10.01.23 January 10, 2023 FAQs

Dog Coat Size Guide

During the colder days of the year, dogs could struggle to keep warm. It’s not just short-haired breeds that feel the cold; if your dog is small, lean, recovering from an illness or injury or growing old, they may also need protection from the elements. If you have a dog breed that is from a warm climate, they too may struggle in the winter. On the coldest days, even long-haired and larger dogs will benefit from additional heat, especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors or the temperature drops below zero. If you want to keep your furry friend warm, dry and cosy, a Winter dog coat is the ideal solution. Owners are now able to consider different items from an extensive selection of dog clothing, but when it comes to taking your dog for a walk, dog coats tick all the boxes. When picking out the perfect coat for your dog it's important to consider the size and whether or not it will suit the unique shape of your dog. If it’s too big, it could be difficult to keep on and it could potentially hinder your dog’s movement, and if it’s too small, it could be too tight and uncomfortable. The best way to avoid any issues with the sizing of the coat is to check that the measurements are right for your dog. How To Size A Dog Coat To gauge what size dog coat you’ll need, measure the length of your dog's top line. To do this, measure from the nape of dog’s neck where their collar sits to the base of their tail. When you do this, make sure that your dog is standing straight and try to prevent them from moving around too much or it could lead to an inaccurate reading. A useful tip for measuring your dog is to keep a note of the measurement in centimetres and inches as clothing can be labelled in either format. Dog coats are usually marked as small, medium, large, extra large or extra extra large so always check the size guide to gauge what each of these measure - brands will vary so a medium tin one brand may not have the same measurements as a medium in another. Here’s a rough guide to dog clothing sizes by breed: Small Miniature Dachshund, Chihuahua, Jack Russell, Shih Tzu Medium French Bulldog, Beagle, Standard Dachshund, Border Terrier Large Cockapoo, Cocker/Springer Spaniel, Bulldog Extra Large Labrador, Dalmatian, Golden Retriever, English Bull Terrier Extra Extra Large German Shepherd, Bullmastiff, German Pointer How To Measure A Dog For A Winter Coat Just like with the winter coat you might wear on colder days, a dog’s winter coat is created to keep heat inside and combat the elements. For any dog coat, you’ll need three key measurements. These are: The body or top line- As previously mentioned, the main measurement is from the collar to the tail. The chest - For your dog’s chest, measure their girth just behind their front legs. The neck - Measuring around your dog’s neck is as easy as putting their collar on. Just measure around their neck, leaving the same gap as you’d leave for their actual collars (about two fingers worth of space). You could even use their collar for this if they’re becoming restless, as it is a useful guideline for assessing the ideal collar of the coat. Just make sure it’s slightly larger or their coat collar could end up getting stuck on their actual collar. You won't need this measurement for all dog coats as many are adjustable. If you are having a coat made to measure you may want to give this measurement as additional information when you order. This will be helpful if you have a particularly stocky or slender dog. For some coats or fleeces you may need the length of your dog legs, this starts from the top of their legs all the way down to just above their paw. After taking your dog's measurements, note them down and refer to them when it comes to picking out your dog’s new coat. If your dog measures in-between sizes, it would be advisable to pick the larger option, as it will prevent your dog from becoming uncomfortable,, and allows for your dogs harness to fit underneath if desired. If you have any questions we have a team of pet experts ready and waiting to help you, you can either email in on sales@lordsandlabradors.co.uk or call us on 01790 720900

By Megan Willis

If you want to keep your furry friend warm, dry and cosy, a Winter dog coat is the ideal solution. Owners are now able to consider different items from an extensive selection of dog clothing, but when it comes to taking your dog for a walk, dog coats tick all the boxes. When picking out the perfect coat for your dog it's important to consider the size and whether or not it will suit the unique shape of your dog.

If it’s too big, it could be difficult to keep on and it could potentially hinder your dog’s movement, and if it’s too small, it could be too tight and uncomfortable. The best way to avoid any issues with the sizing of the coat is to check that the measurements are right for your dog.

How To Size A Dog Coat

To gauge what size dog coat you’ll need, measure the length of your dog's top line.

To do this, measure from the nape of dog’s neck where their collar sits to the base of their tail. When you do this, make sure that your dog is standing straight and try to prevent them from moving around too much or it could lead to an inaccurate reading.

A useful tip for measuring your dog is to keep a note of the measurement in centimetres and inches as clothing can be labelled in either format. Dog coats are usually marked as small, medium, large, extra large or extra extra large so always check the size guide to gauge what each of these measure - brands will vary so a medium tin one brand may not have the same measurements as a medium in another.

Here’s a rough guide to dog clothing sizes by breed:

Small	Miniature Dachshund, Chihuahua, Jack Russell, Shih Tzu
Medium	French Bulldog, Beagle, Standard Dachshund, Border Terrier
Large	Cockapoo, Cocker/Springer Spaniel, Bulldog
Extra Large	Labrador, Dalmatian, Golden Retriever, English Bull Terrier
Extra Extra Large	German Shepherd, Bullmastiff, German Pointer

How To Measure A Dog For A Winter Coat

Just like with the winter coat you might wear on colder days, a dog’s winter coat is created to keep heat inside and combat the elements.

