The 10 Best Dog Winter Coats to Keep Your Pup Toasty on Chilly Walks
Updated: May 24, 2024
No matter where you live, dog winter coats keep your furry friend happy, looking stylish and shielded from wet, cold weather.
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Whether you have a thick-coated husky who loves the snow or a toy breed who’s always cold, you need to have a dog winter coat on hand for when those chilly temperatures turn downright frigid. Just like you zip up your parka before going on a walk, your pup needs the same protection, whether it’s snowing, raining or the wind is howling. Here are the best dog coats for winter that will keep your pup warm and dry on your walks.
BEST OVERALL DOG WINTER COAT
Kuoser Warm Dog Coat
Pros:
- XS-3XL
- Reversible design
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Not easily adjustable
This dog winter coat is one of my favorites because it comes in seven sizes, from XS-3XL. The Kuoser warm dog coat is reversible and available in 12 stylish colors with reflective piping for visibility in the dark.
The lightweight design makes it perfect for protection without overheating and provides access to your dog’s harness and collar. Since wearing the dog coat allows your pooch more outdoor playtime, this provides exactly what your dog wants. With more than 54,000 positive ratings on Amazon, this might be the site’s most popular dog coat!
BEST DOG RAINCOAT
Lambwolf Collective Brooklyn Fern Packable Dog Coat
Pros:
- Water-repellent
- Lightweight and packable
- Zipper allows easy on/off
Cons:
- Material doesn’t stretch
This charming packable Brooklyn coat keeps your pup dry in style. Not only is it water-repellant, but this dog rain jacket is also made from protective, breathable Lannel nylon fabric.
The zipper tummy closure makes it easy to put on or take off, and it includes a hole in the back for a leash, collar or harness. Rain can make your dog upset, but a raincoat that keeps water away helps to calm an anxious dog.
BEST FLEECE DOG Winter Coat
Pendleton National Park Pet Coat
Pros:
- Fleece-lined for warmth
- Dependable Pendleton brand
- Comes in five sizes and seven colors
Cons:
- Not waterproof
For dogs that need added warmth, this fleece-lined dog winter coat from Pendleton offers five sizes and seven stylish colors. The ultra-soft polar fleece reverses to quilted cotton canvas on the inside, and a hook and loop belt closure makes it simple to take on and off.
Not a fan of the pattern? Pendleton’s pet collection features a few other dog coats that look as high-quality as they perform. If your dog gets too wet, she’ll appreciate a bath, but you should know how often dogs should be washed.
BEST WINDY WEATHER Dog COAT
Petrageous Designs Kodiak Dog Coat
Pros:
- Heavyweight for extreme weather
- Full chest coverage for snow
- Reflective stitching for night visibility
Cons:
- Only available in plaid shades
This is one of the best dog winter coats for very snowy and windy areas. The heavyweight coat is wind and waterproof and offers full chest coverage so your pup can tromp around in the snow without getting a wet coat.
It also has reflective stitching to keep your dog visible on late-night walks. Besides wanting to stay warm when going outside during the winter, these are the things your dog wishes you knew.
MOST STYLISH DOG Winter COAT
Canada Pooch Everest Explorer Dog Jacket
Pros:
- Water-resistant
- Down-insulated lining
- Stylish faux-fur trim collar
Cons:
- Might gap on dogs with smaller waists
Add a little style to your dog’s winter coat with this faux-fur trim Canada Pooch parka. It’s water-resistant and has a down-insulated lining so your pooch will stay warm while out in the snow. If your dog won’t sit long enough to let you put a coat on them, learn about these training secrets dog trainers won’t tell you.
BEST DURABLE Dog Winter COAT
Carhartt Firm Duck Insulated Dog Chore Coat
Pros:
- Durable material
- Water-resistant
- Full-coverage fit
Cons:
- Canvas is stiff, but softens over time
Dog owners are big fans of this Carhartt Firm Duck insulated dog chore coat. This water-resistant, comfortable, full-coverage dog coat is also quilted inside for heat insulation. Customers give it excellent reviews—especially for big dogs, saying that even after being in the rain for more than an hour, their dog’s fur stayed dry under the coat.
Not sure if you want a big dog or a tiny pooch? Choosing the best dog breed helps determine what style of coat you’ll need.
