There’s no denying Maeby and Puddy are adorable in their black microfleece jumpsuits and booties. But the winter gear is a lot more than a fashion statement on these two pit bulls, according to Fargo resident Dana Holscher, who often gets the dogs dressed up on cold days. “Both of them give us indicators when they’re in need of bundling up, which is usually once the temperatures drop to 40 degrees and below,” she said, adding Maeby gets colder quicker because of her fine coat of fur, while Puddy’s thick skin means he can tolerate it a bit better. With so many apparel options these days for the pets in our lives, when is it necessary to strap on boots, wrap a scarf or zip up a jumpsuit to keep our animals safe during the coldest months of the year? Forum News Service reached out to local pet stores and a veterinarian to get their take on this issue - and the answer depends on the breed’s coat, size, routine and willingness to wear what the owner buys. Winter apparel Kara Ortmeier, a sales associate at Pets R’ Inn in West Acres Mall, said there’s a simple rule of thumb to determine when the majority of dogs should be bundled up before a walk or trip to the park. “If it’s too cold for us, it’s too cold for them,” she said. “Even large breed dogs will get cold during the winter. I have an 80-pound dog at home and I’m still taking him for walks, but I always put boots and a jacket on him.” Smaller dogs will get cold quicker, Ortmeier said, as will breeds with shorter fur or those lacking an undercoat of fur that keeps body heat trapped in.
If a pet owner isn’t sure whether their animal needs some extra layers on a cold day, she recommends looking at their body language – if a dog starts lifting up its paws or is shaking, they’re cold and probably could benefit from some gear. Certain breeds can “thrive” in colder, snowier weather, according to David Ketterling, general manager of Petco in Fargo. That includes many larger animals with second coats or thick fur, such as a Siberian husky. Golden retrievers also do fairly well in this climate. But Amy Anderson, a veterinarian and co-owner of West Fargo Animal Hospital, said not all larger dogs are built for the weather. While pit bulls aren’t a small breed, she said they have thin coats and are actually pretty sensitive. Smaller dogs with finer fur have the most problems from the cold, including breeds like Chihuahuas and dachshunds, she said. Michelle Smith, owner of Natural Pet Center in Fargo, said pet lovers know their pets best, and it’s ultimately at the owner’s discretion if they should get a winter wardrobe. Dogs that are just being let out in the backyard for a few minutes will probably be fine without it, she said, but if taking them to the dog park or on a run, some protection from the winter elements could be necessary. “You’d want to put on a jacket or sweater and then even some protective footwear, too, would be good,” she said. While pet owners appreciate how cute their animals look in the sweaters and scarves, Smith said Natural Pet Center selects its products to ensure the focus is always on “function over fashion.” The store offers a variety of products, including wool sweaters, lightweight fleece jackets, heavier jackets and boots. Other options All the warm garments in the world won’t do any good if a dog refuses to wear these products, and that’s why Ortmeier said it’s important to start training them to tolerate boots, sweaters, vests and any other clothing at an early age. “The younger the dog, the better,” she said. “If it’s an older animal, it’s always harder.” [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_original","fid":"1435998","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"325","typeof":"foaf:Image","width":"750"}}]] Starting with the pet while they’re still a puppy will increase the odds they’ll allow it, she said. Most dogs will eventually be fine with a vest or sweater, according to Ketterling. Some products can be tightened up on the animal with Velcro, making it quick and easy to get on and off - which could help some dogs accept the warm clothing, he said. Boots are another story entirely. Ketterling said some dogs simply won’t get used to the odd feeling of something between their paws and the ground, which explains why there are so many online videos of dogs in boots “prancing” or walking strangely trying to figure out what’s happening. Luckily, Smith said dog owners have a couple other options that will help keep paws safe and warm without the discomfort of boots. She recommends Pawz, a latex dog boot that can feel a bit more normal to wary pets, or Musher’s Secret, a wax product applied directly to the paw pad to protect against ice and salt. Natural Pet Center carries both products, she said. Smith said it’s also possible to let a dog’s fur grow out a bit more than normal during the colder months, giving them more protection from the elements. But that doesn’t mean owners can skip winter grooming