We all need to bundle up during the winter months, and that includes our dogs. It’s important to remember our furry friends when it’s colder than usual.
Once you learn how to tell if your dog is cold, you might need to find a winter coat for your dog to keep them as warm and comfortable as possible.
Remember that not all dogs need a winter coat. Some dogs are bred to enjoy the cold. Here, we’ll tell you how to choose the best winter coat for your dog.
How to Choose a Winter Coat for Your Dog
So you know your dog needs a winter coat but how do you choose from all the ones available? Here are a few points to consider.
- Consider climate and the weather your dog is exposed to. If it rains often, your dog may need something waterproof. If it’s windy, then consider something with wind protection.
- An outside dog will need something warmer and more resistant to the elements. For an inside dog, you may need a lightweight coat to add an extra layer when indoors, plus a thicker coat for outside ventures.
- A good fit is also important. Too tight and they’ll be confined. Too loose and it will dangle or your dog will pull it off. Measure your dog’s chest, length, height, and weight before buying. This is vital. Many of the products we suggest below have complaints about sizing. Verify your measurements.
- Don’t buy a coat unless the measurements match your dog’s. Before you buy, ask questions and make sure you can return it if it’s not right. Before you buy anything online, read the descriptions and check the measurements.
- Look for reflective strips on your dog’s outer coat if you walk him near traffic or at night. This will help with visibility.
How to Measure Your Dog for a Cold Weather Jacket
Back: Measure the length of your dog’s back from the base of the neck to the base of the tail.
Neck: Measure the circumference of dog’s neck for a snug fit. Do not add an inch like you would with a collar.
Chest: Measure the girth at the broadest part of the chest and add 2 inches.
If the jacket has adjustable straps, you can go up a size if your dog is in between sizes. It’s better than getting something too small.
Here are a few of the best dog coats for cold weather that we recommend.
Best Dog Jackets for Winter
MIGOHI Dog Jackets for Winter Windproof Waterproof Reversible Dog Coat
This is a popular dog blanket style coat that has a reversible feature. The inner layer is warm and cozy, while the outer is water-resistant and sleek.
What we love the most about this jacket is its plaid design, which makes dogs 10 times more adorable when wearing it! It’s made of high-quality polyester fabric and filling.
| Pros | Cons |
| Reversible | Few sizes available |
| Waterproof | |
| Lightweight | |
| Adjustable | |
| Thick material |
Kurgo Loft Dog Jacket
This is a reversible quilted dog jacket marketed to athletic “adventurous” dogs. So if your dog likes to be out and about, livin’ it up in all types of elements then this is the one for you.
This is a lightweight coat made of quilted material filled with Polytech fill.
It is waterproof so suitable for wear in the rain and snow. And it is machine washable for easy cleaning.
It has a zipper opening for easy use with a leash or harness.
The x-small size fits dogs with a 12-inch neck and a 15- to 20-inch chest and the x-large size fits dogs with a 24-inch neck and a 35- to a 45-inch chest.
It comes with the Kurgo Lifetime Warranty against manufacturer defects.
| Pros | Cons |
| Reversible | No protection in neck area |
| Waterproof | |
| Lightweight | |
| Zipper opening for leash | |
| Machine washable |
Gooby Every Day Fleece Cold Weather Dog Vest for Small Dogs
This lightweight soft fleece coat is designed for smaller dogs. It is a 100% polyester fleece vest that will keep your dog warm and comfortable.
It has an O-ring on the back so you can walk your dog without a collar or harness.
Please note that for safety reasons, they advise owners against using the O-ring if your dog pulls vigorously.
This jacket has no adjustable straps. So accurate measurement is required here. It’s more like a warm jumper than a snow and rain jacket.
It is machine washable for easy cleaning.
| Pros | Cons |
| Lightweight | Not waterproof |
| Machine washable | Not adjustable |
| O-ring attached | No reflective strip |
| Suitable for small dogs only |
Kuoser Cozy Waterproof Windproof Reversible British Style Plaid Dog Vest
This is a stylish vest that is waterproof, wind-proof, and reversible! It’s comfortable, warm, and finely detailed!
It is machine washable, made of polyester fiber, and provides average protection to your dog.
Available in 8 sizes, this vest has an Easy HOOK&LOOP Closure technology which makes it easy to put on and take off on your dog!
| Pros | Cons |
| Waterproof | Does not cover the whole neck |
| Machine washable | No reflective strip |
| Adjustable | |
| Windproof | |
| Reversible |
The Best Dog Raincoat
Maybe you don’t need something for cold weather but just want to keep your dog protected from wet weather. A raincoat may be all you need to help eliminate that wet dog smell that comes with rainy weather.
PetCee Dog Jacket Waterproof
This is a fashionably designed dog jacket with a high-quality waterproof nylon cloth outer layer. It also has a 100% polyester fleece inner lining for warmth.
There is a buckle on both sides of the chest and neck, with the chest one being adjustable.
It is machine washable for easy cleaning and also has a leash attachment for walks.
There is a range of sizes to choose from x-small with a chest measuring 14.2-15.7 inches to XXXL with a chest measuring 32.3-39.4 inches.
It is best suited for small to medium breeds such as Cocker Spaniel, Boston Terriers, and Bulldogs.
There is a 100% return guarantee for an exchange or refund.
This raincoat may not hold up well under pressure or wear. Some people have complained about the velcro straps ripping after a short amount of time.
| Pros | Cons |
| Waterproof | May wear easily |
| Fleece lining | Velcro straps may rip |
| Adjustable straps | |
| 100% return guarantee |
RC Pet Products Packable Dog Rain Poncho, Rubber Ducky
This is a lightweight water-resistant taffeta rain poncho with a hood. It is great for dogs that don’t need any added warmth in their raincoat.
It has an adjustable velcro waistband and a leash access hole.
Sizes range from xx-small that fits a length of 10-inches and a girth of 12-16 inches. To xx-large that fits a length of 26-inches and a girth of 24-33 inches.
It comes with a convenient carrying pouch so you can carry it wherever you go for unexpected wet weather.
It is hand washable and comes in a variety of colors.
Simply lay it on your dog’s back and secure the velcro belly band and chest snaps. If the hood covers your pup’s eyes, fold it back.
| Pros | Cons |
| Lightweight | Hood doesn’t stay in place well |
| Water resistant Taffeta shell | No warmth layer |
| Adjustable Velcro | |
| Great for long-haired breeds that don’t need added warmth | |
| Convenient carrying pouch |
Best Dog Anxiety Jacket
This is not something that every dog needs but may be something to consider if your dog gets stressed or anxious. This often happens during thunderstorms and fireworks. Keep in mind that this does not work for all dogs, but some people have had success with them and found that it helps their dog during stressful situations.
ThunderShirt Classic Dog Anxiety Jacket
The patented ThunderShirt design applies gentle, constant pressure to calm anxiety, fear, and over excitement.
It calms your dog during fireworks, thunder, separation, travel, vet visits with no training and no medication. It’s great for rescue dogs.
Already over 80% successful at helping millions of dogs. Recommended by thousands of vets and trainers.
There is a money-back guarantee so if you are not satisfied for any reason, simply return for a refund of your purchase price.
The idea is that it applies gentle, constant pressure, similar to swaddling an infant.
It is soft yet durable.
We hope this has helped you find a great winter coat for your pup. Some other things you might consider are some snow boots or paw protection wax to keep your dog further protected from the elements.
