- The Best Dog Winter Coat
- 1. Kurgo Reversible Winter Jacket for Dogs
- 2. Carhartt Insulated Dog Chore Coat
- 3. Weatherbeeta Comfitec Reflective Dog Coat
- 4. RUFFWEAR Weather Jacket for Dogs
- 5. Gooby Sports Dog Vest
- 6. Hurtta Summit Insulated Dog Parka
- 7. Kuoser Cozy Waterproof British Style Plaid Dog Vest
- 8. Zack & Zoey Polyester Dog Blanket Coat
- 9. ASENKU Dog Winter Coat
- 10. Gooby Padded Dog Vest
There isn't a better time than the winter months to wrap up warm inside with a hot chocolate and a movie every night after work. Dog owners, however, don't enjoy the same warm, winter nights. Their dogs require a walk – no matter the weather! Yet although dogs have much more fur when compared to us humans, they can still feel the winter chill during harsh winter nights.
That's why for dogs without an undercoat or minimal fur, it's important that you invest in a cozy winter coat. But how do you even begin searching through winter coats, given that there's so much to think about? Don't fret – we're here to help you out. Thanks to our product selection featuring the best dog jackets available, we couldn't be more confident that you'll find the perfect style and shape of coat for your pup.
The Best Dog Winter Coat
1. Kurgo Reversible Winter Jacket for Dogs
Key Features
Reflective piping guarantees visibility in the dark
Comes with a lifetime warranty against any manufacturer defects
Adjustable hook and loop belly closure provides custom fit
Water-resistant material and polytech loft insulation keep your dog dry and warm
Kurgo’s dog winter jacket is both warm and practical; for example, the two-way zipper grants easy access to your dog’s collar when you’re coming up to a busy junction and require them to be under control. We especially love the option to reverse this dog winter coat – an aesthetically pleasing design perk that allows your pup to rock two looks for the price of one jacket!
Your dog will stay warm outside in the wintry weather by virtue of the polytech loft insulation that lines Kurgo’s dog winter coat. If one layer of polytech loft insulation isn’t enough to keep your dog warm, Kurgo’s dog winter jacket can be layered with other Kurgo dog coats too.
2. Carhartt Insulated Dog Chore Coat
Key Features
Coat provides full coverage for your dog’s chest and belly
Leash opening available at the back of the neck for easy access
Boasts a signature corduroy collar for added warmth
Do you miss dressing to impress due to the pandemic? Live vicariously through your dog by purchasing them Carhartt’s gorgeous chore coat. Boasting a chic signature corduroy collar, all dogs ranging from small to extra-large have the opportunity to rock this fashionable chore coat available in five subtle shades.
100% ring spun cotton duck fabric protects the outer layer of Carhartt’s dog coat to provide water resistance, whereas luxury polyester taffeta quilted lining adorns the inside. Plus, in order to ensure Carhartt’s winter dog coats last, triple needle stitching is carried out on the main seams to ensure durability. It seems as though manufacturers have thought of everything to guarantee your pup will be warm and dry on their winter walks.
3. Weatherbeeta Comfitec Reflective Dog Coat
Key Features
Can be bought in reflective orange and yellow
Parka is adjustable with a full chest and belly wrap
300 denier outer is breathable to suit an active dog
Weatherbeeta’s reflective parka is one of the safest options this winter. Firstly, your pup will be kept warm when walking in the cold weather due to the fleece-lined parka, whilst the 300 denier outer shell will function as a water-repellent coating.
Available in orange and yellow, the reflective stripes and accents emblazoned all around this coat allow dog owners to keep an eye out for their pup on their obligatory after-dark walks – it seems as thought the sun never rises these days! And as your dog darts through the undergrowth, they’ll be able to move just as they would do without their coat on thanks to the freedom of movement it provides.
4. RUFFWEAR Weather Jacket for Dogs
Key Features
Available in six different sizes
Polyester fleece lining is both recycled and weather resistant
Features auto-lock buckles so jacket is easy to put on and take off your pet
If you’re in need of a dog coat ideal for deep chested dog breeds, RUFFWEAR’s water-resistant jacket has got your pup covered. The choice between six different sizes to suit each individual dog’s girth is one thing, but it’s all the more impressive that there are also five unique colors to choose from too. The recycled polyester outer fabric on all RUFFWEAR’s jackets is strong enough to resist harsh elements, and it’s backed up by a delightful interior fleece layer to keep your pup warm when walking outside in the cold.
As soon as you get out of the wind and rain, you’ll be thankful for the auto-lock buckles found on each side that allow the jacket to slide off your dog with ease. Its utility is only enhanced by the chic reflective stripe that grants owners peace of mind during winter walks as they know their dog is right beside them, even in pitch black.
5. Gooby Sports Dog Vest
Key Features
The choice is yours between seven colors and five sizes
Winter dog coat made of durable nylon and polyester
Water-resistant dog winter dog coat retains heat due to fleece-lined inside
Crafted from 100% nylon exterior with a rugged polyester interior, Gooby’s Sports dog vest is the water-resistant solution for active dogs. Easy to put on dogs thanks to the three point hook and loop closure, the same closure system keeps the coat securely fastened around a dog’s body – even during rough play sessions with their furry friends in the park.
