Do dogs need a coat during winter?

Jordy Hamill

2025-09-24 15:28:23

Count answers : 14

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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

Count answers : 21

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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

Count answers : 15

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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.

Do dogs need a coat during winter?

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