Do Dogs Need Sweaters and Coats?

A coat is most helpful for dogs who lose heat quickly. Small breeds and toy breeds have little body mass to generate warmth. Short-haired and single-coated dogs, such as greyhounds, whippets, Italian greyhounds, dobermans, boxers, pit bull types, and many terriers, have little insulation. Puppies and senior dogs cannot regulate body temperature as well, and dogs who are underweight or recovering from illness may be more vulnerable.

Dogs with arthritis or joint stiffness often feel worse in the cold, and a coat can add comfort. Dogs who have been clipped short, for example for grooming or surgery, also lose some of their natural insulation and may need extra cover.

If you are unsure, watch your dog on a cold walk. A dog who shivers, hunches, lifts paws, or wants to turn back early is likely to benefit from a layer.

Northern and double-coated breeds, such as huskies, malamutes, samoyeds, Bernese mountain dogs, Newfoundlands, and many retrievers, are built for cold weather. Their dense undercoat traps warm air, and adding a coat on top can reduce the natural insulation or cause overheating, especially during exercise.

Even for these dogs, there are exceptions. An older Labrador with thin fur, or a dog who has just arrived from a warm climate, might still enjoy a coat in very cold conditions. As always, base the decision on your dog and not on breed alone.

Fit and function matter more than style. A coat that does not fit can restrict movement, rub, or ride up, and a dog who is uncomfortable will refuse to wear it.

• Coverage: the coat should cover the back and chest, and ideally extend over the belly for short-haired dogs.
• Movement: legs should move freely, with no tightness at the shoulders or armpits.
• Closure: a secure but easy fastening, such as hook-and-loop or buckles, that does not dig in.
• Material: a water-resistant outer layer and a warm lining, or a fleece for dry conditions.
• Visibility: reflective strips are useful for dark winter walks.
• Opening for the harness: if your dog wears a harness, choose a coat with a gap for the leash clip.
• Washability: dogs get dirty, and a coat you can wash easily will be used more.

Most brands use three measurements: the length of the back from the base of the neck to the base of the tail, the chest girth behind the front legs at the widest point, and the neck circumference. Measure with a soft tape, and add a little room for movement, but avoid loose coats that can slip or snag.

Compare your numbers with the manufacturer's chart, as sizing varies by brand and even by style. Dogs with deep chests and narrow waists, such as whippets, may need a style designed for their shape.

Treat it like any new piece of gear. Let your dog sniff the coat, give treats, and rest it on their back for a second. Build up to fastening it, then wearing it for a few minutes around the house with treats or play, then wearing it on a short walk. Take it off before your dog gets bored or uncomfortable.

Avoid putting a coat on over the head if your dog dislikes it. Choose a design that opens flat and fastens underneath. If your dog freezes, scratches at the coat, or refuses to move, go back a step, and keep sessions short and rewarding.

Take the coat off indoors. Dogs can overheat when wearing a coat in a warm room, and the fabric can mat the fur or rub the skin. Check for rubbing in the armpits and along the belly, and wash the coat regularly.

If the coat gets wet, dry your dog and replace it with a dry one. A wet coat can chill a dog rather than warm them. And never rely on a coat as a reason to stay out longer in extreme weather: it adds some warmth, but it does not make the cold safe.