The Ultimate Winter Coat Guide: Choosing the Right Jacket for Your Dog

The colder times of the year are drawing near, and if your canine pal isn’t as Arctic-ready as the 11th Airborne, it’s going to be a long cold winter.

Luckily, you can winter-proof your pawed pal with warm dog clothing like jackets.

By enveloping your canine companion in a dog jacket, your furry frolicker will stay warm and cozy during the winter. Because of the added insulation, your furry friend will also be less likely to experience kennel cough, hypothermia, or the flu.

Get ready to weather-proof your canine trooper this winter, and stay glued to this mission briefing on winter coats for your dog!

Does Your Dog Need a Winter Coat?

One of the first questions you should ask is whether or not your dog needs a winter coat. When deciding, consider your dog’s breed first.

Naturally, dog breeds with longer coats like Bernese mountain dogs or huskies won’t need one. By contrast, bust out those standard-issue dog jackets for short-coated breeds like chihuahuas or greyhounds.

Your dog’s age and health will also be deciding factors. The older your furry friend is, the more likely it is they’ll need a winter jacket. Does your canine commando have medical issues? Health problems like respiratory and heart issues will warrant the use of dog jackets.

Lastly, don’t forget to check your area’s weather conditions. Colder temperatures can mean thicker dog jackets and fewer daily walks.

Key Features To Look for in a Winter Dog Coat

So you’ve decided that your pawed platoon member needs a dog jacket, but what makes a good article of dog clothing?

First, select materials that provide insulation from cold winds. Materials like wool are ideal for winter protection and can provide your dog with much warmth, especially for outdoor activities.

Besides warmth, a good dog jacket should also be waterproof. For this, materials like nylon are helpful for protecting your dog from moisture or snow. Dog jackets must also be comfortable and durable enough to last for more than a few winters.

Lastly, choose jackets made from materials that are easy to clean.

The Types of Winter Coats for Dogs

There are numerous dog jackets available, including the following.

Insulated Coats

Insulated jackets are made of materials that keep the cold out while keeping the warmth in. These jackets usually consist of synthetic fibers like nylon with filling materials between the other and inner linings.

Rain Jackets

There’s nothing worse than your dog being exposed to moisture and cold at the same time. And for this, rain jackets can offer the protection necessary for keeping snow and moisture at bay. These jackets consist of moisture-wicking materials like nylon and are perfect for those outdoor walks.

Puffer Jackets

Are you looking for more warmth for your furry friend without the added weight? Puffer vests are like pillows that wrap around your canine commando in a blanket of insulation.

Sweater Coat Hybrid Dog Jackets

Sometimes, winters can be mild. When they are, your dog may not appreciate the excess warmth provided by insulated or puffer dog jackets. Sweater coat hybrids hit the sweet spot between warmth and style, and they’re ideal for moderate winter conditions.

Measuring and Fitting Your Dog

Once you’ve decided on the type of dog jacket to get, it’s time to find one that fits your furry friend.

Measuring Properly

When you’re finding the right fit, look beyond whether or not the jacket covers your dog. For comfort, there should be some breathing room, and the best way to ensure this is to allow some space in the neck, chest, and back.

Avoid These Common Sizing Mistakes

Dog jackets shouldn’t be too tight or too loose. To prevent these mistakes, get a jacket that gives your dog sufficient body coverage while still allowing for easy movement.

When in Doubt: Choose Dog Jackets With Adjustability Features

Sometimes, it’s hard to find dog clothing that fits your dog like a glove. In such a scenario, choose a jacket that allows you to adjust fit. Some of the features you’ll want can include velcro straps, zippers, buttons, or even belts.

Style and Practicality

When you choose jackets based on material, size, and type, you’ll have covered most of your bases. If you want your dog to stand out, however, there are some stylistic and functional considerations to guide your dog jacket search:

  • Opt for Vibrant and Visible Colors: When visibility is low (like during the winter), camo isn’t the way to go. Instead, deck your dog out in vibrant dog jackets for easy recognition.
  • Choose Jackets With Reflective Strips: For added visibility, choose jackets with reflective strips for those evening and early morning walks.
  • Added Features: Are you still off-leash training your pawed pal? If so, you should opt for a leash and harness-compatible jacket with extra pockets for those treats.

Winter-Proof Your Furry Friend

The right dog clothing for winter can make all the difference for your pal’s comfort and health. With appropriate dog jackets, your furry friend will be healthy, warm, and cozy for the coming winter, whether you’re staying inside the wire or traveling.

Of course, your dog will continue to leave you a lot of surprises even during the winter. Leave the pet waste removal to us so you can enjoy the season stress-free.