Our pawrents have never been ones to dress their dogs in clothes, but with the onslaught of rain we have been having, they are reconsidering - we live on a dirt road and get soaking wet when they walk us. But that is neither here nor there in the advice we seek.
Our Labradude, Java, is getting on in years and is in some arthritic pain. He gets an aspirin twice a day to help with inflammation and we know this thins his blood. Our old farmhouse is not the best insulated house in the world and Java prefers to sleep on the floor on Dad's side of the bed instead of getting in his own bed.
To make a long story short, Java seems cold all the time and we think this would accelerate the pain - he only goes out (get this!) one time a day to take care of his duties. Mom can't even force him to go outside and he does not make any messes in the house - just sleeps by the electric heater all day - and grumps when Dad makes him go in the bedroom at night - where the temperature is probably 50 degrees.
So Mom is considering a sweater for Java - at his highest weight he weighed 110 pounds so we figure he is at about 95 now - he has lost some weight since Mom and Dad got we Scotties and we have to go on so many walkies. Do any of you large breed dogs wear sweaters? If so, is there a certain brand or design that is best. Mom can't imagine putting Java's long arms into sleeves.
From the way it looks on all the websites, big guys aren't supposed to get cold. Mom would knit him a sweater if she has too, but she prefers to purchase one - after all, we have seen horses wearing jackets. We would welcome any advice we could get.
XOXO
Lilly, Piper, Carrleigh and Java
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28 comments:
I work in a pet boutique on the weekends and a lot of owners come in to buy sweaters for their larger dogs, especially labs, weimaraners and other short haired large dogs.
www.fetchdog.com has a few big dog sweaters-- and I've seen them in person and they are nice. Also, search online for Chilly Dog Sweaters for other options-- that is a brand of nice wool sweaters that are also made for larger dogs.
I would definitely get Java a sweater, espeically if you see signs of him being cold while even just indoors.
Hi Rocky Creek Scotties! Last winter in Tahoe, we got one of these (http://www.rei.com/product/777482) by Ruff Coat. Sam also got a heavy red snowflake sweater from Land's End for xmas last year, but she doesn't really need outer layers. When it's rainy or extra cold and muddy, however, it saves time for us. Hope you find something that works for dear Java.
Hugs xo
Sammie and the gang
Butchy n Snickers Momma Lamb makes custom fit long underwear jammies...but I don't know if she has an online store or Etsy or you just email her. Jake n Fergi just got some recently. They have plenty of open spaces for doing yer bidnezz. They cover all the main joints and are extra fetching looking. Maybe she could make them in toasty fleece for Java?
Happy Shopping,
Bonnie
Lynn, My fan is still screaming!!
But working. I was only on about 30 min. yesterday. Only 30 today.
You could buy an electic matters pad and put it on the floor for Java to sleep on. I did that for Joker. Then we bough a twin matters for him to sleep on by the bed. I think a dog bed would have been cheaper. Java needs to be off the floor. Big dogs really do not need something around their legs, just the body. I made things for Amanda to wear that only went around the neck, then around her back and belly, That was enough.
E mail if you want. I will be back on later in the day. Probably after dinner after 7:30pm.
Make sure the sweater covers his chest completely, not just a band under his tummy. Having his chest covered will keep him warmer. Also have you considered getting him a heated bed or a doggy heating pad to slide into his bed? We had a heating pad for the puppies when they were little and our old dog Lucy liked to sleep on it. She had arthritis and it made her feel more comfortable.
Hi
Oh my mom said she would get a sweater for Java. ANd yes, our friend that has horses has blanket coats for them, so if it good enought for a horse then...good enough for Java.
My mom wants to know if...you can e-mail us the name of the home goods store with scottie stuff, phone # etc.
Dcraftsalot@aol.com
Thanks
Snazzi
I think it is a great idea to get him a sweater if he has a tendency to be cold. If he will be wearing it often, make sure it isn't itchy. Sometimes at the vet's office where I used to work we would even suggest sweatshirts as they tend to not irritate dogs as much. If you are going to be going for walks in the rain, and you are worried about the cold, they actually make horse blankets for dogs. I have several though I rarely use them. Here's a link in case you are interested! http://equestrian.doversaddlery.com/search?dmi_offer_code=SITE&w=dog&x=0&y=0&idc=[[SLI_IDC]]&ids=156725433
I recently got the book Knitting for Dogs from Amazon and it has quite a few big dog sweaters. However, I also like to improvise, with an old pullover sweater or sweatshirt. Felted wool is good if you can find a sweater in a second hand store.
If you look at There Goes my Hero
blog for Nov 24, you will see a sweater I suggested for Tagpi and it worked out good. If you have a sweatshirt no one wears, put it on the dog and fit it to him. Maybe a seam down the back or cut off the arms, lots of things you can do to get it to fit.
