Your Does my dog need a winter coat? Surprising Answer

Which dog breeds need to wear coats and jackets?

There are lots of dogs that can benefit from wearing coats when it’s cold out, but for different reasons.

Shorter-haired dogs: Dogs with fine hair, especially if they have low body-fat, will get cold faster. These include Greyhounds, Whippets, Pit Bulls, and Chihuahuas, among others.

Small dogs and puppies: These little guys don’t generate or retain as much body heat as large dogs.

Senior dogs: Older dogs have weaker immune systems and often suffer from arthritis or other age-related ailments; cold can exacerbate these problems.

Dogs with medical conditions: Heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes can interfere with a dog’s ability to maintain body temperature.

Short-legged dogs: Dogs like Basset Hounds, Dachshunds, and Corgis can lose heat quickly if their low stature puts them in contact with snow.

What about in-between size dogs, like Jack Russells? Or the gigantic yet short-haired Great Dane? Or your mutt rescue? It really depends on the individual dog. A good rule of thumb, no matter what the breed, is that if your dog seems cold—shivering, whining, or slowing down—a coat can’t hurt.

Please remember: Don’t force your dog to wear a coat if they don’t want to. The stress on your dog (and on you) isn’t worth it. If necessary, adjust your dog’s routine to ensure they still get enough exercise and stimulation, but avoid getting too cold.

At what temperature does a dog need a coat?

If there’s snow and ice on the ground, or persistent chilly winds, then a winter jacket for your dog is a good idea. Small or thin-furred breeds, puppies, and senior dogs will generally need a winter coat when the temperature outside feels at or below 32°F (0°C). Once the temperature drops below 20°F (-6.6°C), keep a close eye on your dog, regardless of breed, for signs that they are uncomfortably cold. If you’re putting on a coat to go outside, odds are good that it’s cold enough for your dog to need a coat as well.

Why Do People Buy Winter Coats for Their Dogs?

Sometimes, the decision to put a winter coat on a dog is purely emotional. Walking your dog in frigid temperatures can be emotionally distressing because of your concern for your dog. Since most dogs require time outside in order to go to the bathroom and release excess energy, its no surprise that dog owners would take a rather-safe-than-sorry approach.

Other times, the decision can be driven by fashion. In 2019, the American Pet Products Association reported that $16.01 billion was spent in the last year on pet clothing as well as collars, leashes, toys, and pet tech products—up seven percent from the previous year. As younger generations move from pet ownership to pet parentship, the pet industry is moving toward a more “humanistic approach,” prompting brands to offer designer products for pets, including a wider variety of clothing options for dogs.

Does My Dog Need a Winter Coat?