Should My Dog Wear a Winter Coat?

by Britt

Published: November 9th, 2023

Photo credit: alexei_tm / Shutterstock.com

As the temperatures drop and winter approaches, many pet parents face a common question: Should my dog wear a winter coat?

It’s a valid question! After all, we bundle up before heading out into the ice and snow. Why shouldn’t our dogs? This article will explore the considerations, benefits, and potential downsides of winter coats for dogs. Plus, we’ll share the coats we use to keep our pups warm and cozy.

Let’s get started…

Do All Dogs Need a Coat in Winter?

The short answer is no. Not all dogs need a winter coat to stay comfortable in the colder temperatures. In fact, some dogs will be more comfortable without a winter coat. That leaves us with one more question – how do you know if your dog will need a coat this season? Here are a few factors to consider:

Breed & Coat Length

What breed or breed mix is your dog? Some dogs, like the Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky, and Keeshond, were specifically bred to handle the colder temperatures. These dogs have thick double coats, including a water-resistant guard coat and a plush, warm undercoat. If you own one of these dogs, you may see them relaxing outside, happily napping in a snowbank. They thrive in cooler weather but struggle when the temperatures climb.

On the other end of the spectrum, some dogs were bred to live in warmer climates. These dogs have short coats, offering little protection from the winter cold.

Age

Your dog’s age could make them more sensitive to changes in temperature, both heat and cold. If you have a young puppy or a senior dog, they may need a little extra care and attention. Not only do they feel cold faster, but the low temperatures could worsen the discomfort of a senior dog’s arthritis or other joint problems. Even if your dog once thrived in cold temperatures, they may struggle in their older years.

Disease or Illness

If your dog is currently living with a disease or illness, it can compromise their ability to regulate their body temperature effectively. Your dog’s condition can impact many aspects of their well-being. It may weaken their immune system, causing dehydration or interfering with proper circulation.

Contact your veterinarian if you’re unsure whether your dog’s illness could impact their ability to handle the cold.

Activity Level

Are you heading outside to hang out in your yard, or are you planning to engage in something more active like a hike or skijoring? As your dog’s muscles are engaged and working, they are producing heat that raises the body temperature.

If your dog occasionally needs a light jacket, they may not need one during heavy activity. On the other hand, if your dog is usually okay when you’re going for a walk, they may need a light jacket or sweater if they are going to be standing around.

What Temperature Should My Dog Wear a Coat?

Determining the temperature when your dog needs to wear a winter coat will depend on the factors we discussed. For example, a short-coated dog may need a coat when the temperature reaches 32 F. Meanwhile, a double-coated dog could be comfortable in far colder temperatures.

How Do I Know if My Dog is Feeling Cold?

If there is no rule for when a dog should wear a coat, how do you know if one is needed? Just like with people, every dog handles temperature differently. The only way to know when your dog needs a coat is to learn to recognize when they are starting to feel cold. Of course, your dog can’t talk and tell you that they are feeling chilly. Instead, we must pay close attention to their body language.

The most common signs that a dog is cold include:

Shivering or shaking
Whining or barking
Acting uncomfortable or anxious
Lifting and holding their paws up off the ground
Standing in a hunched posture, tail tucked between their legs
Lying in a circle, tucking their nose under their tail
Seeking places to hide

Do you suspect your dog may feel cold or unsure if you are picking up on their body signals? You can quickly check your dog’s body temperature by touching their stomach or around their ears. If these areas are cool to the touch, your dog is likely feeling cold.

During the cold winter months, your dog is at risk of hyperthermia and frostbite. If you notice any of the above signs, act quickly. Bring your dog indoors into the heat or outfit them with proper winter gear, including a coat and, potentially, a set of dog boots.

Lucifer wearing his Shedrow K9 winter coat during a cold Canadian winter

What to Consider When Shopping for a Dog Coat

Now that we have established when (or if) your dog should wear a coat, let’s dig into the details about the coats themselves. There are several different styles and materials to choose from. Here are a few factors to consider to help you on your shopping journey:

Size

One of the most obvious things to consider when shopping for your dog’s new coat is the size. If the coat is too small, it will be uncomfortable and could restrict movement. If the coat is too big, it may create a tripping hazard. In both situations, it won’t offer the level of protection from the elements that it would if fit correctly.

