Does My Dog Need to Wear a Dog Coat?

Many vets will agree that the answer will largely depend on the kind of dog you have, what the temperature feels like, the age of your dog, and more.

Regardless of the weather, regular walks are a crucial part of keeping your dog physically and mentally healthy. And, while your pooch may not enjoy the cold or rain, it is better for their wellbeing to endure a little than not go out for a walk.

 

 

Do Certain Breeds Need a Dog Coat?

Although dogs come equipped with their own fur coat, during the winter they may need a little extra insulation.
There are lots of dogs that can benefit from wearing coats when it’s cold or wet outside, and for lots of different reasons.

• Toy or Small Breeds - Small breeds get colder quicker due to their small size.
• Heat-Loving Dogs - if your pet is used to a hot climate, it will usually not respond well to cold weather. Dogs that spend a lot of time indoors will also have a low tolerance for the cold. Making sure they are properly insulated with the right apparel will make acclimation to weather much easier.
• Short-Haired Dogs - Dogs with short hair don't have the same insulation as dogs with longer hair or double coats.
• Low Body Fat - Skinny dogs or large dogs with very low body fat have more trouble keeping their core warm when the weather is cold. Some dogs are just naturally thin, while others are underweight due to illness or injury. Low body fat combined with a short or thin coat leaves them even more susceptible to cold.
• Sick, Injured, Elderly, or Puppies - Just like humans, sick, injured, young, and elderly dogs often need extra warmth. Their bodies are just not as efficient at heat regulation as healthy adult dogs. This includes small dogs with diseases such as heart disease, chronic health conditions such as arthritis, temporary illnesses, and those recovering from injuries or surgery.
• Dogs with a Short Hair Cut - While your dog may have a naturally long coat, if you have had him groomed recently to a shorter cut, you may need to put a jacket on for cooler weather.

Should Older Dogs Wear a Dog Coat?

Since heat regulation diminishes with age, elderly dogs, regardless of breed, might benefit from extra layers.

Protecting them with an extra layer of insulation, such as a jacket can help to encourage warm blood flow around their body.

Cold weather can be especially problematic for older dogs who suffer from stiff joints, as the low temperatures can cause muscles to tighten up and increase pressure when they are walking. If this is the case, then always ensure your pup wraps up warm with a coat.

Older dogs, or those suffering from arthritis can also struggle to get in and out of many styles of dog coat. Our back zip designs mean they can just step in and out easily, with no doggy gymnastics required. Plus, they provide the maximum coverage for added warmth.

 

Does My Dog Need a Raincoat?

A raincoat will protect your dog from getting wet, whether it's caused by snow, sleet, or rain. Being wet can quickly affect your dog's body temperature, particularly if the weather is cool.

• Short haired dog breeds, tiny dogs and slender dogs such as greyhounds will feel the cold from the rain more than other breeds.
• Longer haired breeds along with dogs with thicker coats don’t need a coat for warmth but do benefit from some form of dog coat to keep them dry. A lightweight waterproof raincoat will work well for these breeds of dogs.
• And any breed with Poodle has hair not fur! Hair on dogs absorbs water like a sponge and these dogs require a waterproof dog raincoat as a minimum as they get very cold when the hair absorbs the water. Breeds that benefit from a waterproof dog coat are Cockapoos, Cavapoos, Labradoodles, Groodles and Miniature, Toy and Standard poodles.

 

 

What Are the Features of a Good Dog Coat?

It is important to remember that coats for dogs should be used to keep them warm and dry, not just to look fashionable. 

Your dog should be able to move freely in their coat and do everything they usually do without the coat on (running, jumping, and, of course, pooping and weeing, to name a few!). 

A good dog coat will cover your dog’s neck, belly, and back. Waterproof fabrics are important, because a wet dog will get colder much faster than a dry one.

What are the Benefits of a Snoot Style Dog Coat?

All Snoot Style Dog Coats are designed for a lifetime of comfort – with no doggy gymnastics needed to get your dog’s coat on and off.
Our back zip design creates an easy, hassle-free, and snug fit. This means no more wrestling matches to get them dressed, they simply step in and step out.
All our coats provide maximum coverage from the elements, while giving your doggo the freedom to run, jump, sit, splash, play, scratch, fetch and sniff all the stuff.