Do dogs need a coat during winter?
Minnie Jacobson
2025-10-03 08:57:22
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Although dogs come equipped with their own fur coat, during the winter they may need a little extra insulation. The dog’s breed, size, and temperament play a part in deciding which dogs need to wear coats, and which ones don’t. 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. 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. Dogs get cold just like people do.
Jordy Hamill
2025-09-24 15:28:23
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The question of whether your dog should wear a jacket in winter depends on its size and breed and how cold and wet it gets where you live. Larger dogs are generally well-equipped to handle the cold. The amount of heat that's lost from the body and maintaining body temperature is proportional to body size, so larger dogs are easily able to make up their heat and not get too cold when they're out walking, even if it is quite cold. However, Dr Hazel says smaller breeds of dogs that weigh less than 10 kilograms have a higher body surface area to mass ratio than their larger counterparts, which makes them more sensitive to colder weather. For them, functionally, probably if you're going out — particularly if it's raining and they might lose more heat if they get wet — then a coat can be helpful, especially if it's an older dog that's a little bit arthritic, as those symptoms get worse if they get cold. Although larger dogs generally fare OK without a jacket or jumper, if your dog suffers from hair loss, you may want to consider putting a jacket on them if you're walking them on a cold, wet day.
Lazaro Conroy
2025-09-24 14:34:28
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Not all dogs need a winter coat; small dogs, thin dogs, and those with thin fur benefit the most.
Large dogs with thick or double coats typically do not require additional layers.
Factors like windchill, wetness, and a dog’s health or age affect whether a jacket is necessary.
Always consult your vet for specific advice tailored to your dog's needs.
A dog’s age, health status, and acclimation to cold temperatures should also be considered.
Elderly dogs, puppies, and sick dogs can have trouble staying warm even under mild conditions, while a healthy adult dog who is used to the cold can be quite happy even when it’s very chilly.
Small dogs have relatively more surface area through which to lose heat than big dogs, so all other things being equal, smaller dogs benefit from jackets at higher temperatures than bigger dogs.
Dogs with very thin fur can get cold quite easily, so they are typically good contenders for a jacket.
Conversely, large dogs with long or thick fur and double coats rarely need jackets.
Amira Willms
2025-09-24 13:42:59
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Short-haired dogs and small dogs, for example, often need a little help staying warm in cool to cold conditions. Long-haired dogs can also benefit from a coat if they’re prone to snowballs forming on their underside. Some breeds, however, are less likely to need a jacket given their double coats — think Siberian huskies and Alaskan malamutes — although having one on hand is always a good idea should you notice signs your dog is cold. These include shivering, a hunched posture, tucked tail, whining or barking, or seeking out warmth. Ultimately, if you need a jacket, your dog probably does, too. And at the end of the day, having one at the ready is always a good idea. So there you have it. Ultimately, if you find yourself asking, “Does my dog need a jacket?”, the answer is almost always a resounding yes.
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