often you see him as a junkyard dog or in similar situations. The question whether the Doberman needs a coat, evokes only a tired smile from many.similar situations. The question of whether the Doberman needs a coat produces only a weary smile from many.

But is the question justified or rather ridiculous?

The Doberman has no undercoat and needs a coat in winter when it is cold. Even in autumn, when it is windy and rainy, a coat can make sense. However, there are situations, for example intensive running sessions on the bike, in which a coat may not be necessary. This must be decided on an individual basis.

When is it too cold for a Doberman?

The question of whether a Doberman needs a coat is primarily about the outside temperatures. As a general rule, it can be said that from about 44 degrees fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius) many dogs start to feel uncomfortable.

Uncomfortable are temperatures from 32 degrees fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) and colder.

As I said, these are only approximate guidelines. 39 degrees fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius) and sun are certainly more pleasant for a Doberman than 50 degrees fahrenheit (10 degrees celsius) with wind and rain.

Decide according to common sense.

When does a Doberman need a coat?

The Doberman is not protected from cold and wetness by undercoat, like many other dog breeds.

When temperatures drop toward freezing, most dogs without undercoats begin to freeze and have difficulty maintaining their body temperature.

If the Doberman constantly goes through the winter without a coat and freezes, the risk of catching a cold or other diseases such as kidney damage increases.

Walks

During normal walks, which are not particularly intense physically, your dog will freeze faster because of the light activity. Here it is advisable to put a coat on your Doberman.

In wind and rain

Even though it may not be that cold and your Doberman usually doesn’t need a coat, the fact that it’s raining and windy can make things different again.

Your Doberman is not protected from moisture and the moisture penetrates to the skin. In addition, there is the cold wind, which makes the Doberman cool down even faster. Here, a warming coat that is waterproof and windproof is recommended.

Even if you think that a coat is ridiculous for a breed like the Doberman because it does not fit into the visual image, you should put a coat on your dog on cold days.

When does he NOT need a coat?

A Doberman needs a coat when it is cold and he is freezing. Now the fact is that the Doberman needs a lot of exercise. Due to the Doberman’s strong urge to move, even in the cold winter there may be situations when your dog probably does not need a coat:

Bicycle tours

When your Doberman runs several kilometers, fast next to you beside the bike the intensity is so strong that in most cases your Doberman will not need a coat, because he will not freeze.

Running

The same is true for running. When you go running with your Doberman, many do not need a coat.

The same is true for any intense sessions like agility, fetch balls, etc.

Of course you have to observe your Doberman individually if he is freezing or not and then decide individually.

Basically, your Doberman needs a coat when he freezes.

Different influencing factors

You have to consider different factors in your decision if your Doberman needs a coat.

Temperature

When the temperature drops below 44 degrees fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius), you should watch your dog. Depending on the activity, it may be that he is already freezing and it makes sense to put a coat on him.

At temperatures of 32 degrees fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) and colder, most dogs with short fur, like the Doberman, need a coat because it simply gets too cold for them.

Wind

Even if it is not that cold, cold wind can make your Doberman freeze and need a coat.

Rain

The rain, due to the lack of undercoat goes right through to the skin. If you are walking longer, and before your Doberman is wet to the skin longer time with you, a coat is recommended.

Can a Doberman catch a cold

A Doberman, just like any other dog, can catch a cold. Your dog’s immune system can also be affected by cold weather, for example, and will be more susceptible to viruses and bacteria.

Classic symptoms of a cold in a dog are also

• cough
• Sniffles
• Runny nose
• Fever
• Watery eyes
• Listlessness

Preventing a cold in your dog

To prevent your Doberman from getting sick in the first place, you can take steps to prevent a cold.

• The most important thing is a healthy, nutritious diet. Choose a good dog food to give your Doberman the best possible supply of everything.

• When it’s cold, rainy and just plain uncomfortable you should put a coat on your Doberman to protect him from the cold.

• Make sure that your dog gets enough exercise and is thus exposed to as little stress as possible. Stress is always a factor that can negatively affect an immune system. Also, exercise in nature promotes an intact immune system.

Better coat instead of vet

The math is simple. You save time and money with a coat. If your dog gets sick because you didn’t put a coat on him in cold rainy weather, you have to take him to the vet.

This causes costs and takes time, which should exceed the cost of a coat significantly.

The coat you have put on your Doberman in a few minutes and you can use it for years.

So you just play it safe. You don’t walk around in the winter with a T-shirt, you put on a jacket.

Suitable coats for a Doberman

The following coats are suitable for your Doberman!

Dog Cold Weather Coat*

• warm polar fleece
• Size: for small, medium & large dogs
• windproof, waterproof

Dog Winter Coat FUAMEY*

• waterproof & windproof
• thick inner padded
• different sizes

*Amazon affiliate / advertising link

Conclusion: Does a Doberman need a coat?

The Doberman needs a coat in winter because he has no warming undercoat to protect him from the cold and wet. Of course, you do not have to put a coat on him in every situation.

But on normal walks that last longer than about 30 minutes, a coat is recommended in cold temperatures.

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