It's Winter for Dogs too!

For many walkers the company of a four-legged friend is one of the best parts of spending time in the hills. And no, we're not talking about sheep - that's a whole different story...

As the winter sets in and the weather gets colder, most dedicated lovers of the outdoors will continue with their walking or running routines, simply adjusting their attire to compensate for the cooler temperatures. After all, spending time outside in winter can be a fantastic experience, so there's not need to stay indoors just because it's a wee bit nippy out.

But even though we wrap ourselves up against the elements, we're unlikely to do the same for out furry friends. Sure, they have a built in coat and in general are better equipped to deal with the cold, but that doesn't mean they don't feel it. It's also worth bearing in mind that certain breeds of dog may require more care than others. While Huskies, Saint Bernards and German Shepherds are all well suited to winter conditions, puppies and older pets, plus small, short-haired, or thin breeds of dogs such as Yorkshire Terriers, Boxers, or Whippets respectively will be far more prone to feeling the cold and may benefit from a little extra protection.

Luckily for man's (or woman's) best friend, there are now a huge range of products available to make this time of year more comfortable. Ruff Wear performance dog gear is one brand that has put as much effort into canine comfort as you would expect from any supplier of outdoor equipment. To use their own words, "Built with the same technical innovations as human apparel, Ruff Wear allows you to enjoy the great outdoors with your canine companion wherever your adventures take you."

Ruff Wear's full range of canine clothing can be seen at www.ruffwear.co.uk, but here are a couple of their winter-wear products that could make the darker days a little cosier for your faithful furry friend:

Features and Benefits Vibram® Ictrek® ice-specific sole with snow gripping lug pattern provides superb winter traction Three-layer laminated soft-shell upper is DWR coated and is weather-resistant, wind-resistant, and breathable Cam buckle ankle strap and cord loop closure system stays on in snow Internal grip cuff keeps the boot securely on dog's paw Extended gaiter height for added leg protection from elements and ski edges 3M™ Scotchlite™ reflective trim offers 360° reflectivity Easy to operate & adjust in winter conditions while on the dog's paw

K-9 Overcoat Utility Jacket
Don't let the weather slow you down! When you layer up to head outdoors, protect your best friend as well with the K-9 Overcoat.  Designed to be warm and durable…wind and water-resistant. The recycled fleece insulating layer is enclosed in a durable recycled polyester shell, keeping body heat in, and the elements out. Auto-lock buckles on each side of the jacket provide easy on/off.
Features and Benefits

• Refined sizing and tailored fit features added neck, chest and belly coverage
• 100% recycled durable outer layer repels moisture and wind
• Recycled inner fleece layer insulates from the cold
• Elastic stay-fit webbing and Duraflex® auto-lock buckles adjust for a custom fit
• 3M™ reflective trim for enhanced visibility

For more information or to see the full range of Ruff Wear's outdoor clothing for dogs, visit www.ruffwear.co.uk.

Browse Ruffwear coats at Canine Shop now

By Live For The Outdoors News Team 
A website for Country Walking, the best selling outdoor magazine in the UK and Trail's the number 1 magazine