Any ? let me know and I can send you some pics.
Good luck!
Stella's Mom Jo
I agree... get him a sweater, but I'm blown away that he only has one potty break a day outside.
I like to wear my ski jacket or vest when it gets cold too...even though my coat is thick...it gets very cold in N.Idaho, 18degrees right now in fact! I think Java would appreciate one of those doggie snuggles that they advertise on tv!
Smooches, BabyRocketDog
Sounds like you got lots of good recommendations!!
Smileys!
Dory
If you get stuck, Dawn at mypethaven.com makes my outfits for me. She will custom make something that has velcro closures so you don't have to put your legs through arm holes.
I understand only going out to do your business now and then. Full sized doggies can hold their stuff, right? But do stay warm, OK?
Slobbers,
Mango
I know our pal Honey The Great Dane wears some things to help keep her warm -
And she's a furry tall gal!
I think woo've gotten some furry nice ideas here!
Of khourse, if Java would like, I'll send some bags of my floof!
That should do it!
Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra
Mum said she had two cocker spaniels who wore coats in the winter, but they have been gone to the rainbrow bridge for a lot of years. I hope you can get one to keep out the chill.. Good luck Hugs Gj x
Absolutely, get him a sweater...I saw a faux shearling jacket at LL Bean that comes in XL. You could also alter an old sweatshirt and see how he likes wearing it before investing in a sweater.
Keep us posted...
Big warm hug for Java!
Absolutely, get him a sweater...I saw a faux shearling jacket at LL Bean that comes in XL. You could also alter an old sweatshirt and see how he likes wearing it before investing in a sweater.
Keep us posted...
Big warm hug for Java!
Well, we really don't need sweaters with our double coat, but Mom thinks Phantom might actually be cold a lot of the time. After his not so pleasant shirt-wearing summer, he would probably freak if Mom tried to put one on him. We hope you can find what you need for Java, sorry we don't have any suggestions for you.
Woos, the OP Pack
Dawling scotties,
I think youw sweet Java would love being cozy and wawm and You've gotten some pawfect advice..Butcy and Snickew's Mama made my jammies and snowsuit and I am vewy vcomfowtable in them..I hope you find the absolute bestest one fowJava
smoochie kisses
ASTA
Dawling scotties,
I think youw sweet Java would love being cozy and wawm and You've gotten some pawfect advice..Butcy and Snickew's Mama made my jammies and snowsuit and I am vewy vcomfowtable in them..I hope you find the absolute bestest one fowJava
smoochie kisses
ASTA
Paddy gets cold too - so we have various sweaters and coats for him - D sometimes puts a hot water bottle under his blankets before bedtime so his bed is roasty-toasty when he gets in. You have got some good advice - I like the idea of the Jammies.
Licks
Sally and Paddy
Awwwwwww, Java will love a pair of jammies or a sweater! I have only worn a coat for walkies outside and I love it! I also have a cushy orthopaedic bed that's comfy.
Only the best for Java!
Love ya lots,
Maggie
What a lot of lovely suggestions to keep Java warm. It is most unpleasant being cold and shivery so we do hope he will be as snug as a bug in a rug very soon.
Molly, Taffy and Monty
For our big sister Fergie, Moms and Dad always go to the Good Will store and get the kids sweaters. Then they modify them and voila!! Cosequin DS is really good for arthritis too! It's all natural.
Woofs and Kisses!
Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww....
we agree with you!!!
We think it's a great idea to get him a sweater if he has a tendency to be cold!!!!!!!
We love cold but mommy tell us when we'll be old we'll needed a warm sweaters!!!
Hope your mommy could find the best sweater for you dear Java!!!
Take care of you!!!!
WE LOVE YOU And all your special family!!!
Sweet kisses and licks!!!!
Poor Java! And I thought our lab Mason would win the iron bladder award - you've got him beat!! Did you try Orvis? I think they have some horse-blanket style coats.
Snorts-
Brutus the Frenchie
Oh Java sweetie! It's tough to get old pal. We don't know what to suggest....just caution when the doggie coats say 'large' sometimes the really only fit smaller sizes!?!!?
Hope you find something soon!
Hugs and snaggle-tooth kisses,
Sierra Rose
Sweet Java! A sweater sounds like a great idea for him. Did you know that they make "Snuggies" for dogs? You can even get them for large dogs like Java. They have them at my Petsmart, maybe they have them at yours too? We can really relate to the old dog and the VA. cold thing!
As you know I like to wear things to keep me warm. I have found that sleeves seem to just get in the way sometimes. Shorter sleeves are better than long ones. I step on the long ones and then I'm half undressed! I know Java is about 15 times my size but I just thought I would tell you that part that I have noticed.
Snuggles,
Twix
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