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As the weather gets colder, and you start wearing a jacket, your dog may need one, too. Dog jackets are cute and stylish, but they also serve the practical purpose of keeping dogs warm while they鈥檙e out walking or playing in the snow and other cold weather. While some dogs can keep themselves warm in cold weather, that isn鈥檛 true for all breeds of dogs.
What Dogs Need Coats?
Different breeds of dogs will have different needs when it comes to wearing jackets. Generally, large breed dogs with thick coats will be protected from the cold. Some breeds like Alaskan Malamutes, Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Saint Bernards, and Siberian Huskies were specifically bred with thick fur designed to insulate and protect them from snow or cold weather. However, other breeds of dogs are less naturally prepared for dealing with the cold.
Dr. Jolee Stegemoller, DVM, who competes in AKC sports, including conformation, AKC Rally, and Fast CAT with her Whippet and All-American Dog, explains there isn鈥檛 an exact temperature that鈥檚 too cold for all dogs. She notes that she tries to be practical in advising dog owners about what weather is too cold. She considers if the dog has a 鈥�double coat (Husky, Malamute, Labrador Retriever) and [if] that individual [has] medical concerns (underweight, heart disease, arthritic joints) that make playing in extreme weather more challenging.鈥�
She also considers if the dog regularly spends time outside in cold weather. 鈥淔or the most part, if we, as their humans, can be outside and enjoy the weather with the right outerwear, most dogs can be out there, too,鈥� she explains. 鈥淎s a general recommendation, if the windchill is below 20 degrees, playtime should be kept short, [in] 15鈥�20-minute sessions, and then give the dog time to warm up inside.鈥�
Young puppies and senior dogs of all breeds and sizes are more susceptible to the cold than healthy adult dogs. This can also be true for dogs with chronic health conditions like arthritis. As a result, they may benefit from wearing a coat outside during the winter. If you aren鈥檛 sure if your dog would benefit from a coat, Dr. Stegemoller encourages you to talk with your veterinarian to discuss your dog鈥檚 specific needs.
When it comes to cold weather, there are a variety of dogs that may need jackets.
Small and Toy Breeds
Smaller breeds of dogs often benefit from wearing coats in cold weather. Because of their small size, these dogs can鈥檛 maintain their body heat in cold weather. Since they have a harder time regulating their body temperature, going outside in cold temperatures can be uncomfortable, if not dangerous, for smaller dogs.
Hairless Breeds
Hairless dog breeds, including American Hairless Terriers, Xoloitzcuintlis, and Chinese Cresteds, can all struggle to regulate their temperatures in cold weather. These hairless breeds need to wear jackets when going outside in cold weather.
Dogs With Clipped Coats
Breeds of dogs who are generally clipped, like all three sizes of Poodles (standard, miniature, toy), or individual dogs who have had their coat shaved or clipped, won鈥檛 have the natural insulation and protection that a longer coat normally provides. These dogs can become cold quickly when outside and may need coats to stay warm in winter weather.
Short Dogs
Dog breeds that are low to the ground can struggle with the cold as their bellies easily become wet when touching snow and ice, which be uncomfortable and increase the likelihood of these dogs getting too cold. Basset Hounds and Dachshunds are among the short dog breeds most likely to struggle. While Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis have thick fur, they can also benefit from wearing a coat since they may come into direct contact with snow or ice because of their short stature.
High Energy Short-Coated Sporting Dogs
Short-coated dog breeds with high energy, such as Vizslas and German Shorthaired Pointers, can quickly become cold while walking or playing in the snow and other cold weather. These dogs should also wear a coat to help them avoid feeling too cold.
Lean Bodied Dogs
Naturally lean dogs, particularly those who are both naturally lean and have a short coat, can quickly become cold and need extra protection from winter weather. These include breeds like Greyhounds, Whippets, and Azawakhs.
Types of Dog Coats and Jackets
When selecting a winter coat for your dog, it鈥檚 important to pick the right kind of jacket for your dog and the weather you鈥檙e protecting them from. For example, if you have a dog who needs to wear a jacket, they may need a for cooler weather, as well as a thicker jacket for snowy and frigid weather days. Different options include:
Lightweight Jackets
For dogs who get cold easily, a lightweight jacket can be helpful when the weather starts to cool. These light jackets can help keep dogs comfortable and allow them to enjoy being outside in chilly weather without overheating.
Insulated Jackets
are a common winter coat option for dogs. Just like with jackets for people, these coats aren鈥檛 just for looks, but can help keep dogs warm during the winter. Dogs should wear these coats when going for a walk or playing outside in snow and other extremely cold weather.
Raincoats
Even dogs who don鈥檛 get cold easily can benefit from wearing in wet climates. Some dogs dislike the feeling of the rain, and wearing a jacket can make walks and potty breaks more enjoyable. Rain jackets protect a dog鈥檚 coat from mud and dirty water and can reduce the time dog owners need to spend drying and grooming their dogs when they get back inside.
Snowsuits and Bodysuits
Dogs can get the most all-over protection from cold weather with a or bodysuit. These coats cover your dog鈥檚 entire body, including their legs. These bodysuits are especially beneficial for lean-bodied or hairless dogs with longer legs who are susceptible to cold weather.
Dog Winter Jacket Product Features
When looking to get your dog a winter jacket, there are a variety of factors to keep in mind. You鈥檒l want to pick a jacket that鈥檚 the appropriate level of warmth for the weather conditions. You may also want to consider other features, such as if the jacket has reflective trim, which can help drivers see you and your dog while walking in the dark winter mornings and evenings. Other features to look for include a built-in hole for the leash attachment of a harness to pass through. This feature makes it easy to put a jacket over your dog鈥檚 harness if they wear a for walks. Jackets with sanitary cut-outs are convenient as they reduce mess and make it comfortable for dogs to relieve themselves while wearing their jackets.
Cleaning Your Dog鈥檚 Jacket
To prevent skin irritation, it鈥檚 important to regularly wash your dog鈥檚 winter coat, especially if your dog wears it regularly. When purchasing a coat for your dog, review the washing instructions. 鈥淐oats do need to be laundered because they collect hair and dander and can be potential breeding grounds for bacteria, especially if put away damp after being in the snow,鈥� says Dr. Stegemoller. For your convenience, select a jacket for your dog that is easy to clean and made of machine-washable materials.
Fitting Dog Jackets
When purchasing a winter jacket for your dog, it鈥檚 important to ensure it fits appropriately. When wearing a jacket, dogs should be able to comfortably walk, run, and play. A properly fitted jacket will keep dogs warm while not restricting their ability to participate in daily activities. Jackets also shouldn鈥檛 be so loose as to present a hazard where a dog could become entangled in the coat while playing or walking.
Before purchasing a jacket for your dog, measure your dog to ensure the jacket will fit appropriately. Each jacket will fit slightly differently, and ordering information should include measurement instructions for what parts of your dog鈥檚 body to measure and which measurements will best suit each sized jacket. Generally, you鈥檒l need measurements of the length of your dog鈥檚 body and around the widest part of a dog鈥檚 chest.
How to Introduce Jackets to Dogs
Before expecting your dog to be comfortable going outside and playing in a jacket, it鈥檚 important to appropriately introduce the jacket to your dog instead of just putting it on and expecting your dog to accept it. By introducing the jacket in advance and making it a positive experience for your dog, you鈥檒l ensure that your dog is comfortable wearing their coat and will be ready to play in the snow and walk in the winter weather with you.