Unlike other lesser dog jackets, Gooby’s dog vest boasts a two D-ring design, meaning that a leash can be securely attached to the dog coat itself without the need for a collar. Plus, if you often take your dog out running in the dark, the reflective trim donning the Gooby jacket’s sides ensure your pup is kept safe at all times.
6. Hurtta Summit Insulated Dog Parka
Key Features
Made of breathable Houndtex coating featuring visibility 3M reflectors
Winter coats’ opening is recloseable to allow the harness to be easily attached
Your pet’s chest and key muscle groups will be protected
Available for purchase in a wide range of sizes, the Hurtta summit parka is specifically designed to ensure your dog’s sensitive abdomen area is free from harm and rather kept warm and dry this winter. The adjustable cord can be fitted under your dog’s belly so whatever mischief your pawtner gets into on walks, their jacket won’t budge.
Specifically constructed to protect short-haired dogs, the hurtta summit parka boasts a soft and toasty inside, offering your pooch unparalleled warmth and protection in cool weather. Made of water-repellant and well-insulated Houndtex coating, this summit parka can be flung into the wash without any subsequent damage to the quality of its reflective trim or insulation.
7. Kuoser Cozy Waterproof British Style Plaid Dog Vest
Key Features
Fashionable British plaid vest will keep your canine companion warm
Winter coat lined with thick polyester fiber and boasts a waterproof exterior
Lifetime money back guarantee on Kuoser’s dog winter coat
Have you ever laid your eyes upon anything more British in style? Kuoser’s jacket won’t keep your pup humble, given all the heads they’ll turn on the street, but it will certainly them warm and dry during harsh weather thanks to its thick polyester fiber and cotton plaid.
No matter what dog breed your pooch belongs to, the nine different sizes mean a Chihuahua and a Great Dane can both look dapper in Kuoser’s plaid dog vest. Plus, depending on what kind of weather it is, your dog can dress to the nines just by reversing their coat from one side to another. It’s not exactly rocket science as to why Kuoser place a lifetime warranty on their dog coat – no customers ever want to return it.
8. Zack & Zoey Polyester Dog Blanket Coat
Key Features
Machine-washable blanket coat allows for easy cleanup after walks
Reflective stripe means owners can still spot their dogs on nighttime walks
Velcro neck and belly straps are adjustable to engender a more comfortable fit
As coats go, it’s hard to find one that keeps a dog’s neck warm. Until buyers stumble across Zack and Zoey’s blanket coat, that is. Featuring velcro straps on the neck and chest to allow for an adjustable fit, dogs are beyond grateful for the full coverage this jacket provides.
Boasting a waterproof outer shell, the reversible soft fleece is a huge hit for dogs who are fed up of being dragged out into freezing temperatures and harsh weather conditions for walks. What’s more, Zack and Zoey consider visibility to be a defining characteristic of any jacket worth its salt, which is why their rain jackets boast a reflective trim lining and embroidered applique paw print to keep your pup safe.
9. ASENKU Dog Winter Coat
Key Features
Made of high-quality polyester with a fiber filling to keep pets cozy through bad winter weather
Designed to fit all dogs with seven different sizes available
Small pocket on the back of the jacket operates as a handy storage space
Struggling to find a durable winter dog coat at a reasonable price point? At only $15, ASENKU’s dog winter coat is going fast. With five different plaid jacket colors to choose from, dogs of all shapes and sizes can enjoy the perks of this well-insulated coat.
In fact, the company want to ensure that every dog who adorns their coat to protect against the cold winter climate has the best possible size that they encourage owners to contact them if they’re unsure what will fit best. That’s customer service at its finest.
10. Gooby Padded Dog Vest
Key Features
Twelve different colors available for choosing
Protective guard on dog jacket protects delicate dog fur and skin from becoming zipped
Jacket features D-ring leash for quick leashing
For our final product review, Gooby are back again, although this time to advertise their adorable padded dog vest. Boasting two sturdy D-rings to clip leads on to at a moment’s notice, manufacturers have created their vest in twelve bold colors – each one as lovely as the last.
Want to know about our favorite feature? The protective guard on this vest ensures no dog fur or skin is accidentally zipped when putting this jacket on and off. Design details such as these show that Gooby are a company who care about the safety and well-being of the pets they provide for.
Best Dog Winter Coat Buying Guide & FAQ
Do Dogs Really Need Winter Jackets?
It really depends on what kind of dog you own! Taking thick furry dogs such as Huskies as an example, the breed's origins as pets of the aboriginal people mean they're equipped to deal with cold weather. On the other hand, dogs with fine or thick for like Greyhounds and Whippets, young dogs, and older dogs are much more susceptible to cold weather.
What to Look for in Dog Winter Coats
Have you become lost amidst the wide selection of dog coats available online? Not to worry. We've done our research and therefore encourage you to ask these three questions below to help point you in the direction of the right coat to keep your pup warm.
