Buying a dog coat

[pheonix026]

Hi all,

I would like to buy a dog coat. One for our 11 yr old collie rescue and one for our 9 yr old goldie rescue. However, there are so many. We're new to dog ownership so if anyone can steer us in the right direction it'd be really appreciated. We just think that as they are old we should get them a coat each. We saw a Barbour one but it can't be washed.

 

Thanks again

[juliepoudrier]

I like the kind that are made like horse blankets. Check the Dover Saddlery website or JeffersPets.com. My older dog and the one dog with no undercoat both wear the horse blanket type Dover brand. But I also have a few made by a friend, too. They're cute, but for straight utilitarian purposes, I use these:

 

http://www.doversaddlery.com/rider%3fs-international-fleece-lined-dog-blanket/p/X1-24463/

 

I think the crossed surcingles are easy to use, don't get stuff all in them like Velcro, and are easily adjusted. There are a number of other styles on that page as well, some of which are probably waterproof (I didn't look closely).

 

There are so many options out there that it really just depends on what your needs are.

 

J.

[pheonix026]

I like the kind that are made like horse blankets. Check the Dover Saddlery website or JeffersPets.com. My older dog and the one dog with no undercoat both wear the horse blanket type Dover brand. But I also have a few made by a friend, too. They're cute, but for straight utilitarian purposes, I use these:

 

http://www.doversaddlery.com/rider%3fs-international-fleece-lined-dog-blanket/p/X1-24463/

 

I think the crossed surcingles are easy to use, don't get stuff all in them like Velcro, and are easily adjusted. There are a number of other styles on that page as well, some of which are probably waterproof (I didn't look closely).

 

There are so many options out there that it really just depends on what your needs are.

 

J.

 

Thanks for the info Julie. Off to check those sites now. I just need things to keep them warm and dry. I wasn't going to have an undercoat as they look like they might be a bit restrictive.

[Maralynn]

I'll second the Jeffers suggestion. I have a couple for my dogs (when I had a skin and bones teenager that couldn't keep weight on). Nicely made coat at a great price

[medic09]

I had a Lab who I worked as a SAR dog for a few years. We got him a 'coat' from LL Bean that I still have almost ten years later (and 2 years since he's been gone). I like it alot. Nylon outer with his name embroidered on it, fleece inner. The chest and belly bands are Velcroed for easy adjustability. There's a little bit of a flap up front to cover the nape. It is lightweight, and stuffed easily into my pack when he didn't need it.

 

I don't think they sell the identical item anymore; but they're out there. Any of the places that sell gear for working or hunting dogs and handlers or hikers are likely to have something like it. You can see some different designs online at Orvis, Cabela's, LL Bean, REI, etc. I personally like the ease of the nylon outer with fleece inner and fully opening Velcro straps (and washable).

 

Just like for people, you can find 'coats' that are a shell to repel rain and wind; and you can find insulated 'coats' that are suitable for winter. Some are called vests. Some open completely and Velcro closed, some have leg openings that the pup has to step through. Consider what you want the 'coat' to accomplish on the dog, and consider your own convenience in putting it on, washing, carrying in a day pack.

[Nanda & Nelson]

I have a RC Pets rainjacket for Nelson. I live in Vancouver where it rains 80% of the year and it makes it a whole lot cleaner in an apartment. He has jumped in the ocean with them, rolled in all possible dirt and mud - and it is still working great. Velcro still attaches and it hasn't shown any wear or tear yet.

http://www.rcpets.com/index.php/browse/category/id/RC_Coat#main_panel

[pheonix026]

Thanks so much everyone for the advice. my girlfriend has gone and bought some made by Outhwaites. http://petrange.co.uk/Dog-Coats It's currently raining rather heavy here so I hope the come soon

[skip2milou]

I like http://www.chillydogs.ca/. If your dog can take the standard coat Greenhawk makes a knock off for a fraction of the price. http://greenhawk.com/wdItemDesc.asp?strilhID=Web&strmdNumber=BLS4009&stricSKU=BLS4009

 

I have the chilly dog for my mix as she is a whippet cut & I have the knock off for one of my border collies that wears it if he is in the car for long periods.