How to Dress a Dog for Snow Posted: 16 Jan 2022 04:00 PM PST Many dogs can adjust naturally to winter weather. However, certain types of dogs, like toy and short-haired breeds, are more affected by the cold, and extreme weather conditions can endanger any animal. Jackets, sweaters, booties, and other outdoor gear can go a long way towards keeping your pet healthy and safe. Protect your canine companion during the coldest months by learning when and how to dress them up for winter conditions. [Edit]Knowing When to Dress Up Your Dog for Winter Weather - Dress up toy dogs. Very small dogs, like Chihuahuas or Pomeranians, are less able to regulate their body temperatures. Consequently, it's a good idea to dress them up in a sweater or jacket when they go outside in below-freezing temperatures.[1][2]
- Dress up lean, short-haired dogs. If your dog has a thin coat and/or low body fat, they have less natural protection from the cold. Short-haired breeds, like Boxers, Greyhounds, or Dobermans, should have extra protection, like sweaters or coats, when they're facing below-freezing temperatures to help them retain their body heat.[3]
- This also applies to dogs, such as Poodles, that are highly groomed in a manner that keeps their fur very short.
- Suit up older dogs. If you have a senior dog with a compromised immune system, it's a good idea to give them the extra protection of a sweater or jacket when facing cold weather.[4]
- Let the natural coats of hearty breeds protect them. Some types of dogs are specifically bred to withstand winter conditions. These large, hearty breeds, like Newfoundlands, Saint Bernards, and Siberian Huskies, come with thick, double coats of fur. They typically don't require additional gear to help them with cold weather.[5]
- Dressing up dogs with dense fur in outerwear can even be detrimental, leading to overheating.
- Pay attention to your dog's signals. Regardless of your dog's size, fur, breed, or condition, be sure to take cues from their behavior to see if you should be dressing them for the cold. If they show signs of being chilled, it's always a good idea to bundle them up before you take them any further.[6][7]
- If you notice that they're shivering for an extended period of time, getting sluggish, coming to a complete stop, and/or trying to keep one or more paws off the ground when they walk, it's likely that your dog is being negatively affected by the cold.
[Edit]Picking the Right Outwear - Decide between a sweater and jacket. If you're simply trying to protect your dog from cold temperatures or taking them out for short outdoor sessions of less than a half hour, a sweater is probably sufficient. If you're taking your dog out into snowy conditions, wind, precipitation, or extreme cold (like below-zero F or below -15 degrees C), then it's better to dress them in a waterproof coat since they offer more substantial protection.[8]
- If it's at all wet or snowy outside, it's best to go for a waterproof jacket. Wet sweaters can make your dog colder instead of keeping them warm.
- Pick garments made from sturdy, convenient material. If your primary objective is trying to protect your dog from the cold rather than making a fashion statement, you should go for outdoor apparel that's constructed from durable and breathable fabrics, like nylon, a wool blend, or fleece. Make sure that the gear is also machine washable for easy cleaning.[9]
- If you're going for a coat, select one that has a waterproof or water-resistant exterior so that it can withstand the elements.
- Get the sizing right. Each product and brand will have different sizing guidelines. Whether you're shopping online or at a pet store, be sure to check the specific sizing charts associated with a particular product before purchasing it.[10]
- Prepare yourself to find the right size for your dog by taking some key measurements. Use a tape measure to take the circumferences of your dog's neck, chest (around their biggest rib), and waist. You should also measure the distances between the base of their neck and their waist, and between the base of their neck and the base of their tail.
- Some garments may have sizing charts that are determined by your dog's weight.
- Make sure their gear fits well. Sweaters and coats should fit snugly but comfortably. If they're too big, they'll drag and compromise the warmth of the garment. If they're too small, they'll constrict your dog's blood flow, irritate their skin, and/or restrict their movement.[11]
- Dog apparel should be easy to take on and off. Once it's on, you should allow your dog to move around in it to see if their range of motion or natural gait is at all affected.
- You should also check that you can fit two fingers (one finger for small dogs) under the neckline or any other openings to be sure that they won't chafe your dog's skin.
- Avoid designs with potentially dangerous accessories. Many dogs are not in love with wearing clothing, and may try to remove it. If your dog is wary of clothing or prone to chewing, avoid getting garments that have decorations or accessories, like pom-poms or ribbons that could easily be clawed or chewed off. You don't want your pooch eating their apparel![12]
- Get lights and/or reflective gear. The dark sets in early during the winter months. Ensure that you and your dog can be seen by wearing lights and/or dressing them up in reflective or bright clothing.[13]
- Consider attaching clip-on lights to your dog's collar or getting a light-up collar so that you don't lose your pet and so that they're obviously visible to other people, pets, and motorists.