Is the coat you've got your eye on designed for normal dog walks or high-intensity runs?: Active dogs require coats that are as durable and rugged as they come. Usually, these jackets won't boast a fleece lining so dogs don't become too warm and rather have more flexibility. A notable example of this type of coat is Gooby's Sports Dog Vest. In comparison, coats well suited for normal dog walks are jackets like ASENKU's Dog Winter Coat that contain fleece lining to protect dogs from the cold.
Is your favorite jacket waterproof?: This one is a no-brainer: dogs must have a jacket that has an outer shell made of waterproof materials to safeguard them from the rain. There is a huge difference between jackets that offer water resistance versus waterproof jackets; whereas water-resistant jackets are able to resist rain to a certain extent, waterproof jackets can resist water fully. Therefore, always look for the term "waterproof" first – hopefully quickly followed by either "polyester" or "nylon shell" – for a first-rate coat.
You may also like our article on Dog Sweaters.
How to Choose the Correct Coat Size
Before choosing the correct coat size, it's important to remember that your dog should be able to move freely in their coat; that is, they should be able to partake in all the usual activities such as running, jumping, and doing their business as they would without it. If you often find your dog biting and scratching at their current winter jacket, this behavior indicates that the coat is uncomfortable and doesn't fit them.
As dog coats are tailored based on canines' length, you should carry out this measurement first. From the base of your dog's neck (where the neck joins the base of their skull at the back of the neck) to the base of their tail, run your measuring tape and note down the length obtained in both inches and centimeters. For this measurement to be taken correctly, your dog must be stood up straight so potentially having dog treats to bribe them may not be a bad idea!
If you check out the sizing for the dog jacket you've got your eye on to find your pup is smack bang in the middle, opt for the larger size. The best dog winter coats are adjustable so your dog will have sufficient breathing room when out on walks.
Our Top Pick
Given that the incredible jackets reviewed above are undoubtedly the best dog coats available to purchase, we're sure that you'll have chosen your favorite dog jacket by now. But if you haven't, allow us to point you in the direction of Kurgo's Dog Winter Jacket. Both reversible and reflective, the range of features this loft jacket offer are unparalleled. Including its zipper closure that grants owners easy access to leash dogs when out and polytech fill that both protects a pooch's chest area and maintains body heat, Kurgo's loft jacket is loved by owners and dogs everywhere across the world.
FAQ
Q: At what temperature does a dog need a coat?
In Fahrenheit, once temperatures start to fall below 45 – that's approximately 7 degrees Celsius – dogs with particularly fine coats will start to become cold and uncomfortable. Once the temperature falls, it's therefore time to start shopping around for dog coats (luckily, you can commence your search right here!). Remember; wind, chill, and rain will all contribute to your dog's body temperature so, although your weather app may suggest that it's above 45 Fahrenheit, your dog may well be just as miserable in temperatures above this point.
Q: How do I train my dog to wear a jacket?
Although the brand new coat you've bought your dog will keep your dog warm, chances are they won't warm to it! Here's how to transform your dog's mindset in a few simple steps.
Give your dog treats when they're around the jacket: If your dog shows an interest towards the jacket, reward them! After a while, they'll start to notice that if they interact with the jacket, treats will flow. Positive reinforcement for the win.
Rub the jacket across your dog: Now that your dog is used to seeing the winter coat, it's time to get them acquainted with its texture. Rubbing the coat along your dog's body with one hand, you should be rewarding them with treats with the other hand.
Put the coat on: This part of training shouldn't take place until your pup is fully at ease with being around and touching the winter coat. Some dogs reach this stage after only a few days whereas other take a couple of weeks, so practice patience!
As you're putting the coat on your pet, keep uttering words of praise and reassurance. Only once the coat is fully fitted on your dog's body can you give them a treat – but only if they're calm and still. Feeding your pup a treat when they're trying to claw the coat off of them will only reinforce this negative behavior.
Day after day, repeat putting your dog's coat on them, all the while increasing the amount of time they have it on for. Soon enough, they'll be wearing their jacket for hours without complaint! Although training your pup to wear a jacket may test your patience, it will be so worth it when, after a couple of months, your dog jumps for joy when you fetch their dog jacket from the cupboard as they know that wearing their dog coat means going for walkies!
Q: How do I wash my dog's winter coat?
The most durable winter dog coats are machine-washable to allow active dogs to get back outside as soon as possible. Here's how to do so efficiently:
Reverse their coat: The outer coating of dog coats is made of expensive material, so reversing your dog's coat is recommended.
Choose a fabric detergent: We recommend choosing power laundry soup over liquid detergent, given that the emulsifiers in liquid may leave a residue on high-quality fabrics.
Follow the instructions on the winter coat: And if you cannot find any instructions regarding how to wash your dog's coat on the label or website, wash on a gentle cycle. It's better to be safe than sorry!
Gently tumble dry the coat: Dog coats of such high quality can be gently tumble dried on a gentle heat. Allowing it to tumble dry on a high heat isn't recommended, as this may affect the breathability and waterproofness of the winter dog coat.