This week we spoke to The Guardian about some of our favourite topics: dogs, style and the changing ways we look after our pets. A significant change is the role dogs play in our lives, and that shift shapes how we care for them and the choices we make on their behalf.
There has been a sharp rise in the humanisation of pets; reiki for dogs, pet psychics, supplements or acupuncture. As young people are having fewer children, dogs are getting closer to being family members. As a result, expectations around how we care for our dogs have shifted, functionality and design are no longer separate conversations. We’re increasingly looking for pieces that solve real problems for dogs, without compromising on how they look or feel in daily life.
Choosing the right coat
Technical coats can be useful on unsettled days, even if the temperature isn’t extremely low, dogs can lose heat very quickly when they get wet, especially if it’s also windy. Wind chill and moisture reduce the insulating properties of a dog’s natural coat, making exposure a key factor in how cold they feel. The Ain 4 coat from Merlot is designed with a patented ultra-light triple-layer membrane, a quick drying, waterproof material that protects your dog from the elements.
A jumper can be the perfect layer for dogs that don’t need full weather protection but still benefit from a little extra warmth. Soft, insulating layers like the Gold Paw recycled fleece provide warmth without restricting movement and can be worn on their own or under a coat. Fleece works by trapping warm air close to the body, making it an effective insulating layer for cooler, dry days. They’re also practical for dogs that love rolling in mud, as they’re easy to wash after a walk, saving both you and your dog from extra clean-up.
Puffer coats are often a favourite for smaller, more sensitive breeds like Chihuahuas, Italian Greyhounds and toy breeds. Their relatively large surface area compared with body size means they lose warmth faster than larger dogs. CushyCushy, designed and developed in Denmark, use recycled materials in their puffer coats and vests that keep dogs warm in temperatures down to -10 degrees, ideal for freezing winter conditions.
The Ain Puffer uses advanced MicroLoft™ insulation, which traps heat through ultra-fine fibres and internal air layers to create a warm, lightweight coat. Unlike traditional padding, MicroLoft™ maintains its insulating properties even when compressed or damp, and its anatomical Heat Panel™ system responds to your dog’s movement, helping regulate body temperature in cold conditions rather than overheating during active walks.
Read the full article on The Guardian.
