Now that winter is approaching and it’s starting to get colder it might be time to think about getting a winter coat for your dog. Although dogs obviously have their own built-in coats, these sometimes aren’t enough to keep the cold weather at bay. This is especially true in colder climates and for smaller dogs. They have a much harder time keeping warm than big dogs simply because they have less mass. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of winter dog coats on the market, but choosing the right one takes a bit of research. Some brands make waterproof dog coats, which can be very useful if you plan on walking your dog in the snow or rain. Similarly, many brands do fleece-lined coats for extra warmth. Whichever coat you choose, make sure you consider the following:
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- It needs to be a good fit, particularly around the back. Make sure you check size charts before ordering.
- Ideally your dog should still be able to wag their tail, and if the coat hangs over their tail then it’s too long.
- Also, your dog should still be able to go to the toilet while wearing the coat. Many styles are more open at the back for this very reason and you should be able to buy the same style for both male and female dogs.
- A good winter coat for your dog should still allow you to access their collar or harness, and ideally should have somewhere to feed their leash through.
This might sound like a lot to consider when choosing the right winter coat for your dog, but many are made with functionality in mind and so should cover all of these features. To help you find the right style for your dog, here is a list of some of the best available online this season.
1. Kuoser Waterproof Winter Dog Coat
Kuoser have designed this jacket to look very similar to a quilted jacket, so if you own one of these then you and your dog can match! There are other designs available, and all of them are completely waterproof. This is very helpful if you plan on walking your dog in wet weather because it’ll mean they won’t get as cold while out. To make them even warmer the coats have a fleece lining, meaning your dog should stay nice and toasty while walking.
The coat is secured in place with straps across the dog’s belly that are really easy to use. They have a small collar to keep your dog’s neck warm, and a slit to pass their leash through. The back end is left open so your dog will still be able to go to the toilet while wearing the coat, although it might take them a little while to get used to it being there. The coat comes in many different sizes with the biggest fitting dogs with a 39” chest.
2. JoDaog Fleece Lined Dog Coat
Unlike the standard dog coat design, this one has elasticated leg holes, meaning it stays nice and tight to keep the warmth in. However, this feeling might be a bit uncomfortable for your dog if they’re not used to it, so make sure you take some time to get them accustomed to the way the coat fits. It secures in place with a series of metal poppers across their stomach, and so there should be no danger of it coming off while walking.
The outer layer of the jacket is made from polyester and is windproof but not waterproof, so bear this in mind if you’re looking for water resistance. The inner layer is made from polyester fleece and is incredibly warm, especially when combined with the elasticated opening. The coat is a bit shorter than other styles, meaning there shouldn’t be any issues with it getting in the way of toilet time. It comes in several sizes and there’s a handy size chart to convert.
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Ask a Vet Live Now3. MIGOHI Reflective Waterproof Dog Coat
This coat is made with your dog’s safety in mind and has reflective piping around all the seams, meaning your dog is extra visible in low light situations. The outer layer is made from terylene and so is completely waterproof, and has a level of wind resistance. The inner layer is made from fleece and cotton, meaning your dog will stay nice and warm even in bad weather. To make it even more effective the leg holes are elasticated to keep heat in.
One of the best features on the coat is the fact that it has a zipper opening for your dog’s leash that you can close when they’re off the leash, and so the coat won’t lost its waterproof properties. This is a great feature that many other styles lack. The coat fastens with a large Velcro strap around the dog’s tummy, and this means it’s quite adjustable. The whole coat is machine washable and tumble dryer safe, so don’t worry about your dog getting dirty while wearing it.
4. Gooby Padded Dog Vest
Much like with body warmers for people, this style is designed to keep your dog’s core warm and is labeled as a vest rather than a coat. That said, it still does a very good job of keeping them warm, and the outer material is completely waterproof. Rather than having a fur lining like other brands, this vest is padded and so is still just as warm. The style is cut much higher than others too, so there’s no chance of your dog having an accident and dirtying the coat.
This style will be slightly harder to get on than some other brands because rather than fastening under the stomach, it has a zipper running along the back of the vest. This means your dog will have to step into it, but this shouldn’t be too much of an issue. It has two metal D-rings on the shoulders for you to attach the leash, and this is a great feature because it means you don’t have to fumble around trying to thread the leash through the coat. It comes in several sizes, although the biggest only fits dogs with a chest up to 23”, meaning it won’t be suitable for larger dogs.