Take a moment to measure your dog carefully before shopping in person or online. You need measurements of their neck, chest circumference, and the length of their back from the base of the neck to the base of the tail. These measurements will allow you to use a brand’s sizing guide for online purchases to find the best fit.

If possible, I recommend bringing your dog to a local pet store to try on several different jackets. Just like shopping for human clothing, each brand’s coat will fit differently. You may find that one is better suited to your dog’s size and build than the other options on the market.

Season

When discussing the use of a coat, we usually talk about the bitter cold of winter. However, that’s not the only season where a coat could be beneficial. Depending on how sensitive your dog is to temperature changes, they may benefit from a light jacket during the early spring or late fall seasons. You can also purchase rain jackets to keep your pup dry regardless of the temperature.

Material

To select the best material for your dog’s jacket, you must consider the primary use. Do you need something waterproof for wear outside in the elements? Are you looking for something cozy for your dog to wear around the home? Your dog’s new coat could range from a light fleece sweater-style jacket to a heavily insulated winter coat with a water-resistant or waterproof shell.

Pay attention to breathability, especially in dogs that will be engaging in winter activities like skijoring or hiking while wearing their new coat. Otherwise, your dog may be at risk of overheating, even in winter.

Style

The two key factors to consider regarding style are the ease of use and, of course, the overall appearance of your dog’s new coat.

Consider your dog’s comfort level with clothing. If they regularly wear shirts and sweaters, it may not bother them to have a coat put on. However, if your dog never wears clothing outside of their coat, they may be unsure about it. A coat that must be slipped over your dog’s head could cause anxiety, creating a negative association with the jacket. For dogs that are new to or unsure of clothing, search for a coat that is as easy to put on/take off as possible.

Check the adjustability of the coat. Can you easily adjust the sizing to suit your dog’s body shape? The better the coat fits, the more effective it will be in keeping your dog warm.

Finally, choose a coat that speaks to your dog’s personality. There are so many different coats available in a variety of colors and patterns. You may love the look of a coat with a faux fur collar or one that showcases your favorite sports team. This is the fun part of coat shopping!

Budget

How much are you hoping to spend on a dog coat? Knowing your budget before you start shopping will help you narrow the options. Keep in mind that there is some truth to the saying, “You get what you pay for.” You want to ensure you get a quality coat that will keep your dog warm.

You don’t have to break the bank for a good coat. Keep an eye open for sales. You may be able to take advantage of a Black Friday sale or similar deal. Shopping during the off-season is another excellent way to find a high-quality coat at a fraction of the price.

Other Features

Finally, there are a few other features you may want to consider when shopping for your dog. Do you regularly walk in dark or low-light conditions? If so, search for a coat with reflective details that make them easier to see. Do you hike with your dog during the hunting season? A coat with blaze orange and neon yellow coloring, like a safety vest, will make your dog more recognizable to hunters, decreasing the risk of an accident.

Other features we have seen in dog jackets include:

Sleeves
Rear leg cover (like a snowsuit)
Heating elements
Dog poop bag pockets
Harness integration
Detachable layers for multiple seasons

Our Go-To Dog Coats

While our older two dogs are double-coated and thrive in the winter snow, our youngest pup isn’t as lucky. He wants to be outdoors with the others but will start to shiver after being outside for a while. We have several coats and sweaters for him, but the two we use and trust most are the Shedrow K9 Chinook Dog Coat (as shown in the photo above) and the Hurtta Expedition Parka.

Both coats cover not only his back but also his stomach, which was essential to us. Being smaller, he is often right in the thick of the snowbank when he’s walking. They offer several different adjustment points, allowing us to fit the jacket better to his body and prevent snow from getting into them. This also ensures the jacket will easily move with him as he runs through the snow.

Finally, both Shedrow K9 and Hurtta are well-known for making high-quality pet gear. These coats are a great long-term investment, providing reliable protection from the elements year after year.

Final Thoughts – Should My Dog Wear a Winter Coat?

Does your dog need to wear a coat when the temperatures drop? There is no “right” answer. Instead, you must pay attention to your dog’s body language and how comfortable they are at different temperatures. If you have a short-haired dog, a young puppy, or a senior, there is a good chance that they will be more sensitive to temperature changes and need an extra layer of protection earlier in the season. However, even dogs that generally thrive in the winter may need a coat during the most extreme temperatures.

Pay careful attention to the size and adjustability of each coat to find the best option for your dog. The better the coat fits their body shape, the more effective it will be in keeping the cold air and snow out. Consider other features that could benefit your dog and their lifestyle, like reflective elements for night safety.

