Does My Dog Need a Coat? A Winter Guide

A small dog wearing a green coat walking through grass

On a raw, wet winter's morning, with the wind coming across the fields, it is natural to wonder whether your dog is as cold as you are. Some dogs are built for exactly these conditions and barely notice the weather. Others feel the cold far more than we realise. A good coat can make winter walks more comfortable for them, and more enjoyable for you both.

This guide explains which dogs benefit from a coat, how to tell when your dog is cold, the different types of coat, how to measure and fit one properly, and other ways to keep your dog comfortable through the winter.

Do dogs feel the cold?

Yes, though how much depends on the dog. A dog's fur, body fat, size and age all affect how well it stays warm. Dogs bred for cold climates and outdoor work often have thick double coats, with a dense, insulating undercoat beneath longer guard hairs. Others have short, fine single coats and very little body fat, and lose heat quickly.

Wind and rain make a big difference. A wet coat loses much of its insulation, and wind strips warmth away. A dog that is fine on a cold, dry day may feel the cold badly on a wet, windy one.

Dogs that benefit from a coat

Sighthounds: greyhounds, whippets, lurchers, salukis and similar breeds have short, thin coats and very little body fat. Most feel the cold and benefit from a coat in winter.
Small and toy breeds: small dogs have a large surface area for their size, lose heat quickly, and are closer to cold, wet ground and puddles.
Short-coated breeds: some terriers, boxers and other dogs with short, single coats.
Puppies: not yet able to regulate their temperature well.
Older dogs: often have less muscle and body fat, and may have stiff joints that feel worse in the cold.
Dogs with health conditions: some conditions affect a dog's ability to keep warm. Ask your vet.
Recently clipped dogs: lose the insulation of their full coat.

Dogs that usually don't need one

Breeds with thick double coats, such as huskies, malamutes, Bernese mountain dogs and many working breeds, usually stay warm without help, and a coat can make them overheat. Labradors and spaniels often manage well in dry cold, though a waterproof coat can be useful in persistent rain, particularly for older dogs.

If in doubt, watch your dog. It will tell you.

Signs your dog is cold

Shivering or trembling.
A hunched back and tucked-in tail.
Reluctance to walk, or wanting to turn back for home.
Lifting paws off the ground, especially on frozen ground.
Seeking shelter, or pressing against your legs.
Slowing down or seeming anxious.

If you notice these, shorten the walk and get your dog warm and dry. Lethargy, weakness, pale gums or very shallow breathing after cold exposure can be signs of hypothermia, which needs urgent veterinary attention.

Types of dog coat

Waterproof shells: light, keep off rain and wind. Good for dogs that run warm but hate getting soaked.
Quilted coats: padded for warmth, often with a water-resistant outer and a soft lining. The best all-round choice for cold, wet British winters.
Fleece coats: warm, soft and light, best for dry, cold days or wearing in the car or house after a walk.
Drying coats: made of towelling or absorbent fabric, worn after a walk or a swim to dry a wet dog and keep it warm.
High-visibility coats: make dogs visible on dark mornings and evenings.

Our Quilted Dog Coat in Khaki Tweed is water-resistant, lined with soft teddy fleece, trimmed with tweed and fits over a harness. It is machine washable.

How to measure your dog

Dog coats are usually sized by back length, with chest size as a second check. Use a soft tape measure, with your dog standing square.

Back length: measure from the base of the neck, where the collar sits, along the spine to the base of the tail.
Chest: measure around the widest part of the ribcage, just behind the front legs.
Neck: measure around the neck where a collar sits.

Compare your measurements with the maker's size guide, as sizes vary considerably between brands. If your dog falls between two sizes, chest size is usually the deciding factor.

How a coat should fit

Neck: snug but not tight. You should be able to slide two fingers underneath.
Back: covers the back from the neck to the base of the tail, without extending over the tail.
Chest and belly: straps should be secure but comfortable, with no rubbing.
Legs: free to move naturally. Watch your dog walk and trot.
Male dogs: make sure the belly strap or panel doesn't get in the way when they relieve themselves.
Harness: if your dog wears a harness, choose a coat with an opening to clip the lead through.

Getting your dog used to a coat

Some dogs accept a coat immediately; others need a little time.

Let your dog sniff the coat, with a treat.
Put it on indoors for a minute or two, with praise and treats, then take it off.
Gradually increase the time.
Put it on just before a walk, so your dog links the coat with going out.

Avoiding overheating

A coat is for outdoors in cold weather. Take it off once you are back inside, and don't leave it on in a warm car. Watch for panting or restlessness on milder days, which suggest your dog is too warm.

Other ways to keep your dog comfortable in winter

Dry them well. Towel your dog down after wet walks, paying attention to the belly, legs and paws.
Care for paws. Wipe paws after walks on gritted roads, as salt can irritate, and check between the pads for ice balls.
A warm bed. Give your dog a warm, draught-free bed raised slightly off cold floors. Read how to choose a dog bed.
Be visible. Use a light-up or reflective collar on dark walks.
Adjust walks. Several shorter walks may suit older dogs better than one long one.
Keep away from ice. Never let your dog onto frozen ponds or lakes.

Frequently asked questions

At what temperature does a dog need a coat?

There is no single number. It depends on the dog and on wind and rain. Thin-coated, small, young and old dogs may benefit when it is cold and wet; thick-coated dogs rarely need one.