BEST REFLECTIVE Dog COAT FOR Winter
Lelepet Reflective Dog Winter Coat
Pros:
- Comes in seven sizes
- Polar fleece-lined
- Windproof and waterproof
Cons:
- Can create a bit of static
This Lelepet winter dog coat comes in seven different sizes to perfectly fit your dog’s chest and back length. The inside layer is polar fleece, keeping your dog warm from the elements. The outside is a splash-proof, windproof and waterproof nylon material.
A zipper and neck drawstring makes it very easy to slip on and off your dog. It’s a fun dog fact that dogs don’t care for hugs, so you’ll need to adjust how snug the coat fits to keep your pup comfy.
BEST FIELD DOG COAT for Winter
L.L. Bean Reversible Field Coat
Pros:
- Reversible
- Machine-washable
- Convenient hook-and-loop closure
Cons:
- Not waterproof
Your furry friend will look absolutely adorable in this L.L. Bean dog winter coat parka. It’s machine-washable, reversible and has a snug fit, so it’s guaranteed to stay on no matter where your winter adventure takes you.
Here’s how much exercise dogs really need—so get out there and go on some adventures with your pup in a matching people-sized version!
BEST Winter Dog Coat FOR CANINE ATHLETES
Hurtta Extreme Warmer Dog Jacket
Pros:
- Foil lining reflects dog’s body heat
- Breathable and water-resistant
- Protective hood keeps out rain and wind
Cons:
- Takes time to dry
This dog winter coat is worth the price. The Hurtta dog jacket has a special foil lining that reflects your dog’s body heat for extra warmth. It has a breathable, water-resistant material to keep your pup dry no matter how long they stay outside.
BEST BUDGET Winter DOG COAT
Frisco Mid-Heavyweight Portland Insulated Dog Parka
Pros:
- Slip-through leg design
- Plush lining for warmth
- Protective hood keeps out rain and wind
Cons:
- Rambunctious pups may rip it
Don’t let the low price fool you. This insulated dog parka protects pets from rain and snow thanks to a water-resistant exterior and plush lining. A trendy satin shell looks great and allows moisture to slide right off.
It also comes with a protective hood useful in the rain, snow or windy weather to keep your dog from catching a cold. Watch out for these signs that your “healthy” dog is actually sick.
What to look for when buying dog coats for winter
Dog coats are more than a fashion accessory, but who says they can’t be both? Here’s everything you need to consider to keep your pup cute and protected during winter weather.
- Material: Whether fleece, down or polyester, choose a coat that will keep your pup warm without overheating them. Consider your dog’s coat density and size to find the right fit.
- Design: We all want our pups to look cute, but you also need a coat with a functional design that’s easy to secure, offers adequate coverage and performs as promised.
- Weatherproofing: Whether your winter weather brings rain, snow or wind, prioritize a coat that meets your pup’s needs and makes their walks more enjoyable, even in the cold.
Why you should trust us
In addition to being a prolific pet journalist, I’m a certified animal behavior consultant, certified Fear Free trainer and nationally-known pet expert. I’ve written more than 4,000 articles and covered all things cats and dogs for Reader’s Digest, Daily Paws, HuffPost and more. From writing about the best protective dog shoes for summer to how to find the best dog car hammock for your next road trip, I know how to prep your pup for almost any situation.
How we found the best dog coats for winter
As a shopping and pet expert, I began my search for the top dog winter coats online. I scoured major retailer sites and examined specifications and customer reviews. I then narrowed my list down to coats made with the best weatherproof materials and easy slip-on designs. No matter your budget or weather needs, these are the best dog coats for winter.
FAQ
Should dogs wear coats in winter?
Most dogs, especially small breeds and dogs with short coats, will need to wear a coat in the winter.
At what temperature do dogs need coats?
When temperatures drop to freezing (or it feels like it’s freezing), it’s a good idea to dress your dog in winter gear. Signs that your dog may need a coat include shivering, seeking warmth or reluctance to go outside. Additionally, factors like wind chill and moisture can make it feel colder than the actual temperature, so consider these when deciding if your pup needs extra protection.
Do dogs with hair stay as warm as dogs with fur?
Some dogs, like some hypoallergenic dogs, have hair instead of fur, which is less dense. Because of this lack of insulation, dogs with hair are more likely to need coats than their furry counterparts.
Do dogs get cold when they sleep?
As long as your home is heated to at least 60 degrees, your pup shouldn’t get too cold at night. However, offering them a blanket or keeping one by their bed, especially if they have a short or thin coat, can provide extra comfort. If you’re concerned about your dog being too cold, monitor them for signs of distress, such as shivering or whining.
Originally Published: December 01, 2021