Most importantly, look for a coat that makes your dog feel comfortable. This includes a coat that is easy to put on/take off and allows for a full range of motion as they run and play outside in the snow.

Britt

Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Indiana and Lucifer – and their 2 cats – Pippen and Jinx. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.

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All those in love with the fascinating world of aquatics know how sensitive and (sometimes) demanding pet fish and  aquarium plants are. The aquarium plant life in particular can be very vulnerable, reacting to the smallest changes in the tank’s environment. Naturally, this begs the question: could adding salt to your tank potentially kill its plant life? Or is salt beneficial for your aquarium’s flora? These are the questions that need to be answered carefully, as there are different types of salt used, and not all have the same effects on the many different aquarium plants. Let’s dive deeper into the topic!Is Aquarium Salt Safe for Plants? Aquarium salt, when used properly, has many uses in an aquarium setting. It can help with certain issues like treating fish diseases and promoting electrolyte balance in fish. But what about plants? The key to using salt with aquarium plants is moderation and research. There are different types of salt on the market, so you should inquire about their properties and possible effects on fish and plants. Secondly, always use it in moderation. When used in the right amounts, salt can be beneficial. However, the excessive use of salt can be harmful to plants, as it can disrupt their osmotic balance and lead to dehydration or nutrient imbalances. In fact, put too much of it, and you can kill all the plants AND the fish in the tank!But what is the osmotic balance? Like all living organisms, plants maintain a delicate balance of water and salts within their cells. When exposed to high concentrations of salt, such as those found in aquarium salt products, plants can experience “osmotic stress”. This stress occurs because the salt outside the plant's roots creates a higher concentration of solutes in the soil than inside the plant cells. As a result, water is drawn out of the plant, leading to dehydration and potential damage – and even death.Excessive salt in the aquarium soil can also interfere with a plant's ability to absorb essential nutrients. Sodium ions, which are a component of salt, can compete with other positively charged ions like potassium, calcium, and magnesium that plants need for healthy growth. This competition can disrupt nutrient uptake and lead to deficiencies, even if those nutrients are present in the soil.Another confusing factor is that some aquarium plants are much more tolerant than others. Halophytes, for example, are plants that have evolved to thrive in saline environments and can withstand higher levels of salt in the soil and water. However, most freshwater aquarium plants are not adapted to high-salt conditions and can suffer greatly when aquarium salt is introduced to the tank. You should also consider the types of salt available. Sea salt, for example, is much different and more complex than ordinary table salt. It contains sodium chloride, and minerals like potassium, zinc, and calcium. As such, it is only suitable for use in aquariums that have marine fish and  invertebrates, and plants naturally occurring in salt waters. 

Hundreds of Cats and Dogs Saved from an Animal Testing Laboratory

In a groundbreaking action, the Beagle Freedom Project (BFP), a non-profit organization that rescues animals used in testing, has shut down an animal testing facility in Nowata, Oklahoma, and rescued over 200 dogs and cats from certain death.This monumental action closed down one-third of the flea and tick product testing industry in the U.S., ending years of cruel experimentation on an untold number of animals, and saving thousands of cats and dogs from the same dreadful fate.Most of the animals kept in these facilities are bred specifically for testing, meaning they spend their entire lives in terrible conditions. According to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), animals in laboratories are kept alone in steel cages, with little room to move, and devoid of animal and human companionship.More than 200 cats, dogs, and a family of pigs were kept in horrifying conditions in the 30-acre facility in Nowata, Oklahoma. The poor animals were kept outside in the cold, in nothing but small tents to serve as a shelter. Those kept inside were housed inside tiny cages placed on hard concrete. In the past, the Nowata laboratory has been the subject of many USDA citations and violations. The animals kept there had to endure aggravating pain and discomfort caused by fleas and ticks breeding on their bodies. To make matters worse, the cats and dogs were forced to wear cones so they couldn’t relieve the itching and the pain.“We had to end this,” the president and founder of the Beagle Freedom Project, Shannon Keith, said. “Rather than rescue the dogs and cats one by one, while the facility continued its cruel operations, several months ago, we took a chance and approached the owner of the facility about relinquishing his USDA license and ending operations.”And they were successful! Animal Health Innovations Inc. has ceased operations and surrendered its USDA license. “The importance of this monumental achievement cannot be overstated. Not only have we rescued hundreds of animals from being tested on and certain death, we have also created a pathway for others to do the same,” said Keith to Agusta Free Press.But, that’s not the end. The Beagle Freedom Project plans to transform the former laboratory into a rehabilitation and adoption center called the Freedom Fields - a place where the rescued animals will receive medical attention and the love they deserve.“This has never before been accomplished. We are overjoyed that not only will we give more than 200 dogs and cats their freedom and identity, but that we will also transform an animal testing facility into a place of hope, happiness, rehabilitation, and love,” added Keith.The new space should consist of a doggy park, catio, cat cafe, dog dens, groom room, and lots of open space for dogs and cats to run around and play in. Additionally, there will be a barn for farm animals and a visiting center where the visitors can learn about animal testing before meeting the adoptable animals. Extensive renovations are already underway at Freedom Fields, including replacing small metal cages and makeshift outdoor tents surrounded with electrical fencing with warm and sturdy barns for large farm animals. A landscaped dog park and cozy indoor/outdoor spaces will make rescued cats and dogs feel at home. According to Keith, there are safer and better methods of flea and tick control, and these products don’t have to be tested on animals. Currently, the Beagle Freedom Project is arranging the closure of another large laboratory and is working with companies to provide safer and more ethical methods of flea and tick control for cats and dogs.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