appointments entirely, she said, and it could be more work than the shorter fur of summer. “They either need to be brushing on a regular basis at home a couple times a week, or they need to be making more frequent trips into the groomer,” she said. Longer fur makes it easier for snow and ice to become stuck in a dog’s paw pads, Smith said, and could lead to frostbite. That’s why she said it’s so important to keep paw fur trimmed during the winter. But shaggier dogs also are more likely to get matted hair, according to Anderson. Knots and tangles mean the coat isn’t as good of an insulator as it could be, she said, so owners need to keep up with regular grooming. While frostbite in animals is more common in farm cats or stray animals that are outside all day, Anderson said pet owners in urban areas such as Fargo-Moorhead still need to pay attention to the conditions and do what they can to keep their furry companions warm. “We’re an urban community, and pets aren’t usually sitting outside for any length of time,” she said. “But if they’re outside for more than 10 minutes with unprotected skin and not a lot of hair in weather like this, that’s when you could see frostbite.” Tweets by @DLNewspapersThere’s no denying Maeby and Puddy are adorable in their black microfleece jumpsuits and booties. But the winter gear is a lot more than a fashion statement on these two pit bulls, according to Fargo resident Dana Holscher, who often gets the dogs dressed up on cold days. “Both of them give us indicators when they’re in need of bundling up, which is usually once the temperatures drop to 40 degrees and below,” she said, adding Maeby gets colder quicker because of her fine coat of fur, while Puddy’s thick skin means he can tolerate it a bit better. With so many apparel options these days for the pets in our lives, when is it necessary to strap on boots, wrap a scarf or zip up a jumpsuit to keep our animals safe during the coldest months of the year? Forum News Service reached out to local pet stores and a veterinarian to get their take on this issue - and the answer depends on the breed’s coat, size, routine and willingness to wear what the owner buys. Winter apparel Kara Ortmeier, a sales associate at Pets R’ Inn in West Acres Mall, said there’s a simple rule of thumb to determine when the majority of dogs should be bundled up before a walk or trip to the park. “If it’s too cold for us, it’s too cold for them,” she said. “Even large breed dogs will get cold during the winter. I have an 80-pound dog at home and I’m still taking him for walks, but I always put boots and a jacket on him.” Smaller dogs will get cold quicker, Ortmeier said, as will breeds with shorter fur or those lacking an undercoat of fur that keeps body heat trapped in. [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_original","fid":"1435996","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"325","typeof":"foaf:Image","width":"750"}}]] If a pet owner isn’t sure whether their animal needs some extra layers on a cold day, she recommends looking at their body language – if a dog starts lifting up its paws or is shaking, they’re cold and probably could benefit from some gear. Certain breeds can “thrive” in colder, snowier weather, according to David Ketterling, general manager of Petco in Fargo. That includes many larger animals with second coats or thick fur, such as a Siberian husky. Golden retrievers also do fairly well in this climate. But Amy Anderson, a veterinarian and co-owner of West Fargo Animal Hospital, said not all larger dogs are built for the weather. While pit bulls aren’t a small breed, she said they have thin coats and are actually pretty sensitive. Smaller dogs with finer fur have the most problems from the cold, including breeds like Chihuahuas and dachshunds, she said. Michelle Smith, owner of Natural Pet Center in Fargo, said pet lovers know their pets best, and it’s ultimately at the owner’s discretion if they should get a winter wardrobe. Dogs that are just being let out in the backyard for a few minutes will probably be fine without it, she said, but if taking them to the dog park or on a run, some protection from the winter elements could be necessary. “You’d want to put on a jacket or sweater and then even some protective footwear, too, would be good,” she said. While pet owners appreciate how cute their animals look in the sweaters and scarves, Smith said Natural Pet Center selects its products to ensure the focus is always on “function over fashion.” The store offers a variety of products, including wool sweaters, lightweight fleece jackets, heavier jackets and boots. Other options All the warm garments in the world won’t do any good if a dog refuses to wear these products, and that’s why Ortmeier said it’s important to start training them to tolerate boots, sweaters, vests and any other clothing at an early age. “The younger the dog, the better,” she said. “If it’s an older animal, it’s always harder.”
