With February in full swing, there’s no question that we are in the thick of the winter weather season all across the country. Depending on your location, you may be well versed with the winter weather or maybe not at all. Regardless, in this week’s blog post we discuss how dogs grow a winter coat and why it protects them throughout the cold and blustery winter months.
How They Grow It.
In a recent article from MidDogGuide.com it is made known that, “As days grow shorter and temperatures cooler, the light summer undercoat is shed to make room for the thick winter undercoat. The dog’s winter coat traps air warmed by the dog’s body and keeps it next to the skin. Muscles in the dog’s skin can fluff up the coat, creating even more insulation.”
The Purpose It Serves.
According to Dog.com, “As days become longer and temperatures warmer, dogs shed their undercoat, allowing them to stay cooler in warm weather (vital for an animal whose only sweat glands are in his foot pads). As days grow shorter and temperatures cooler, the light summer undercoat is shed to make room for the thick winter undercoat. The dog’s winter coat traps air warmed by the dog’s body and keeps it next to the skin. Muscles in the dog’s skin can fluff up the coat, creating even more insulation. Shedding can also occur after a dog has been given anesthesia or in females after they have given birth to a litter of puppies or come out of heat.”
