With frigid winter weather still hanging on in many parts of the country, the next time you bundle up before grabbing your pup's leash to head out on your daily walk, you might be wondering: Does your dog need a coat too?
Short answer: it depends. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), dog breeds with thinner coats or those that are smaller, older or suffer from certain health issues may benefit from extra warmth during cold weather. Even larger, thick-coated dogs can use some help in truly frigid conditions. The goal is to keep them comfortable without overheating — so pay attention to their breed, size, age and activity level when deciding whether a coat is right for your pup.
Generally, if your dog shivers or refuses to go outside, a well-fitted coat can prevent cold-related health issues and keep them feeling cozy. But be mindful: A coat should never restrict movement or cause your dog to overheat indoors. Use it as a tool for quick winter potty breaks or brisk walks. Also, be sure to remove a wet coat promptly and dry your dog to avoid trapped moisture against their fur.
In this article: Carhartt Firm Duck Insulated Dog Chore Coat, Spark Paws Dog Winter Jacket and Eddie Bauer Ravenna Colorblocked Dog Windbreaker Jacket
Ready to shop? Below, we’ve compiled some top-rated winter coats for dogs (and even cats) with different designs and coverage levels. Each pick takes into consideration durability, insulation and ease of use. If you want more insight on selecting the perfect fit and style, be sure to check out our expert testing and ratings and stay warm all winter long.
Carhartt Firm Duck Insulated Dog Chore Coat
A heavy-duty option designed for rugged conditions, this Carhartt coat uses firm duck cotton and insulation for reliable warmth, plus adjustable straps for a comfortable fit for dogs of multiple shapes and sizes.
Water-resistant with a windproof fleece interior, this jacket offers serious protection from the elements, and reflective details help keep your pup safely visible on evening or low-visibility weather walks.
Eddie Bauer Ravenna Colorblocked Dog Windbreaker Jacket
This lightweight windbreaker is perfect for breezy, mild winter days, with a water-resistant shell that provides a shield against drizzle and chilly gusts.
Barbour’s quilted dog coat offers luxurious insulation against cold weather and a timeless design fit for spoiled pets — made from water-resistant material with sturdy buckles for an adjustable fit.
Crafted with a warm padded interior and reflective striping, this coat fits snugly and has a waterproof shell to tackle wet and snowy conditions — all reasons BestReviews testers rated it the Best of the Best.
Ruffwear Vert Dog Winter Jacket
A high-performance jacket created for colder climates, the Vert Dog Winter Jacket is waterproof and insulated for extra warmth for adventurous pups and their owners.
This coat features insulation to shield your pup from wind and light rain, plus a balanced fit that suits various body shapes and can accommodate growing pups too.
Reversible and waterproof, this British-style plaid coat offers double the style in one piece — plus a cozy lining and windproof outer layer with easy-to-use Velcro closures. Our testers rated it the Best Bang for Your Buck due to its value.
Frisco Mediumweight Plaid Hooded Insulated Dog & Cat Peacoat
This insulated peacoat wraps your pet in medium-weight warmth with an attached hood for extra coverage, and the secure snap closures hold up well on walks.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.