New Tool Detects and Predicts Dog Mobility Issues

Researchers at the University of Liverpool and experts at Dogs Trust have joined forces to create a unique new tool for detecting and predicting dog mobility issues. These veterinary experts have developed the GenPup-M questionnaire. This survey asks dog owners a series of questions to about their dog's mobility. The GenPup-M questionnaire is designed in a way that can help owners determine whether their dog might be experiencing mobility problems, even mild ones. Mobility-related problems are the third most commonly diagnosed disease in dogs. It’s estimated that 200,000 dogs are affected by musculoskeletal disease annually. According to some estimates, 20% of dogs have mobility issues before one year old, but most aren’t diagnosed until they are eight to 13 years old. Current mobility questionnaires are developed for dogs already diagnosed with mobility problems and track their quality of life. This means that many dogs spend the better part of their lives living with a painful condition that negatively impacts their overall health and well-being. A recent study, published in PLOS ONE confirms the validity of the GenPup-M questionnaire. The study involved 62 dogs - 31 with mobility issues and 31 without mobility issues.Scientists obtained the dogs’ clinical history from the owners, and all dogs received an orthopedic exam at the beginning of the study. Next, owners were asked to complete the GenPup-M questionnaire along with a previously validated mobility questionnaire.To determine the survey’s validity and its ability to identify mobility issues in dogs, scientists compared GenPup-M responses with the results of other expert tests, including advanced gait analysis.“Impaired mobility can affect a dog’s ability to engage in daily activities and interactions, move or exercise freely. If an animal is unwilling to or cannot play, exercise, or express normal behavior, this can impact its quality of life,” said Natasha Clark, veterinary surgeon and researcher at the Department of Musculoskeletal & Aging Science at the University of Liverpool. According to Clark, when done over time at regular checkups, the GenPup-M questionnaire can identify subtle changes in a dog’s mobility without the use of expensive and time-consuming gait analysis. This new tool can help vets diagnose and slow the development of mobility problems in dogs. “Our research doesn’t stop here and we will continue to research and develop GenPup-M to refine it as an even more effective tool for vets and dog caregivers,” added Clark.The Deputy Head of Research, Welfare Projects & Grants at Dogs Trust, Dr Jane Murray, said, “We are delighted to work collaboratively with the University of Liverpool on this study which serves to improve the well-being of dogs, as no dog is immune to mobility issues. Generation Pup is a ground-breaking study of the health, welfare, and behavior of our dogs and we hope this research helps more owners detect early signs of mobility issues, leading to veterinary and management interventions that can improve the welfare of the affected dogs.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How Do I Stop My Cat From Waking Me up at Night?

