Dog winter coats provide essential protection for short-haired and lean breeds during freezing weather, but proper measurement, material selection, and fit are crucial for your pet’s comfort and warmth.
Dog winter coats can be a great way to keep your pet protected from freezing weather when fitted properly. While most dogs have fur to keep them warm sometimes the cold is just too much. On those freezing days even a quick bathroom break or short time outside might call for an extra cozy layer.
Before rushing to buy the trendiest dog winter coats online, grab a measuring tape first. Not all coats fit every dog, and finding the right dog coat size is key to keeping your pup warm. Don’t worry, we’ve got clear and easy-to-follow tips below to help you pick the perfect fit.
How to Measure Your Dog’s Winter Coat
Pet clothing must repel bad weather while providing freedom of movement to match their body shape when they are active. You can learn how to size your dog for a winter coat, pick the right material and fit, and make it last for years to come.
Dr. Jennifer Freeman advises taking a few measurements before heading to the store or buying one online:
- Length measurement: Start measuring from the base of the neck to where the tail begins. This measurement is the most important because you cannot adjust coat length with straps.
- Neck: Wrap the measuring tape around the neck at the spot where the collar sits.
- Girth measurement: You measure your dog’s chest right behind their front legs.
How to Check if the Dog’s Winter Coat Fits Well
Try this easy check: When the coat is on your dog, Freeman advises you to see if you can slide a flat hand under the openings along the neck and straps. If your hand doesn’t fit, go up a size.
Exact measurements provide a better fit compared to just using a S, M, or L size chart. “No two dogs have the same build, so it’s important to choose jackets or other clothes that match their unique measurements,” she explains.
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You can put a coat on your dog along with their harness if they’re used to wearing one during walks.
To make sure the harness stays visible, place it over the jacket instead of underneath. This prevents it from getting tangled and keeps your dog comfortable.
“Harnesses work great to make things more visible too,” says Angela Hook, a researcher and product developer from Stunt Puppy and D-fa Dogs. “A good harness with bright reflective details not makes your dog easier to see but also helps people spot you better almost like your dog becomes a walking light on a leash.”
What Materials Work Best to Make Dogs’ Winter Coats?
Look for shell-style fabrics that merge multiple fabric layers into a single layer treated to resist weather, Hook recommends. Ripstop fabric and other durable materials are popular in activewear because they are light, flexible, keep in warmth, and stand up to wind and water without feeling stiff or awkward. Quality brands like ruffwear dog coats use these advanced materials. Hook also recommends using merino wool since it keeps you warm without making you feel bulky. Bonus: It does not hold odors and is simple to wash.
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What else? Pay attention to your dog’s natural coat. According to Hook, a reflective waterproof dog coat helps double-coated dogs stay visible and dry without adding extra insulation. For dogs with thinner coats soft-shell materials offer weather protection and help them keep their natural body temperature in check during outdoor activities.
“If fabric feels rough on your dog’s skin or looks stiff instead of stretchy check for fur matting on dogs with longer coats,” she recommends. “Just like with people’s clothes, picking better fabrics makes a better outfit.”
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Which Dogs Need Winter Coats?
Some lean bodied dogs with short hair, and low-to-the-ground bellies benefit from extra layers to stay warm. Dogs with health conditions or senior pets may also need additional protection from the cold. These breeds need winter coats:
- Cardigan Welsh corgi
- Chihuahua
- Chinese crested
- Greyhound
- French bulldog
- Italian greyhound
- Miniature pinscher
- Pembroke Welsh corgi
- Pug
- Russell terrier
- Toy fox terrier
- Toy poodle
- Yorkshire terrier (Yorkie)
- Whippet
- Xoloitzcuintli and other hairless dog breeds
Pay close attention to how your dog reacts when it’s cold outside. Do they shiver a lot? Do they run back inside after doing their business? Maybe they make small unhappy noises? These can be clues that your dog could use a cozy coat. If they seem reluctant to step onto snow, they might need a pair of winter boots as well.
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Helping Your Dog Get Used to Wearing a Coat
Some dogs get used to an extra layer, but others need a bit of time and patience. Freeman advises creating “a good association with the new coat if your dog has never worn clothing before. You can do this by giving lots of treats when you show them the coat, as you put it on, and while they’re moving around wearing it.”
Take things slow over a few days to make sure your dog gets comfy in the winter coat and can move around freely. You might have to try out a few different designs to find the perfect fit.
Keeping Your Dog’s Winter Coat in Good Shape
Hook says regular washing lowers the effectiveness of weather-resistant coatings on fabrics. To make your dog’s winter coat last longer and stay clean between washes, let it dry whenever you can. Avoid storing it if it’s wet or dirty for a long time. Dog jackets also need enough time to dry after they’ve been used outdoors or during exercise.
Before tossing the coat in the wash, grab a lint roller or some sticky packing tape to remove as much fur as you can. Hook explains how using tape is often surprising in how much hair it picks up. It’s also easier on the fabric compared to brushing. This step not helps your washing machine but also ensures the coat gets a better clean.
5 Tips to Wash Pet Jackets
Hook recommends these steps to clean pet clothes and jackets properly.
- Fasten all clasps and closures to prevent them from getting tangled.
- Use a delicate or wool wash cycle if possible to slow down the spin speed and avoid shrinking or warping.
- Choose a mild detergent that will not irritate the dog’s skin or harm the fabric.
- Skip fabric softeners because they might damage special features like water resistance.
- Avoid using a dryer unless you want to shrink or fluff the item, and always check the washing instructions before machine drying pet wear.
Source:
Tracey L. Kelley (Nov 3, 2022). Dog Winter Coats: How To Fit Your Pups Snugly Into Their New Jackets. Daily Paws. https://www.dailypaws.com/gear-apparel/dog-supplies/dog-clothing-accessories/dog-winter-coat-measuring-tips
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