- You could also go for a coat that has reflective strips or material as part of the design.
- Reserve additional accessories for extreme conditions. You may want to put your dog in a hat and scarf because it's adorable, but these accessories are not necessary winter gear for canines in most conditions. If you are preparing your dog for prolonged exposure to temperatures that are well below freezing, gale-force winds, or an active snowstorm, then adding a hat to their jacket would be a good idea.[14]
- Keep in mind that the wisest thing to do in extreme winter conditions is to keep yourself and your dog inside.
- If you do need to venture out, the most practical hats for dogs will be bands that tuck under their chins and wrap over their ears.
- Neck warmers designed for humans also make good hats for dogs.
[Edit]Fitting Your Dog with Booties - Get booties for your dog. If you live in a cold climate with lengthy winters or your dog's feet are especially sensitive to salt or cold, it's a good idea to get your pooch cloth or rubber booties to protect their paws.[15]
- Besides keeping your dog's feet warm, booties can also help shield your pet from ice, snow, salt, and grit. Being exposed to these winter hazards can injure your dog's feet or leave their paws painfully dry and/or cracked.
- Pick a material that's sturdy enough to offer protection and withstand harsh conditions while being flexible enough to comfortably adjust to the shape of your pet's feet.
- They should also have waterproof or water-resistant exterior to keep your dog's paws dry.
- Consider getting boots with traction or grips on the bottom to help your pooch navigate through snow and ice.
- Since these are specialty items, pet stores will not always stock them, and ordering them online may be easier.
- Make sure to get the right size. Before you buy a set of booties, check the brands' specific sizing chart to get the right fit. There are no standardized shoe sizes for canines, and booties come in a wide array of designs. Thus, it's critical to refer to the particular sizing and measurement guidelines used by the brand of booties you are ordering.[16]
- Getting the right size will require you to take measurements of your pet using either a scale or a tape measure. Some dog shoe companies use sizing charts that go by weight. Others will ask you to measure the distance between a dog's heel and toenail.
- Check that they have the right fit. Your dog's booties should slip on and off easily and have an adjustable strap to keep them snugly in place around your dog's ankles. They should fit securely around the ankle but leave plenty of room for your dog's paws to breathe since they regulate heat through the pads of their feet.[17]
- Be sure that your dog's booties are tight enough to stay on without being uncomfortable. Check to see that the ankle straps aren't rubbing or chafing your dog's skin or fur.
- Also check that the booties aren't affecting your dog's natural gait. While they may walk differently in their shoes at first, be wary if your dog does not adjust back to their normal stride over time. This can indicate that the shoes are cramping their feet or placing pressure on their claws.
- Help your dog adjust to booties. Wearing shoes does not feel natural to canines, so it may take them a while to get the hang of it. Make the period of adjustment as short and pleasant as possible by rewarding them with a treat after you put on each bootie.[18]
- Giving your pooch treats along with their booties will help them develop positive associations with wearing shoes. Taking them out for a walk immediately after you put them on will also boost their positive associations with booties.
- It's also a good idea to keep your dog under control on a leash initially until they've adapted to walking in booties. If you notice that the booties are slipping off, stop and adjust the Velcro straps until they fit tightly enough to stay on.
- If you're unsure about your dog's ability to withstand the cold, consult with your vet about any necessary precautions you should take before you bringing them out in winter conditions.
[Edit]Warnings - Never leave your dog unattended in a coat because they may get caught on something.
- Even the heartiest dogs face health risks, like frostbite and hypothermia, from prolonged exposure to below-freezing temperatures. Never leave your dog outside in the cold for long periods of time, no matter how they're dressed.
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
How to Remove a Quick Weave Posted: 16 Jan 2022 08:00 AM PST A quick weave can be a fun way to change up your look, but they're only meant to stay in for about 4 weeks. To remove your quick weave, coat the base of the hair wefts and the cap with lots of oil so it's easy to slide them off. If you end up with dried glue on your scalp or natural hair, apply a glue remover shampoo. Then, comb your hair before shampooing with your regular shampoo and conditioner. [Edit]Removing the Hair Wefts and Cap - Choose an oil to apply to your quick weave. You can purchase hair oils or shampoos that are designed for loosening and removing quick weaves. Buy these at your local beauty supply store. If you don't want to buy a new product, check your home for oil-based products you can use, such as:[1]
- Conditioner
- Oil, such as almond, olive, coconut, or baby oil
- Dish soap
- Apply the oil to each hair weft. If your oil comes in a bottle, you may be able to spray it onto the base of each hair weft. If you're using something that didn't come in a spray bottle, such as conditioner or oil, squirt or pour a little of it into a bowl. Then dip your fingers into it and spread it directly onto the hair weft where it meets your scalp or the cap.[2]
- You can protect your clothes by wearing a plastic cape or a grocery bag over your body. Keep in mind that oil stains can be hard to remove from clothing.
