The Best Umbrella for Dogs in 2022

Now that you know more about some of the top products on the market, we are going to delve into more detail about dog umbrellas in general. To start with, we will look at the specific features which you should be on the lookout for before discussing some of the main benefits of using a pet product like this. After this, we have our frequently asked questions (FAQ) section which aims to clear up any issues which you may still have regarding dog umbrellas.

There are plenty of features that make a great dog umbrella, and we will talk you through a few of the main ones here so you can make a tick list of the product features which you want the most, and then match this up with the various choices above.

• Waterproof

The most important feature of an umbrella is that it is actually waterproof! Some umbrellas are only designed with fashion in mind, while others just offer protection against the sun. The umbrellas which we have discussed in the product guide are all waterproof, so you can comfortably purchase any of the above models and know that they are going to protect your dog from the elements.

Head over to our review of Sunscreens for Dogs for more choices.

• Size

Another important consideration to make is the size of the umbrella. After all, if it doesn’t cover your dog entirely, it will not be doing its job effectively. The canopy should comfortably span the length of your dog. Most of these umbrellas are meant for smaller dogs or puppies, and they should have size and weight guidelines which tell you the size of dog they can accommodate. You should measure your pooch from the tip of their nose to the edge of their tail. Remember that it is best for the umbrella to cover a few inches beyond your dog for maximum protection. And if you have a growing puppy, choosing a larger size ensures that the umbrella will be useful for longer. You could also estimate how big your pooch is expected to get as an adult to tell you whether the product will continue working.

• Transparency

You may think that transparency is just from a style point of view, but it also has other functions as well. Firstly, it lets your dog to see around them with fewer restrictions, which allows them to enjoy the environment while still staying dry. Also, if you choose a transparent umbrella, it allows you and your pooch to continue interacting during the walk. Otherwise, there is a constant barrier between the two of you, which stops the opportunity for bonding with your furry friend and may cause them to be upset if they suffer from separation anxiety. But some people prefer the umbrellas to come in block colors as they look more stylish. Ultimately, this is a matter of personal preference.

• Handle

Bear in mind that the umbrella also needs to be comfortable for you to use, as well as covering your pup. You will obviously be the one holding the handle, so it needs to be a comfortable length for you to guide your dog without stooping. Some of the handles also twist to allow your dog to roam around freely, helping to ensure maximum control. And you also want to check the grip to make sure that you are comfortable holding it for the entire duration of your walk.

• Easy to Assemble and Disassemble

Of course, you are not going to need the umbrella all the time. And if it's easy to assemble and disassemble, you can store it away and bring it out without hassle. Many of the above products come with an assembly guide, so check through these to give you more information on exactly what you need to do. 

• Durability

The question of durability largely comes back to the materials used. Look at the plastic of the umbrella and the metal of the handle and chain to see whether the product has been built to last. You could also check through the customer reviews for more information on how well each umbrella has withstood the test of time. Perhaps there may be a warranty period or another form of guarantee which reassures you that this is the kind of product which will last for a minimum period.

• Leash/Harness Attachment

It is also worth knowing whether the leash or harness attachment is universal, or it only works with certain compatible products. You don’t want to end up buying the umbrella and not being able to use it. You should also check the length of the attachment to see how much space will be between the umbrella and your pup. For more options, check out our detailed reviews of Dog Leashes and Dog Harnesses.

• Reflective Trim

Sometimes, you want to take your dog out in the rain after dark. If you choose an umbrella with a reflective trim or some other illuminating feature, this ensures that your pooch remains visible to any passing traffic and keeps the two of you safer.

Now, you probably want to know more about the reasons why you need a product such as this one, what sort of dogs they are suitable for, etc. After all, a dog umbrella is quite an unusual product, and you may have never considered the specific benefits before. Well, we are here to help with an overview of some of these advantages.

• Protects Dogs Who Hate the Rain

While a lot of dogs love going out in the rain, others simply hate the experience. Smaller dogs can feel scared and overwhelmed in heavy rainfall. And you don’t want to be restricted by the weather when taking your pooch out for exercise. Once you have got your dog used to the umbrella, you can bring them outside rain or shine, ensuring that they get the daily dose of physical exercise which they so badly need.

• Easy to Use

While a dog umbrella may seem confusing when you first get one, these products are actually very easy to use. And they are certainly less fiddly than trying to put a rain jacket onto your overly excitable pooch before you go outside! Once you have attached their harness and put up the canopy, you can simply use the handle to guide your dog, just as you would with a regular leash. Most of the above products have a clear diagram that shows you how they need to be assembled, so make sure to inspect this before making a purchase.

• Offers Other Elemental Protection

As well as protecting against the rain, dog umbrellas also offer a layer of defense against other elements too. Firstly, they act as a windshield which helps to stop your little pooch from getting blown away when strong winds strike. And the umbrellas which are designed with plain solid colors provide mobile shade, offering protection against the harsh rays of the sun. Of course, an umbrella also defends against anything else falling from the sky such as snow and hail.

• Shortens Drying Time

We all know how easily dogs can get soaked to the skin, but if you use a doggy umbrella, this ensures that their body stays dry. This lessens your workload when you get back indoors again. Otherwise, you have to hold your dog in place and dry them with a towel to stop them from dripping water all over your home and getting your things soaked. If you are looking for more options, check out our guide on dog drying towels.

• Stops Lingering Pet Odors

We all know the unpleasantness of that wet dog smell and how it seems to linger when it gets into your home. But if you stop your pooch from getting soaked in the first place, this helps to protect your house and keeps it smelling fresher! Of course, you should make sure to dry your pet's paws (unless they wear dog boots)  and any other part of their body that has become exposed to the elements.

• A Stylish and Fun Product

If you want to be the hit of your local dog park, there is no doubt that a dog umbrella will get you some attention! While style may not be your primary concern, most owners want their pooch to look good, and being sheltered under a stylish umbrella can make any pup look simply adorable! You may even find that you start a new trend and you see a lot more pooches under a canopy in the near future!

• Exercise Your Dog in All Weather Conditions

If you feel like you can’t take your dog out for a walk in bad weather conditions, this places a serious restriction on your pet's physical health. Your pooch needs daily exercise to maintain their heart health, keep them flexible, and stop them from becoming obese. Remember, a dog umbrella can also protect against wintery weather like snow and sleet too. If you live in a cold climate, an umbrella leash could end up being useful for a whole season and not just occasionally.

• An Extra Layer of Protection

Some types of weather like hail could be potentially harmful to your dog, but the canopy of a dog umbrella ensures that they have an extra layer of protection against the elements. Also, it stops other falling objects from hitting them. While this may not be a primary reason to invest in a dog umbrella, it is an extra plus point that could sway your decision-making.

If you have a dog who is less than 12 lbs in weight and 19" in length, the K&L umbrella provides plenty of protection against the pouring rain. The thick and transparent canopy is both stylish and durable, and the whole umbrella  is collapsible so when you are not using it, you can fold it away for easy storage. As for the handle length, it is long enough to provide most average-sized people with comfortable control over their dog.

It is a stylish and budget-friendly product with a black trim around the transparent canopy. For us, it ranks as our favorite umbrella for dogs, and one which will keep your furry friend nice and dry the next time you go splashing around outside together!