Buying the Best Dog Pajamas for Small Dogs

Does your small dog appear to be trembling during winter? Then you might want to consider investing in some doggy PJs to keep them warm. Let us help you find the best small dog pajamas and then we’ll have a talk about what happens if your dog is too cold.

What Dogs Are Vulnerable to Cold?

Some dog breeds are perfectly fine with being outside in the winter, including Samoyeds, Huskies, or Malamutes. This is because these breeds of dogs were created specifically to live in colder areas. 

Even with a thick coat, dogs that aren’t accustomed to the bitter cold of winter may experience discomfort when outside it. For instance, a Florida-born Alaskan Malamute may experience discomfort in chilly climates because he is not accustomed to living in such conditions.

Dogs who have a short coat (and therefore no undercoat) are not going to be able to withstand cold temperatures very well, as a general rule. Dogs of toy or short-legged breeds who are forced to wade or jump in deep snow will become shivering and exhausted very soon. Puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with pre-existing medical issues will also feel the cold more acutely than healthy dogs.

Doggos in good health are better equipped to withstand the cold than those dogs that are struggling with various health problems. Take your dog in to see his veterinarian if he hasn’t had an exam in a while, or if he isn’t faring as well throughout the winter as he has in previous years when it comes to the cold weather. 

You might want to read this: What You Should Know About Sleeping with your Pets?

How Cold Is Too Cold for a Dog?

Shivering, hunching their backs, and lifting or holding their paws off the ground are all common signs of coldness in dogs. In severe circumstances, it is possible to develop hypothermia. 

Stiff muscles, a lethargic state, diminished mental attentiveness, and even loss of consciousness can all be signs of hypothermia. If your dog is exhibiting indications of hypothermia, you should seek care as soon as possible.

Before going outside, you might want to think about wrapping your dog up in warm clothing. Breeds that are smaller in size and breeds that have coats that are either very short or very thin are likely to be more susceptible to the cold. If you are experiencing really cold weather, it is highly recommended that you dress your dog in a sweater or some thick PJs.

Some cold-sensitive breeds will become uncomfortable when the temperature drops below 45 degrees Fahrenheit and will require protection at that point. Doggie pajamas should be brought out whenever the temperature outdoors feels to be at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit for owners of small breeds, pups, elderly dogs, or dogs that have thin coats.

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Can Dogs Catch a Cold?

There is an almost nonexistent risk of canines catching a cold from their human companions. Because the viruses that cause cold-like symptoms in people and dogs seldom move from one species to the other, you do not need to worry about passing on your stuffy nose to your dog if you have a cold.

To answer your question in a nutshell: yes, dogs can get colds, and the symptoms that they feel are very similar to those that people experience when they have a common cold.

What PJ Material Should I Choose?

After you have decided to purchase a pajama for your dog, the first step that you will need to take is to think about the material. 

Wool is one of the most insulating fabrics, and it also happens to be incredibly warm. However, you should think about how often it will need to be washed, and you should also consider whether or not it will cause your dog more discomfort due to itching. 

The safest bet could be to go with what we’d choose in pajamas for adults; a fabric that is machine-washable and made of a mix of acrylic and cotton.

What Size PJ Should I Buy?

If you ever took your measurements purchasing an article of clothing, measuring your dog is the ideal approach to ensure the best possible fit for the item you choose for him. 

Why do you need it to be able to fit? To prevent your dog from easily ripping off the piece, preventing it from dragging on the ground, and preventing it from becoming entangled in anything when it is moving normally. You want the garment to have a close fit without being overly restrictive.

You might want to check this out: Best Dog Pajamas for Large Breed Dogs

The Verdict

Whether or not your dog needs pajamas depends on their breed and how well their fur can handle cold temperatures. Most small dogs could benefit from winter pajamas, especially if you like to turn down the thermostat in the house at night. For more great recs from our team, check out our list of the best dog blankets.

Photo credit: Aleksey Boyko/Shutterstock