Do Dogs Need To Wear Coats In Cold Weather? See the Definitive Answer

It’s a chilly winter day, and you wouldn’t dream of walking outside without bundling up in a warm coat. But does your pup need to wear a winter coat too? Dogs may have a fur coat, but that doesn’t always mean it’s doing enough to protect them from harsh cold weather conditions. The answer is yes, sometimes dogs may need to wear a coat in cold weather. Here are tips for how to know when.

Reasons Your Dog May Need a Coat

Breed. Some breeds are built for cold temperatures, and putting them in a sweater or coat isn’t necessary. For example, Siberian Huskies, Samoyeds, St. Bernards, and Alaskan Malamutes all have double-layered coats. These thick coats protect the dogs from frigid temperatures and help keep them warm naturally. It’s almost like they’re wearing natural layers of insulation!

Coat Type. On the other hand, some small breeds with short, thin fur aren’t genetically built to be comfortable in cold temperatures. Chihuahuas, for example, have a single-layer thin coat. As they are native to Mexico, the breed didn’t develop in cold climates and can benefit from wearing a coat. 

Size. Small dogs usually need a coat. And that includes small dogs who have longer fur. Corgis and dachshunds have low bodies so close to the ground that they can easily get snow and ice in their fur, making them colder.

Body Type. Lean breeds, like greyhounds and whippets, have thin bodies and short hair. They may need the extra protection of a warm coat when the temperature drops outside.

Age. Young puppies or senior dogs need to wear a coat in cold weather as their body temperature may not regulate as well. Additionally, conditions like arthritis can cause a dog to be uncomfortable in cold weather, and the extra warmth of a coat can help them be more mobile.

At What Temperature Your Dog May Need a Coat

If your dog is outside in cold temperatures for only a short period, they likely do not need a coat unless temperatures are extreme. However, these are general guidelines to help you decide when to bundle your pup.

45 degrees: Some dogs who are small or short-coated may need the extra warmth of a coat if they seem uncomfortable.

32 degrees: Small breeds, single-layer fur breeds, puppies, and seniors need to wear a coat. Larger breeds can wear a coat if they seem uncomfortable.

20 degrees: Temperatures below 20 degrees could be dangerous for dogs, leading to hypothermia and frostbite. If your dog must go out, keep it short, and keep them in a coat.  That said, the aforementioned breeds built for colder temperatures can usually handle even colder than this. But it’s always a good idea to give these dogs the option to be indoors.

What You Should Look for When Buying a Winter Coat

Coats should keep a dog’s neck and stomach covered. It shouldn’t go past the tail, or it might make it hard for the dog to go to the bathroom. A coat should be fitted but not so tight that your dog can’t move. The thickness of the coat or sweater you choose should depend on the temperatures you’re most likely to be in.

Should Your Dog Wear a Sweater Inside?

It’s usually not necessary for your dog to wear winter gear inside. One caveat is if you have a hairless breed like a Chinese Crested that gets cold extremely easily or a senior dog that can’t regulate their body temperature. Otherwise, keeping a coat or sweater on a dog inside may cause them to overheat.