An animal expert has lifted the lid on whether dogs really do need to wrap up when temperatures plummet.
Dr Jacqueline Boyd, a senior lecturer in animal science at Nottingham Trent University, appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss whether a pet's natural coat was enough to protect them against British winters.
She told the station's Breakfast presenters Rachel Burden and Rick Edwards that a seasonal wardrobe should be applied to dogs too – mostly because of how well British pet owners treat their four-legged friends.
‘Many dogs do have their own fur coat but the truth is the way dogs now live – we keep them in our centrally heated homes, they live good lives of luxury in many cases.'
The expert said that because they live such comfortable lives, they don't ‘really get the chance to acclimatise to the extremes of weather that we're increasingly experiencing'.
Dr Boyd said that owners shouldn't assume that because their dog has a healthy coat of fur they don't need protection, explaining that some breeds cope less well with biting cold than others – and it's essential to be clued up on whether your dog is one of them.
Others, such as Alaskan Malamutes or Siberian Huskies, won't thank you for ‘functional' clothing, she added, saying: ‘They're absolutely built for winter weather and can deal with it incredibly well – but then you look at something like an Italian greyhound who even in a centrally-heated house is going to want to have a jumper on'.
And sometimes, Dr Boyd, suggests it's not a straightforward scenario, with dogs perhaps needing additional warmth at first, but not once they've run around.
Dr Jacqueline Boyd, a senior lecturer in animal science at Nottingham Trent University, says functional clothing for dogs can be a good idea during the winter months
While some breeds are built for winter, others may need a little help in staying warm outside Pictured: File photo
Likewise, after a vigorous runaround, they can get cold, like humans, quite quickly if they stop running but are still exposed to the elements.
If dogs are ‘body-sensitive', then eschewing a jumper or jacket is the way forward, and the animal scientist has little time for those who dress their dog in novelty outfits or fancy dress for their own amusement.
The lecturer also said that sometimes clothing is about protecting the owner too, saying that if dogs can stay cleaner and drier, they're less likely to cause mess when you return home – and if that's the case, owners will be more inclined to enjoy longer walks to the benefit of everyone.
Researchers from Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary surveyed 800 dog owners and found that they all fit into three distinct categories
A survey last month in Hungary suggested that dog owners fall into three categories: ‘Dog parents', ‘friendly colleagues' and ‘companions'.
In their new study, the team set out to understand exactly what role dogs play in today's world.
Around 800 owners were surveyed on their relationship with their pet, including what they like about them, and the role they play in their life.
The results revealed that almost all the owners surveyed really liked physical contact with their dog (97.6 per cent), the ‘unconditional love' their dog provides them (93.7 per cent), and the sight and beauty of their dog (88.4 per cent).
However, other benefits were less unanimous.
For example, around a quarter (24.3 per cent) of owners didn't benefit from the social interactions generated by their dog, while 36.3 per cent liked it a lot.
Based on the findings, the researchers say that all dog owners fit into three distinct categories.
‘Interestingly, even though we collected data from online groups dedicated to family dogs, the owners weren't all the same,' explained Laura Gillet, lead author of the study by Eötvös Loránd University.
‘We found three distinct profiles of owners whose dogs played diverse social and practical roles.'
Dog owners classed as ‘friendly colleagues' tend to see their pet as a co-worker and security guard but also have a strong emotional tie.
‘Dog parents', on the other hand, have a close human-like bond with their pet, and do not see them for their practical functions.
Meanwhile, ‘companions' keep dogs mainly for company – but keep an emotional distance.
Dr Jacqueline Boyd's book Canine Nutrition, published by The Crowood Press, is out now
