Does My Dog Need a Coat? A Simple Guide by Temperature

Plenty of people assume dog coats are a fashion choice. For some dogs they are. For others — small, short-coated, lean or older dogs — a coat is the difference between a comfortable winter walk and a shivering one.

Dogs that usually need one

• Short or single coats, like Chihuahuas, Greyhounds, Whippets, Boxers and Pit Bull types.
• Small dogs, who lose heat faster because they have more surface area for their size and sit closer to cold ground.
• Lean dogs with little body fat.
• Senior dogs, puppies, and dogs with health conditions, who regulate temperature less well.

Thick double-coated breeds — Huskies, Malamutes, Newfoundlands — are generally built for cold and usually don't need one.

Temperatures to watch

As a general guide, many small and short-coated dogs start to feel uncomfortable once it drops below about 45°F. Below freezing, most dogs without a heavy coat benefit from extra protection on longer walks. Wind and wet make it feel much colder than the number says, so a rainy 45°F day can be harder on a dog than a dry, still 35°F one.

Signs your dog is cold

• shivering or trembling,
• a hunched posture with the tail tucked,
• lifting paws off the ground,
• slowing down or trying to turn for home.

Getting the fit right

Measure, don't guess by breed. The two numbers that matter are back length (base of the neck to base of the tail) and chest girth (the widest part of the ribcage). A good coat covers the back and chest without restricting the shoulders or rubbing under the front legs. Check each product's size chart — sizing varies a lot between brands.

The Dog Winter Coat is the warm option for cold walks. For cool days indoors or out, the fruit-print hoodie is a lighter layer, and the Four-Season Pet Outfit covers the legs as well, which helps keep a small dog cleaner on wet walks.