Some dog breeds are more adapted for the cold than others. Breeds such as huskies and malamutes have a thick double coat to keep them warm. Seeing as they were bred to pull sleds and exist in arctic climates, they need to have a nice thick coat!
While beagles also have this double coat, they are much smaller than huskies, and especially malamutes. Their coats add a little extra insulation when the weather gets cold. But if you live in a particularly cold place, or your beagle spends extended periods of time outside during winter, you should consider getting them an outer coat to wear.
In this article we will explore why beagles might need coats, how to tell if they are cold, and what to look for in winter wear for your dog. Keep reading if you need a place to start!
Why Would Beagles Need Coats During the Winter?
Beagles are a small breed of dog, at their heaviest they weigh 30 pounds. They simply don’t have a lot of mass to keep them warm in the cold. This is the same for other small dog breeds, many who are living in cold weather should have coats to help keep them healthy and warm!
Puppies are particularly susceptible to the cold. Their coats haven’t fully grown in yet, leaving them without that double insulated coat to offset the winter chill. Additionally they are much smaller, and will have a harder time regulating their body temperature when they get cold.
These little dogs often have very short hair on their bellies, leaving them unprotected, especially when there is snow on the ground. Due to the short stature of both full grown and beagle puppies, their torso is more likely to be covered in snow after spending time outside. For these reasons, it is important to protect your dog’s skin from the effects of cold.
When dogs are recovering from illness or injury they will also be more susceptible to the cold because of their weakened immune systems. If your beagle puppy is spayed or neutered during the winter, you’ll want to be extra careful with them in the cold during their recovery period.
Coats are generally recommended for short haired dog breeds if you live in a place that gets colder than 30 degrees Fahrenheit, or if your dog spends extended time outside during the winter months. This can be whether they just enjoy being in their yard all the time, or if you take them out for frequent walks and hikes!
Buying your beagle a coat is a smart thing to do, there is no need to feel shame or embarrassment when making this purchase, and it’s a fun way to accessorize!
What to Look For in a Coat for Beagles
So how do you pick out the perfect coat for your beagle? With plenty of options on the market, there are a few things you should keep your eyes out for when you either hit the store or shop online for your pup’s winter wear.
- Material
Fleece and wool are popular materials for dog sweaters and coats. Generally either of these materials will suffice if you live in a state that just gets cold and doesn’t get too much snow. If your beagle will be traipsing around in the snow, you should look to get them a coat made of a water resistant material just to be safe.
Often times you can find coats that are made of similar materials to jackets that people wear skiing and snowboarding. These options will be sure to keep your beagle dry and warm all winter long.
- The Fit
You want to make sure you get the right sized coat for your dog so they feel comfortable wearing it. Before you go shopping, know how long and tall your beagle is, as well as how much they weigh. These measurements will help you determine what size to purchase. The average sized beagle will wear a small size, but all beagles are different so never go off the standard ‘breed sizing’
The coat should cover the entire length of your beagle’s belly (unless you have a boy beagle) and stop at the base of their tail. Coats that include sleeves can be hard for your dog to adjust to, so try to stick with options that leave their legs free with a full range of motion.
There are so many good coat options on the market for your beagle. If you buy one that they just aren’t adjusted to or isn’t the quality you want, don’t be afraid to return it and look for a better option. Your beagle’s happiness and health should be your primary concern when making this purchase.
How to Tell if Your Beagle is Cold
When you are out and about with your beagle, even if they are wearing a coat, you should be on the lookout for signs of them being cold. An obvious sign is of course shivering, but there are other ones you need to be aware of.
As beagles can not communicate how they are feeling to you, it is up to you to be on the lookout for any of these signs. Left unnoticed, these symptoms could develop into much more serious cold-related problems.
Common signs of cold body temperature can include any of the following:
- Whining
- Shivering
- Looking anxious
- Trying to burrow or dig
- Slowing down or stopping moving entirely
If you see any of these signs, it’s time to get your beagle inside, and quickly. Like humans, beagles are susceptible to cold related health conditions like hypothermia and frostbite.
After you get inside, if they are still displaying symptoms of being cold, you can try wrapping them in blankets, turning up the heat in your apartment, or heating up some wet food for them to eat. If they don’t improve after these methods, it’s time to take your beagle to the vet. Your vet will give your beagle an IV and monitor their vital signs while they warm back up.
If you know it’s going to be a particularly cold or snowy day, refrain from having your dog outside for long periods of time. They would be much better off snuggled up on their favorite dog bed with a good chew toy anyway.
If they need to get some exercise, you should try to limit the amount of time they are exposed outside, or simply try playing with them indoors.
Other Accessories to Help Your Beagle in Cold Weather
There are also a variety of other products you can get for your beagle to combat the cold. These can be important if you live in a place that is consistently very cold. Let’s take a look at a few other options you can consider.
- Dog Boots
Dog boots are a great option if you live somewhere that gets a lot of snow and ice. Ice crystals can get between the pads of your dogs feet and case pain and discomfort, sometimes even leading to cuts. Additionally these areas use salt to melt ice. This salt can cause your beagle to have an irritated stomach if they try to clean off their feet.
Look for boots that are waterproof and have good traction to help your beagle stay upright on the ice. Also allow your beagle to get used to wearing boots before you take them out in them. The can feel pretty unusual at first!
- Dog Sweaters
Dog sweaters can work for your beagle if you don’t get very much snow in your area. These are less cumbersome and allow your dog more freedom of movement while wearing them. They can even wear their sweaters inside if they really like it. Be sure to give them regular baths to keep your beagle’s coat nice and clean, especially if they regularly wear sweaters.
- Removable Hoods
Similarly to boots, removable hoods can be a great addition to your dog’s wardrobe if you live in a place with a lot of rain and snow. As beagles can be prone to ear and eye problems, it’s important to protect their head from excess moisture. Water trapped under their ears can lead to bacterial growth. If your pup has a hood, you don’t have to worry about keeping their heads dry!
Final Thoughts
Pet ownership comes with a whole lot of responsibility. Keeping your beagle safe and warm during the winter is a big part of that. Investing in a winter coat for your dog is not only a smart thing to do, but it will help your furry friend fully enjoy their winter time experience.
If you are uncertain of what kind of coat to buy, you can ask your vet for recommendations. They can point you in the right direction of brands that might fit your needs, as well as the level of warmth you should be looking for for your beagle.
While it may take them a little while to get used to their new coat and accessories, they will embrace it and the freedom it gives them. In no time your beagle will be ready to play in the snow and go for winter adventures with you. Don’t put off making this purchase! Winter is near, so start shopping and give your beagle the gift of warmth this holiday season!