Starting with the pet while they’re still a puppy will increase the odds they’ll allow it, she said. Most dogs will eventually be fine with a vest or sweater, according to Ketterling. Some products can be tightened up on the animal with Velcro, making it quick and easy to get on and off - which could help some dogs accept the warm clothing, he said. Boots are another story entirely. Ketterling said some dogs simply won’t get used to the odd feeling of something between their paws and the ground, which explains why there are so many online videos of dogs in boots “prancing” or walking strangely trying to figure out what’s happening. Luckily, Smith said dog owners have a couple other options that will help keep paws safe and warm without the discomfort of boots. She recommends Pawz, a latex dog boot that can feel a bit more normal to wary pets, or Musher’s Secret, a wax product applied directly to the paw pad to protect against ice and salt. Natural Pet Center carries both products, she said. Smith said it’s also possible to let a dog’s fur grow out a bit more than normal during the colder months, giving them more protection from the elements. But that doesn’t mean owners can skip winter grooming appointments entirely, she said, and it could be more work than the shorter fur of summer. “They either need to be brushing on a regular basis at home a couple times a week, or they need to be making more frequent trips into the groomer,” she said. Longer fur makes it easier for snow and ice to become stuck in a dog’s paw pads, Smith said, and could lead to frostbite. That’s why she said it’s so important to keep paw fur trimmed during the winter. But shaggier dogs also are more likely to get matted hair, according to Anderson. Knots and tangles mean the coat isn’t as good of an insulator as it could be, she said, so owners need to keep up with regular grooming. While frostbite in animals is more common in farm cats or stray animals that are outside all day, Anderson said pet owners in urban areas such as Fargo-Moorhead still need to pay attention to the conditions and do what they can to keep their furry companions warm. “We’re an urban community, and pets aren’t usually sitting outside for any length of time,” she said. “But if they’re outside for more than 10 minutes with unprotected skin and not a lot of hair in weather like this, that’s when you could see frostbite.” Tweets by @DLNewspapersThere’s no denying Maeby and Puddy are adorable in their black microfleece jumpsuits and booties.But the winter gear is a lot more than a fashion statement on these two pit bulls, according to Fargo resident Dana Holscher, who often gets the dogs dressed up on cold days.“Both of them give us indicators when they’re in need of bundling up, which is usually once the temperatures drop to 40 degrees and below,” she said, adding Maeby gets colder quicker because of her fine coat of fur, while Puddy’s thick skin means he can tolerate it a bit better.With so many apparel options these days for the pets in our lives, when is it necessary to strap on boots, wrap a scarf or zip up a jumpsuit to keep our animals safe during the coldest months of the year?Forum News Service reached out to local pet stores and a veterinarian to get their take on this issue - and the answer depends on the breed’s coat, size, routine and willingness to wear what the owner buys.Winter apparelKara Ortmeier, a sales associate at Pets R’ Inn in West Acres Mall, said there’s a simple rule of thumb to determine when the majority of dogs should be bundled up before a walk or trip to the park.“If it’s too cold for us, it’s too cold for them,” she said. “Even large breed dogs will get cold during the winter. I have an 80-pound dog at home and I’m still taking him for walks, but I always put boots and a jacket on him.”Smaller dogs will get cold quicker, Ortmeier said, as will breeds with shorter fur or those lacking an undercoat of fur that keeps body heat trapped in.
