Functional clothing for cold days

In the past, dog clothing was often ridiculed and dismissed as a mere fad - a dangerous misconception caused by ignorance. Especially the change between a warm home and outside can put a strain on the immune system of our four-legged friends. The situation is similar during training breaks. Trembling and alternate lifting of the paws are clear signs that the dog is freezing. Sometimes the belly is pulled in and the body posture appears cramped. The dog has no desire to go outside. If the cooling overtaxes the immune system, the dog will become ill.

Modern dog clothing has nothing to do with fashion, but offers our four-legged friends the necessary protection from the cold and wet. It is essential that the clothing fits well and is made of the right material. The dog's movement and communication must not be restricted. Functional clothing is recommended for active dogs when the outside temperature is below 7 °C. With water-loving four-legged friends, the base of the wet dog's tail should also always be protected to avoid a painful ‘cold water tail’.

The company actionfactory develops functional dog clothing from practical experience for practical use. The two models WARMUP© Cape CLASSIC CAMOUFLAGE and ‘WARMOVER© Cape CAMOUFLAGE’ were used and tested for several weeks by dog handler Lisa during dog training and hunting. Together with her Hungarian wirehair dog ‘Dory’, the passionate dog handler spends an above-average amount of time in the great outdoors alongside her daily walks to train for various tests. 

WARMUP© Cape CLASSIC (turn over-cape) CAMOUFLAGE

The Warmup Cape Classic is a reversible cape with two different functions: Drying and warming. The cape also offers sensible and optimum protection against start-up pain and muscle tension. It is particularly suitable for active dogs. The product is virtually predestined for use on the hunt. It can be used in a variety of ways: it keeps the dog warm when it has been laid down under the high seat during the hunt, or when it is dirty and wet and waiting in the car during the drive. It also protects the four-legged friend from cooling down after water work or duck hunting and prevents muscle strain, water rash and colds.  

The Warmup Cape Classic is a reversible cape, i.e. one side or the other can be put on the dog as required. There is a moisture-impermeable membrane between the two materials, which prevents moisture from penetrating from one side to the other. The Warmup Cape therefore retains its double-sided functions at all times, reliably drying the dog with the towelling side and protecting it from hypothermia with the fleece side. The 100% cotton towelling on the inside absorbs moisture from the dog's coat and wicks it away from the dog so that the coat dries quickly. The outer material consists of 53% polyacrylic and 47% polyester fleece (antibacterial and antipilling) and is washable at 30°C (do not use a fabric softener). A wide strap prevents the model from slipping and is placed around the dog's body. This is adjustable in size.  (kein Weichspühler benutzen) waschbar. Ein breiter Gurt sichert das Modell vor Verrutschen und wird um den Körper des Hundes gelegt. Dieser ist größenverstellbar.

WARMOVER© cape CAMOUFLAGE

The second product in the test was the ‘WARMOVER© Cape CAMOUFLAGE’, a lightweight fleece dog coat for the transitional period. Thanks to its sophisticated fit and perfect fit, the model does not restrict the dog's movement. It protects all important muscle groups, the neck, the sensitive belly area, the kidneys, the back and the croup from the cold.

The soft and very flexible fleece material spreads a pleasant warmth, which we humans know from high-quality technical sports textiles. The inside does not have terry cloth. The breathable material allows excess heat to evaporate and keeps the dog's body temperature cosy and constant. The material is absolutely noiseless and pleasantly soft and cosy. It consists of 53% polyacrylic and 47% polyester fleece (antibacterial and antipilling). The model is ideal for short-haired dogs or breeds with little undercoat.

Of course, the WARMOVER© cape can also be used as an additional source of warmth for four-legged friends with normal and thick fur. The good thermal insulation is due to the fact that an air cushion can form between the coat and the fabric, thus retaining body heat. However, it is not suitable as a dry cape. The tester was impressed by the light weight of the product. The WARMUP© Cape CLASSIC is much more suitable for really low temperatures in winter.

In the practical test, both models proved to be extremely hard-wearing. Their functionality is based on the combination of high-tech materials and an optimum fit. Both models have leg loops for the hind legs. The openings for the chest harness also proved to be practical. Both products are suitable for all active dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors. They are optimally protected by the modern functional clothing from actionfactory. Rain, storms and icy cold can pose a threat to a dog's health during every walk in the cold season.