For any dog coat, you’ll need three key measurements. These are:

The body or top line- As previously mentioned, the main measurement is from the collar to the tail.
The chest - For your dog’s chest, measure their girth just behind their front legs.
The neck - Measuring around your dog’s neck is as easy as putting their collar on. Just measure around their neck, leaving the same gap as you’d leave for their actual collars (about two fingers worth of space). You could even use their collar for this if they’re becoming restless, as it is a useful guideline for assessing the ideal collar of the coat. Just make sure it’s slightly larger or their coat collar could end up getting stuck on their actual collar. You won't need this measurement for all dog coats as many are adjustable. If you are having a coat made to measure you may want to give this measurement as additional information when you order. This will be helpful if you have a particularly stocky or slender dog.

For some coats or fleeces you may need the length of your dog legs, this starts from the top of their legs all the way down to just above their paw.

After taking your dog's measurements, note them down and refer to them when it comes to picking out your dog’s new coat. If your dog measures in-between sizes, it would be advisable to pick the larger option, as it will prevent your dog from becoming uncomfortable,, and allows for your dogs harness to fit underneath if desired.

If you have any questions we have a team of pet experts ready and waiting to help you, you can either email in on sales@lordsandlabradors.co.uk or call us on 01790 720900

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27.05.24 May 27, 2024 FAQs

Why Is My Cat Staring at Me?

As a pet owner, you may have experienced moments when you catch your feline friend gazing intently at you. Whether you're sitting on the couch, working at your desk, or even waking up to those piercing eyes, you might find yourself wondering, "Why is my cat staring at me?" This seemingly mysterious behaviour can actually be quite fascinating once you understand the underlying reasons. Understanding Cat Behaviour Cats are known for their enigmatic and sometimes perplexing behaviours. Unlike dogs, who are often more expressive and direct in their actions, cats tend to be subtler in their ways. When your cat is staring at you, it can mean a variety of things, depending on the context and their body language. 1. Seeking Attention One of the most common reasons for your cat staring at you is them looking for your attention. Cats are independent creatures, but they also enjoy social interaction. If your cat stares at you and then starts meowing or purring, it's likely they want some affection, playtime, or even a treat. This is their way of communicating their needs and desires to you. 2. Curiosity and Observation Cats are naturally curious animals. They spend a lot of their time observing their surroundings and the people in their environment. When your cat is staring at you, they might just be curious about what you're doing. This is especially true if you're engaged in an activity that piques their interest, like cooking or using a computer. Their stare can be a sign of their inquisitive nature. 3. Bonding and Affection Believe it or not, a cat staring at you can be a sign of affection and bonding. Cats have a unique way of showing their love, and direct eye contact is one of them. This gesture indicates that your cat feels safe and comfortable around you. Giving your cat some fuss and attention when they do this will help to reinforce the bond. 4. Hunger or Expectation If your cat tends to stare at you around mealtime, they are likely reminding you that it's time to eat. Cats quickly learn routines and can be quite persistent when they're hungry. Staring can be their way of signalling that they expect you to fill their food bowl or give them a treat. 5. Health and Well-being Sometimes, a cat’s staring can be related to their health. If your cat seems to be staring at you more than usual and displays other unusual behaviours like lethargy, changes in appetite, or vocalisations, it might be a sign of an underlying health issue. It’s always a good idea to consult with a vet if you notice any significant changes in your cat's behaviour. 6. Instinctual Behaviour Cats are natural hunters, and staring is a part of their predatory instinct. When they fix their gaze on something, they are essentially in a hunting mode. If your cat is staring at you, they might be practicing their hunting skills. This behaviour is more common in younger cats and kittens who are still honing their instincts. Decoding Your Cat’s Body Language To fully understand why your cat is staring at you, it’s important to pay attention to their overall body language. Here are some key indicators to watch for: Relaxed Body and Ears: If your cat’s body is relaxed, ears are in a neutral position, and they are softly blinking, the stare is likely affectionate. Tense Body and Pinned Ears: A stiff body and ears pinned back could indicate that your cat is feeling threatened or anxious. In this case, the stare might be a warning sign. Dilated Pupils: Wide, dilated pupils can indicate excitement or fear. Assess the situation to determine the cause of this reaction. Tail Position: A tail that is held high and twitching slightly can show curiosity or happiness, while a fluffed-up tail indicates fear or aggression. How to Respond to Your Cat’s Stare Responding to your cat’s stare appropriately can help strengthen your bond and ensure their needs are met. Here are some tips: Acknowledge Them: If your cat is staring at you for attention, take a moment to pet them, play with them, or simply talk to them. This helps reinforce positive behaviour. Observe Their Needs: If the stare is accompanied by meowing near their food bowl, it’s probably time for a meal. Ensure you maintain a consistent feeding schedule. Provide Stimulation: Cats need mental and physical stimulation. Offer toys, climbing structures, and interactive play to keep them engaged. Our range of cat trees are designed to keep your cat stimulated and appeal their natural playful instinct. Health Check: If you notice any changes in behaviour along with the staring, schedule a vet visit to rule out any health issues. Conclusion Understanding why your cat is staring at you can deepen your relationship and ensure your feline friend is happy and healthy. Whether they are seeking attention, showing affection, or simply curious, recognising these behaviours can help you respond appropriately. Remember, each cat is unique, and their staring can have multiple meanings depending on the context. Pay attention to their body language and overall behaviour to decode their message accurately. By being attentive and responsive, you can create a nurturing environment that caters to your cat’s needs, making both of your lives more harmonious. So the next time your cat stares at you, take it as an opportunity to connect and understand your furry companion better. Shop everything you could need for your cat here at Lords & Labradors, from cat trees to food to toys we really have everything you could need.

By Megan Willis
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