5. PETCEE Waterproof Dog Jacket
This coat comes much further down the dog’s body than some other styles, and because it’s waterproof, this would make an ideal coat for use in bad weather. It’s fleece lined, so will be nice and warm, and the extra coverage will do a good job of keeping your dog’s legs dry. It even has a high collar to give their neck extra protection, but without getting in the way of their face. The jacket also has an extra layer of cotton fabric in the middle for added protection against the elements.
The coat zips up the back rather than fastening under the belly, and you might find it a bit difficult to get on. However, if you want a coat with a high level of weather protection then the extra struggle is worth it. It has a hole around the neck for your dog’s leash, and is fine to be worn with either a collar or harness. It has a small rubber band that goes around the tail to keep the coat in place, but you don’t have to use this as there’s plenty else to stop it from moving around. The only real drawback is that your dog might dirty it while going to the toilet because it hangs down so low.
6. Kurgo Reversible Dog Jacket
Kurgo have designed this jacket to be reversible, and both sides are water-resistant. It comes in a range of colors, many of which are nice and bright, so there will be little chance of losing your dog while out walking. The material used is incredibly lightweight but still very durable, making it a great choice for a dog coat. It has a zipper on the top for leash access, and this works on both sides of the jacket.
There is a layer of padding between the two outer layers, meaning it will help to keep your dog warm as well as dry. It has opening for their front legs, and then leaves their back legs free. Hopefully this should mean there won’t be any toilet accidents, but the coat is machine washable if there are. It’s specially designed to not restrict your dog’s movement, and it comes in several different sizes so you can be sure to get the right fit.
7. LEYSPET Leather Dog Coat
If you’re looking for a fashionable coat for your dog, then look no further. This leather coat is completely waterproof, and has a great faux-fur collar for added warmth. The coat is fleece lined for warmth and has elasticated cuffs around the front arms and back of the jacket. These will help to keep the warmth in while out walking.
The coat is cut quite high around the back, meaning it won’t get in the way of toilet time. All of the materials used are very durable, and the leather outer layer is wind and weather resistant. The coat is also machine washable, which is always helpful, and it fastens shut using a series of metal poppers along the dog’s stomach. It comes in several sizes, and there’s a handy size chart provided to make sure you get the best fit.
8. TPYQdirect Reversible Dog Coat
Both sides of this coat are completely waterproof, and each one has a different design. It’s incredibly easy to put on as you don’t even have to slip it over your dog’s head. It has Velcro fastenings around the neck and stomach, so you simply put in on your dog and fasten it in place. This is a great feature if your dog can get a bit squirmy while you’re trying to dress them.
Each side of the coat is made from a polyester and terylene cotton blend, which makes it waterproof and durable. There are several different color combinations available, and a range of sizes. The biggest size fits even large dogs, so check this one out if you struggle finding the right size for your pet.
9. Zack & Zoey Dog Blanket Coat
The outer side of this coat is made from waterproof polyester, while the inside layer is a warm fleece lining. It can be reversed for other weather conditions, although it’s probably best to keep the waterproof side facing out. The edges are lined with reflective strips, which will make your dog extra visible in low light conditions. The standard model is bright orange, which also helps, but it does come in a range of bright colors.
This is another coat that’s very easy to fit because it has less structure than some other models, and can simply be draped over your dog. It has Velcro patches at the neck and across the stomach, which also give you a level of adjustability in how tight the coat is. It’s machine washable and is designed to not get in the way of going to the toilet.
10. Hurtta Extreme Warmer Dog Coat
This coat is a particularly good choice if you plan on braving very cold weather. It has a foil lining that reflects heat back at your dog, keeping them even warmer. It has a high collar that can be held in place with a toggle, and an extra hood that folds out of it.
The coat is designed to cover all the major muscle groups and so extends slightly lower down the dog’s legs. This does mean that it might get in the way when they toilet, but the space around the back is quite wide. It might be more expensive than some other brands on this list, but if you plan on going out in the cold then it’s well worth the extra money.
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Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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