Skip to main content

How to choose the right cold-weather dog coat

Depending upon the climate you live in and the hobbies you enjoy, the approach of cooler weather might have you looking forward to participating in winter activities with your favorite canine friend. While you probably have a closet full of cold-weather apparel, it’s important for your dog to be ready to brave the elements safely, too.

We know. Dogs wear their coats all year long. But some are more suited to weathering cold temperatures than others. Are you wondering if you should invest in a cold-weather coat for your dog? Here’s how to find the right one.

husky wearing plaid coat on beach

Does your dog need a coat?

Some dogs have coats that are naturally suited for outdoor life. If your dog is a healthy husky, golden retriever, or Labrador retriever, his coat may be dense enough to keep him warm on your cold-weather adventures.

Other dogs need a little help retaining body heat, even if you’re just taking daily walks around the neighborhood.

  • Short-haired breeds such as Chihuahuas, greyhounds, and whippets
  • Dogs with shorter legs, whose bellies are closer to the ground, such as corgis
  • Senior dogs with arthritis or age-related circulatory problems
  • Dogs with medical conditions, such as heart disease or a weak immune system, or those recovering from an injury

When is it cold enough for a coat?

You put on an extra layer when you feel a chill, but what about your dog? A good rule of thumb is to look for signs that your dog is uncomfortable when the temperatures fall below 45 degrees and act accordingly. Most dogs will want some level of protection beginning at 32 degrees. It can be dangerously cold for even dogs with heavy coats if the temperature dips below 20 degrees.

Regardless of what the thermometer says, if your dog acts like he’s cold, it’s time to either put him inside or add an extra layer. Shivering or other behaviors such as whining or acting anxious are good indications your dog is uncomfortable.

woman and dog playing in snow

How to choose the right coat

If you’ve determined your dog needs a winter coat, here are some suggestions for finding the best option.

  • Take measurements. Just like humans, dogs come in every shape and size. Measure the length of your dog from the base of his collar to the base of his tail. Loosely measure your dog’s girth in two places: 1) right behind the front legs and 2) around his neck where he wears his collar.
  • Material. The type of coat you purchase depends upon the climate you live in and the cold-weather activities in which you’ll both be engaging. Choose water-repellent material for wet or mild climates and insulated material, like fleece, for colder climates, especially if you’ll be out in subzero temperatures or biting winds. Also check the care instructions. Is it washable?
  • Fit. Before you buy, take your dog to the local pet store and try on a few options. Look for a coat that fits snugly but doesn’t restrict his movements. Make sure the coat you choose covers his neck and belly and is easy to get on and off. Check to see if there are any places that rub or might irritate his skin. If you order a coat online, check the manufacturer’s size chart using the measurements you took. Use the next larger size if your pup’s numbers are on the borderline.
  • Style. Looking good is always important, but in this case, it’s the last item to worry about when finding the right coat for your furry friend. Fortunately, pet manufacturers provide a wide variety of stylish options. First, find a coat with the right material that fits your dog well, then choose a style you like.

Naturally, you’ll want to check with your veterinarian to see if she has any concerns about your dog and winter-weather activities before starting something new. She can give you suggestions about appropriate activity levels as well as the best places to look for the right apparel for your dog’s age, weight, and size.

Playing outside with your dog year-round is a lot safer when both of you are wearing the right gear. Whether you’re just taking a walk around the neighborhood every day or gearing up for some super sledding on the local hills, winter activities are more fun when the whole family can safely play together.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Debbie Clason
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Debbie Clason's work has appeared in Family Life Magazine, Sports Illustrated, The Lutheran Witness, Massage Magazine…
3 great reasons why a dog stroller isn’t the most ridiculous purchase in the world (and which ones to get)
Consider this before you buy a dog stroller for your pet
Pomeranian sits in a dog stroller on the street

You might do a double take the first time you see a dog being wheeled around, but we're 100% behind this trend. Dog strollers seem to have taken over, especially in big cities and other areas with heavy foot traffic, like parks. While it wouldn't work for every animal, lots of small breeds and elderly pups benefit from being pushed around. Should you hop on the trend and get dog strollers for your furry friends? It's definitely worth a little research.
Which dogs benefit most from riding in a baby buggy?
You probably won't see a Great Dane in a stroller, but we certainly encourage you to try if you can do so safely. A stroller will most benefit a small dog, particularly if they struggle to keep up or may not always be seen by passersby. It also will work great for an elderly dog that has slowed down but still loves having outdoor time with their family.
Why should I consider a dog stroller?
If you balk at the idea of keeping your pet in a stroller, you're not alone. But we encourage you to rethink things a little bit, as many fur babies do seem to enjoy being walked in this way. There are a few good reasons to give it a try.
Navigating crowds
Little dogs often get lost in big crowds and can wind up getting stepped on or accidentally kicked. If you're bringing your buddy to an event, you should definitely consider taking the stroller along. This way, they can perch from a high vantage point and experience everything around them without any danger.
Taking longer walks
Planning a longer hike but still want to bring along your small dog? A stroller could come in handy, provided you have ample paved roads available. One option is to let them walk for the first half of the journey and then pop them in to ride the rest of the way home.
Keeping pets active
With older or injured dogs, you won't always know when they're likely to poop out. A dog stroller helps keep the option of a break open at any time. As soon as they start to slow down, you can offer the ride, and some dogs will learn to tell you when they're ready by going up to it when it's time.
Which stroller should I buy?
There are a few out there to consider, depending on your beastie's preferences and where you imagine using it most.
Folding Waterproof Portable Pet Stroller
You might think of this one as because the basket piece lies down. Many dogs prefer this orientation, as it allows them to move around more fluidly.
Pet Stroller, Carrier, Jogger Stroller, Folding Crate Stroller With Soft Pad
The best part is that it takes two animals, one on each level. Additionally, it's designed for jogging, so can move seamlessly at a faster clip.
Gear Happy Trails Lite No-Zip Pet Stroller
The most , you'll like the no-zip option if you might need to pop in quickly to grab your pooch, if they get scared easily, for example.

