Border Collie – Page 2 – Active Dog Breeds

Dogs don’t always communicate their discomfort well, especially when it comes to the cold. To take care of a Border Collie, you need to understand when and why a coat is necessary. Border Collies should wear coats if they are especially young or old, or if your winters are extremely cold and wet. Middle-aged dogs have thick coats that are sufficient in most weather. However, a Border Collie’s coat doesn’t provide enough water resistance to deal with wet snow very well. This article will discuss everything you need to know about Border Collies and coats, including when to wear them and which ones to buy. When Should Border Collies Wear Coats? Border Collies should wear coats in cold weather when they’re less than a year old or when they’re of old age, and when the winters are wet or extremely cold — -20 °C (-4 °F) or colder. Besides that, Border Collies don’t need coats and can be prone to overheating if they wear them. Young and old Border Collies lack the thick fur that middle-aged dogs have, and older Border Collies have vulnerable immune systems in addition to their thin coats. This is why the need for a coat depends so much on age. If your dog is vulnerable to the cold for any reason, buying a coat can help prevent serious illnesses like hypothermia. Just make sure that you don’t put the coat on your dog in warm weather and that you watch for signs of overheating. Signs of Overheating in Border Collies The first and most common sign that a dog is overheating is excessive panting. If your dog is wearing a sweater and panting hard, you should remove the sweater. Other signs of heat exhaustion include a fast heartbeat and drooling, which can eventually accelerate into rapid, noisy breathing, lethargy, and disorientation. Finally, if the heat exhaustion develops even further, it may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and collapse, all signs of heatstroke. Heatstroke is potentially fatal, so make sure that you’re careful about when and for how long you leave on a sweater. In no case should you put a sweater on your Border Collie during warm or hot weather. Best Coats for Border Collies There are many factors to consider when buying a coat for your Border Collie, but the most important are the fit and the level of waterproofing. Keeping your dog dry is key to keeping them warm during cold weather, and if the coat doesn’t fit, it will be uncomfortable and ineffective. Less important factors that are also worth considering include the color (high visibility is best), the ease of putting on and taking off the coat, and the degree of coverage. Some coats cover just the chest and underbelly, where others go all the way down the back. The best one for your dog depends on what the weather is like in your climate. The following are great options from Amazon.com if you’re looking for a dog coat for your Border Collie: Kurgo Loft Jacket This jacket is lightweight and waterproof, great if you want to keep your Border Collie from getting wet from the snow but don’t want it to overheat. It’s also quite durable, which is good if you have an active dog. This coat comes in many different sizes and colors and is available for purchase on Amazon.com. The Kurgo Loft Jacket is also reversible so that you can choose between two high visibility colors in one jacket. You can use a leash or harness with this coat, which makes it perfect for walking. You can wash this jacket in a washing machine for your convenience. Zack & Zoey Polyester Nor-Easter Dog Blanket Coat This coat offers full coverage, water resistance, and a fleece inner layer, making it a great choice if you live in the extreme cold. It’s reversible so that you can put the fleece layer directly on the skin for extra warmth or on the outside for a cooler option. It also includes reflective piping, which makes your Border Collie visible in the dark. This coat comes with neck and underbelly Velcro closures, which makes it extra adjustable. You can also put this coat in the washing machine to clean it. Migohi Dog Jacket The Migohi Dog Jacket is made from high-quality polyester with a water-resistant outer layer, and it comes in many different sizes, so you’re likely to find one that fits your Border Collie well. This jacket is designed to be warm and keep your dog safe from the elements. It’s also reversible, so you can choose two different styles in one jacket. Aofitee Reversible Dog Coat The Aofitee Reversible Dog Coat is waterproof and windproof, and padded to keep your dog warm during the winter. It comes with a stand-up collar, making it easy to take on and off and comfortable for your dog. It runs small as far as dog coats go, but with an XL-3XL, it’s able to fit a medium to large dog like the Border Collie. Do Border Collies Need Boots? In general, Border Collies can do without boots, even in the cold weather. Your dog’s paw pads will provide enough protection to keep your Border Collie safe and comfortable on the cold ground. However, there are some cases where boots can be helpful, including the following: If you’re going for long hikes or runs, especially in rocky areas or on hard surfacesIf your dog is older and has problems with its hips, knees, or pawsIf walking surfaces are potentially slippery, like with snow or iceIf walking on hot pavementIf there’s de-icing salt on the pavement Best Boots for Border Collies The best boots for Border Collies are padded and protective against sharp objects and water, like the QUMY Waterproof Reflective Dog Boots on Amazon.com. These boots are tough, with Velcro straps to customize the fit and water-resistant material. The soles are made from hard, non-slip rubber, which is great for icy conditions. Final Thoughts Border Collies usually don’t need coats, but they might need one during the wintertime if they’re very young or very old. They also might need one if it’s extremely cold in your climate or if the weather is wet. Make sure that if you do buy a coat, you find one that will keep your dog dry and well-insulated. Sources The Shot Spot: Is My Dog Overheated? How To Tell and What To Do About It DogoPedia: The Five Best Dog Shoes For Border Collies