No need for extra coat

Many Hong Kong pet owners like to make a fashion statement with what their dog wears but animals don't need outer clothing, even in winter, says vet Jane Gray.

'Huskies have the thickest coat [among dogs] and, for a Hong Kong winter, they don't need to wear a coat, unless advised by your veterinarian,' she says.

'If an animal truly needs one on, then a vet should advise what, but 99.99 per cent of dogs don't need a coat. Hong Kong doesn't really get that cold.'

Dogs and cats will grow thicker coats in the winter, and they will shed their hair in the summer, Gray says. 'Animals are very good at adapting to temperature changes on their own.'