If a pet owner isn’t sure whether their animal needs some extra layers on a cold day, she recommends looking at their body language – if a dog starts lifting up its paws or is shaking, they’re cold and probably could benefit from some gear.Certain breeds can “thrive” in colder, snowier weather, according to David Ketterling, general manager of Petco in Fargo. That includes many larger animals with second coats or thick fur, such as a Siberian husky.Golden retrievers also do fairly well in this climate.But Amy Anderson, a veterinarian and co-owner of West Fargo Animal Hospital, said not all larger dogs are built for the weather. While pit bulls aren’t a small breed, she said they have thin coats and are actually pretty sensitive.Smaller dogs with finer fur have the most problems from the cold, including breeds like Chihuahuas and dachshunds, she said.Michelle Smith, owner of Natural Pet Center in Fargo, said pet lovers know their pets best, and it’s ultimately at the owner’s discretion if they should get a winter wardrobe.Dogs that are just being let out in the backyard for a few minutes will probably be fine without it, she said, but if taking them to the dog park or on a run, some protection from the winter elements could be necessary.“You’d want to put on a jacket or sweater and then even some protective footwear, too, would be good,” she said.While pet owners appreciate how cute their animals look in the sweaters and scarves, Smith said Natural Pet Center selects its products to ensure the focus is always on “function over fashion.”The store offers a variety of products, including wool sweaters, lightweight fleece jackets, heavier jackets and boots.Other optionsAll the warm garments in the world won’t do any good if a dog refuses to wear these products, and that’s why Ortmeier said it’s important to start training them to tolerate boots, sweaters, vests and any other clothing at an early age.“The younger the dog, the better,” she said. “If it’s an older animal, it’s always harder.”[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_original","fid":"1435998","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"325","typeof":"foaf:Image","width":"750"}}]]Starting with the pet while they’re still a puppy will increase the odds they’ll allow it, she said.Most dogs will eventually be fine with a vest or sweater, according to Ketterling. Some products can be tightened up on the animal with Velcro, making it quick and easy to get on and off - which could help some dogs accept the warm clothing, he said.Boots are another story entirely. Ketterling said some dogs simply won’t get used to the odd feeling of something between their paws and the ground, which explains why there are so many online videos of dogs in boots “prancing” or walking strangely trying to figure out what’s happening.Luckily, Smith said dog owners have a couple other options that will help keep paws safe and warm without the discomfort of boots.She recommends Pawz, a latex dog boot that can feel a bit more normal to wary pets, or Musher’s Secret, a wax product applied directly to the paw pad to protect against ice and salt. Natural Pet Center carries both products, she said.Smith said it’s also possible to let a dog’s fur grow out a bit more than normal during the colder months, giving them more protection from the elements.But that doesn’t mean owners can skip winter grooming appointments entirely, she said, and it could be more work than the shorter fur of summer.“They either need to be brushing on a regular basis at home a couple times a week, or they need to be making more frequent trips into the groomer,” she said.Longer fur makes it easier for snow and ice to become stuck in a dog’s paw pads, Smith said, and could lead to frostbite. That’s why she said it’s so important to keep paw fur trimmed during the winter.But shaggier dogs also are more likely to get matted hair, according to Anderson. Knots and tangles mean the coat isn’t as good of an insulator as it could be, she said, so owners need to keep up with regular grooming.While frostbite in animals is more common in farm cats or stray animals that are outside all day, Anderson said pet owners in urban areas such as Fargo-Moorhead still need to pay attention to the conditions and do what they can to keep their furry companions warm.“We’re an urban community, and pets aren’t usually sitting outside for any length of time,” she said. “But if they’re outside for more than 10 minutes with unprotected skin and not a lot of hair in weather like this, that’s when you could see frostbite.”Tweets by @DLNewspapersThere’s no denying Maeby and Puddy are adorable in their black microfleece jumpsuits and booties.But the winter gear is a lot more than a fashion statement on these two pit bulls, according to Fargo resident Dana Holscher, who often gets the dogs dressed up on cold days.“Both of them give us indicators when they’re in need of bundling up, which is usually once the temperatures drop to 40 degrees and below,” she said, adding Maeby gets colder quicker because of her fine coat of fur, while Puddy’s thick skin means he can tolerate it a bit better.With so many apparel options these days for the pets in our lives, when is it necessary to strap on boots, wrap a scarf or zip up a jumpsuit to keep our animals safe during the coldest months of the year?Forum News Service reached out to local pet stores and a veterinarian to get their take on this issue - and the answer depends on the breed’s coat, size, routine and willingness to wear what the owner buys.Winter apparelKara Ortmeier, a sales associate at Pets R’ Inn in West Acres Mall, said there’s a simple rule of thumb to determine when the majority of dogs should be bundled up before a walk or trip to the park.