- Since you're dealing with messy oil, consider wearing an old T-shirt while you remove the quick weave.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave it on for 1 hour. Put on a shower cap or nylon cap to keep the oily hair wefts from getting into your face. Leave the cap on for 1 hour to give the oil a chance to loosen the hair weft glue.[3]
- Remove the shower cap and rub the wefts attached to your hair. Take off the shower or nylon cap after the wefts have soaked. Then use your fingers to rub the wefts that you glued directly onto your hair. Rubbing should loosen the wefts so they start to slide down.[4]
- If the weft feels dry or isn't moving very much, spread or spray a little more oil product onto it. After you apply the oil a second time, wait an additional 30 minutes before you try to work it again.
- Pull off the wefts that are attached to your hair. Gently tug the hair weft down and away from your hair. Pull it completely away from your hair and continue to remove the individual hair wefts that aren't attached to the cap.[5]
- If you're having trouble pulling away the hair wefts, saturate them with more oil product and let it sit for another 30 minutes before you try again.
- Spray the edges of the cap with oil and massage it. Once you've removed the individual hair wefts that made up the top of your hair, spray or spread more oil to the edges of the cap. You should also be massaging and rubbing the edges of the cap, so it begins to slide off.[6]
- You'll damage your natural hair if you pull off the cap without loosening it first. In some cases, the damage can be severe and even result in bald patches or alopecia. Take your time and allow the cap to loosen.
- Continue to spray the cap with oil and lift it away. Massage towards the center of the cap and keep applying oil with your hands. More and more of the cap will loosen and come away from your scalp. You should now be able to completely remove the cap with the hair wefts attached to it.[7]
- You can save the cap with the wefts to reapply or discard it.
- Some caps, especially stocking caps, will be ripped or damaged after the removal process. If this happens, remove the wefts from the cap, then throw the cap away. After you shampoo and condition the wefts, you can reuse them with a new cap.
[Edit]Removing the Glue Residue - Apply oil directly to the glue spots to loosen the glue. Use your fingers to work the oil into your hair. Let it sit for about 30 minutes, then gently pull your fingers or a comb through your hair to remove the glue. After you get out as much glue as possible, move on to washing your hair.
- You can use the same oil you used to remove the wefts and cap.
- Rub glue-removing shampoo onto the glue. Purchase a glue removing product that's designed to dissolve glue that's attached to your natural hair. You can buy these online or at local beauty supply stores. Squirt some of the shampoo onto your scalp and massage it into your scalp and natural hair.[8]
- The amount of glue removing shampoo you'll need will depend on how much glue is left in your hair.
- If you can't find glue removing shampoo, use a clarifying shampoo. This will remove buildup and all of the oil you used to remove the hair wefts.
- Comb your hair with a plastic comb and rinse out the shampoo. While the glue removing shampoo is in your hair, take a plastic wide-tooth comb and gently pull it through your hair to catch any large pieces of dried glue. Then rinse the product out of your hair with warm water.
- It's important to use a wide-tooth comb instead of a fine-tooth comb since the fine-tooth comb can pull and tear your hair.
- Shampoo your hair with your usual shampoo and rinse it out. Get your hair wet and massage your standard shampoo through your hair. Once you've rubbed it into your hair for a few minutes, rinse the shampoo out with warm water.[9]
- This will remove any traces of oil that were left in your hair from removing the hair wefts.
- Condition your hair to keep it healthy and moisturized. Since the glue remover and shampoo may have dried out your hair, work some of your favorite conditioner through your hair. Comb the conditioner through your hair to remove as much of the remaining glue as possible. Leave the conditioner in your hair for at least a few minutes and then rinse it out.[10]
- If your hair still feels dry, consider using a deep conditioner that you leave on for up to an hour. You can also rub a little coconut or argan oil through your hair to add moisture.
- Never pull off a hair weft that isn't loose or you could break your natural hair.
- Let your hair and scalp rest for a few weeks after removing the quick weave before trying a new quick weave. This will keep your natural hair healthy and less likely to break.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Removing the Hair Wefts and Cap - Oil
- Old t-shirt
- Shower or nylon cap
[Edit]Removing the Glue Residue - Glue removing shampoo
- Plastic wide tooth comb
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Towel
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
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