So the next time you see a puppy nose peeking out of a stroller, consider jumping on the trend and adding a dog stroller to your pet's accessory pile. It may seem a touch elaborate, but it's worth it if your dog gains more mobility.

Read more
Does your pet need to visit the dentist? Here’s how a dog teeth cleaning works
It seems scary but they won't feel or remember a thing
Doctor cleaning dog's teeth with toothbrush indoors

In theory, we all go to the dentist every six months to get our teeth cleaned, which helps keep the pearly whites in check and also contributes to overall health. Surprisingly, our pets also benefit from annual (or biennial) dental treatments. While these cleanings do wonders for your dog's teeth, they can make owners nervous and burn a hole in their wallets to boot. Here's why you should schedule regular cleanings for your pup.
How do I know if my dog's teeth need cleaning?
Unless it's a really severe case, you probably can't tell just by looking. Instead, your vet will take a peek in your animal's mouth during their yearly checkup. Your pet's doctor may give your furry friend a dental grade between 0 and 4, with 0 being reserved for puppies that have perfect teeth and 4 meaning Fido will likely require more advanced care, including extractions. Once you have the assessment, you can better determine if your pup needs a cleaning, but it's frequently recommended.
What happens during a dental cleaning
Some of that depends on the grade and your specific beast, but the gist of it stays the same. The main thing is not to worry too much because your little guy will be well cared for, and even though there's always some risk to anesthesia, this is a routine procedure.
Getting your pup ready
Before you even begin, you should get pre-op blood work done to make sure they can handle being under anesthesia. Have your vet discuss any outside-of-range findings and figure out the best way forward. Some older dogs develop kidney and liver problems, and your dog doc might decide that a cleaning isn't worth the risk.
Prepping for the cleaning
Your little guy will likely fast leading up to treatment (just as you would if you were going in for surgery). When you arrive, your vet will go over the schedule and almost certainly give them a once-over to confirm they're ready. Then they will get a sedative in preparation to go under. Figure out what time you need to pick them up and then try to distract yourself for a few hours.
During the procedure
Most vets will take X-rays, clean the teeth, and perform extractions as necessary. Don't worry — your pet will be fully asleep and will not remember or feel a thing. If they do need any teeth pulled, they might get additional shots during the visit (again, just as you would get Novocaine while getting your mouth done). Your vet may also take this opportunity to clip their nails (since they are asleep), if necessary.
Aftercare
If your dog had to have any work above a cleaning, you'll have a couple of meds to administer, such as pain medication and antibiotics. Follow the dosage carefully, especially if you're dealing with strong meds like codeine. In some circumstances, they may have to wear the cone of shame to prevent scratching at their mouth.
How else can you help your dog's oral hygiene?
There's a lot you can do as the pet parent in between cleanings. Consider brushing their teeth, giving doggie dental chews, putting an additive in their water, or putting them on prescription food if the issues are really severe.

The most important thing is to stay on top of your furry friend's oral health, just like you would with any other issues. That often means not feeding them human food, which can cause decay, and providing dry dog food or even dog bones to chew. As long as you stick with the routine, hopefully, you won't need too much extra detail care.

Read more
What to feed dogs with diarrhea: These dietary staples might already be in your kitchen
Diarrhea in dogs can be remedied with these simple ingredients
A large dog squats to poop in a field of tall golden grass

Just like with children, adopting a dog comes with its fair share of messes. Whether you have torn-up squeaky toys strewn about your house or a muddy dog streaking through the yard, these are the things pet owners have to learn to take in stride. Besides, a little mess can be fun sometimes!
Dog diarrhea, though, is the opposite of a fun mess. No one enjoys trying to clean up something so runny and stinky, and it's even more miserable being on the other end. Luckily, there are a few simple home remedies for diarrhea in dogs that you can whip up from the comfort of your own kitchen. Odds are, you already have some of these ingredients!
Here's what to feed dogs with diarrhea.

Pumpkin is packed with helpful nutrients to help a dog's system reset
When your dog has diarrhea, you might not think of feeding them some pumpkin, but this vegetable can be a great source of bowel-regulating soluble fiber. Believe it or not, this fiber also helps dogs with constipation, so pumpkin can be a great choice whenever your pup is under the weather.

Read more