We all know that dogs come with their own little coat that's been provided by nature so it seems a little stupid to force them to wear another one
. However, very small dogs like chihuahuas and Yorkies can lose their body heat much more quickly than bigger dogs like Huskies or Alsatians. Short-haired dogs have very little protection from nature to keep them warm against the inclement weather.
Little dogs get cold quickly which makes them uncomfortable and miserable.
Cold weather like frost, rain and snow will affect dogs the same way as it effects us and no-one likes being too cold do they.
However, don't just buy the first little jacket you see for your dog. The coat must fit the dog very comfortably around the neck, chest and armholes. Pay close attention to these areas and remember that coats and jackets won't usually stretch like a jumper does so an exact fit will be more important.
Probably the easiest way of measuring your dog is from the base of the neck to the base of the tail and if you're in any doubt then always, always buy the next size up so your little dog can still be comfortable even if it fills out a little more.
It isn't just little dogs that might also need a bit of extra warmth and comfort, but older and aging dogs too. Fleece lined dog jackets will keep senior dogs comfortable especially if they are suffering from arthritis. Dogs that are not in the peak of health will also benefit from a warm coat from time to time.
Pick waterproof materials for your dog's coat so they are kept as dry as possible on rainy days or for days that they just can't keep out of the puddles in the park.
Even if you don't invest in a big coat you might think about buying a raincoat for your dog. Short-coated little dogs can quickly become miserable in the rain, and like chilled to the bone. If you live in a wet climate, your little dog would probably welcome some sort of rain proof coat.