“If it’s too cold for us, it’s too cold for them,” she said. “Even large breed dogs will get cold during the winter. I have an 80-pound dog at home and I’m still taking him for walks, but I always put boots and a jacket on him.”Smaller dogs will get cold quicker, Ortmeier said, as will breeds with shorter fur or those lacking an undercoat of fur that keeps body heat trapped in.[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_original","fid":"1435996","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"325","typeof":"foaf:Image","width":"750"}}]]If a pet owner isn’t sure whether their animal needs some extra layers on a cold day, she recommends looking at their body language – if a dog starts lifting up its paws or is shaking, they’re cold and probably could benefit from some gear.Certain breeds can “thrive” in colder, snowier weather, according to David Ketterling, general manager of Petco in Fargo. That includes many larger animals with second coats or thick fur, such as a Siberian husky.Golden retrievers also do fairly well in this climate.But Amy Anderson, a veterinarian and co-owner of West Fargo Animal Hospital, said not all larger dogs are built for the weather. While pit bulls aren’t a small breed, she said they have thin coats and are actually pretty sensitive.Smaller dogs with finer fur have the most problems from the cold, including breeds like Chihuahuas and dachshunds, she said.Michelle Smith, owner of Natural Pet Center in Fargo, said pet lovers know their pets best, and it’s ultimately at the owner’s discretion if they should get a winter wardrobe.Dogs that are just being let out in the backyard for a few minutes will probably be fine without it, she said, but if taking them to the dog park or on a run, some protection from the winter elements could be necessary.“You’d want to put on a jacket or sweater and then even some protective footwear, too, would be good,” she said.While pet owners appreciate how cute their animals look in the sweaters and scarves, Smith said Natural Pet Center selects its products to ensure the focus is always on “function over fashion.”The store offers a variety of products, including wool sweaters, lightweight fleece jackets, heavier jackets and boots.Other optionsAll the warm garments in the world won’t do any good if a dog refuses to wear these products, and that’s why Ortmeier said it’s important to start training them to tolerate boots, sweaters, vests and any other clothing at an early age.“The younger the dog, the better,” she said. “If it’s an older animal, it’s always harder.”
Starting with the pet while they’re still a puppy will increase the odds they’ll allow it, she said.Most dogs will eventually be fine with a vest or sweater, according to Ketterling. Some products can be tightened up on the animal with Velcro, making it quick and easy to get on and off - which could help some dogs accept the warm clothing, he said.Boots are another story entirely. Ketterling said some dogs simply won’t get used to the odd feeling of something between their paws and the ground, which explains why there are so many online videos of dogs in boots “prancing” or walking strangely trying to figure out what’s happening.Luckily, Smith said dog owners have a couple other options that will help keep paws safe and warm without the discomfort of boots.She recommends Pawz, a latex dog boot that can feel a bit more normal to wary pets, or Musher’s Secret, a wax product applied directly to the paw pad to protect against ice and salt. Natural Pet Center carries both products, she said.Smith said it’s also possible to let a dog’s fur grow out a bit more than normal during the colder months, giving them more protection from the elements.But that doesn’t mean owners can skip winter grooming appointments entirely, she said, and it could be more work than the shorter fur of summer.“They either need to be brushing on a regular basis at home a couple times a week, or they need to be making more frequent trips into the groomer,” she said.Longer fur makes it easier for snow and ice to become stuck in a dog’s paw pads, Smith said, and could lead to frostbite. That’s why she said it’s so important to keep paw fur trimmed during the winter.But shaggier dogs also are more likely to get matted hair, according to Anderson. Knots and tangles mean the coat isn’t as good of an insulator as it could be, she said, so owners need to keep up with regular grooming.While frostbite in animals is more common in farm cats or stray animals that are outside all day, Anderson said pet owners in urban areas such as Fargo-Moorhead still need to pay attention to the conditions and do what they can to keep their furry companions warm.“We’re an urban community, and pets aren’t usually sitting outside for any length of time,” she said. “But if they’re outside for more than 10 minutes with unprotected skin and not a lot of hair in weather like this, that’s when you could see frostbite.”Tweets by @DLNewspapers