As cat parents, we all love our feline family members. But that love doesn’t erase the frustration that comes with your cat turning into a furry alarm clock at precisely 3 am every morning. Why are they even up at that hour?In this article, we’ll address exactly that—the reasons for your cat’s nighttime activities and the steps you can take to reclaim your sleep once and for all.Let’s not waste any time…Why Does My Cat Wake Me Up Every Night? Having your sleep disturbed by your cat every night can be frustrating. But before you get upset with your furry friend, consider asking yourself why. Why are they waking you up? Why are they unable to settle in? There is a possibility that this could be your cat’s way of asking for or alerting you to something important. Here are a few of the more common reasons: Pain or Medical Problems This is most common in cats that once used to settle in fine and are now changing their nighttime routine. If your cat is feeling “off,” whether it’s due to discomfort or pain, it may be preventing them from relaxing or sleeping at night. To rule this out, you must make an appointment with your veterinarian. Pay careful attention to any other signs of trouble, including: Panting Changes in eating habits “Accidents” or failure to use their litterbox like usual Excessive vocalization (meowing, howling, hissing)Loss of interest in toys, furniture, or activities they once loved Overgrooming or failure to groom Hiding or reluctance to be handledIrritability or uncharacteristic aggression When you speak with your veterinarian, explain all behavior changes or reasons for concern that you have recorded. If you're unsure, we recommend keeping a journal. This will help you spot patterns and red flags. Feline Dementia Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) in cats is similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans. As our cats get older, one of the unfortunate age-related symptoms they suffer is a change in their mental state. They may start to act confused, seem unfamiliar with their surroundings, stare blankly into space, or struggle to follow household rules that were once deeply ingrained. If your cat has CDS, they may vocalize loudly at night because they don’t remember where they are or can’t find you. This behavior is often a sign of feeling anxious, fearful, or stressed out. Cat parents who know they have a kitty with CDS may need to keep their cat in a contained “safe place” at night to prevent them from wandering and becoming lost, as it can be incredibly distressing for them. Feeling Hungry Do you have a cat that is highly food-driven? I do! Speaking from experience, an empty food dish can trigger quite a commotion. Our food-driven cat Jinx is quick to let us know when she’s hungry and doesn’t have access to something tasty. In the same way, it could also be your cat’s way of letting you know that their water dish or fountain is running low. Lack of Daytime Activity/Stimulation Cats require mental and physical exercise throughout their day to live a happy, healthy life. When they don’t have this, they can feel bored and exhibit “bad” behaviors like scratching furniture, tearing about the toilet paper, overgrooming, or becoming overly vocal. Much like the cats who are trying to communicate that their food or water dishes are empty, these cats are trying to tell you that they are missing something essential in their lives. It is most common in cats living in a smaller space with few opportunities to engage in their natural behaviors, such as climbing, scratching, hunting, and hiding. Feeling Lonely Despite their aloof and sassy personalities, cats are actually social animals. This is why you find stray cats living in colonies. Your cat’s social needs can be met by you, other people in the house, a second cat (or third or fourth…), or even another animal, like a dog. But they need to have someone they can connect with. Are you your cat’s person? Even if you spend a few hours focused entirely on them before heading to bed, your absence may be difficult for them. Cats can experience separation anxiety, even if the only separation is that you are in a different room, leaving them alone. Differing SchedulesCats are naturally most active at dawn and dusk, which is known as being crepuscular. While some cats will adjust their schedules to match their human family members a little closer, doing so goes against their natural instincts (unless you work a night shift). Other crepuscular pets include hamsters, rats, mice, rabbits, ferrets, and chinchillas. Your cat will likely wake up to get attention or play with you throughout the day, but they will also take many naps. Our cats spend much of their day stretched out in a patch of sunshine, soaking up the warmth and recharging. In general, cats are most energetic first thing in the morning as the sun rises and again just as the average person is getting ready for bed.

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Golden Retriever Nurses African Painted Dog Pups Rejected by Their Mom

The Potawatomi Zoo in South Bend, Indiana, recently welcomed a litter of eight endangered African painted dog puppies. After a rough start, only three puppies survived thanks to an unlikely surrogate mother - a golden retriever named Kassy.The Potawatomi Zoo announced that the pair of their African painted dogs, Bleu and Maurice, had a litter of eight puppies born in late September. However, it was soon clear to the care team at the zoo that the pack would not be able to raise the puppies successfully.“Bleu, an inexperienced mother, was not caring for her pups the way she should have, and Maurice was following her lead,” said the zoo. In their natural habitat, African painted dogs live in large packs with unique vocalizations and social dynamics. All adult dogs in the pack work together to help feed and raise the pups. The success of the birth and raising of the pups can be endangered if the pack doesn’t work together as they should. “We knew within 24 hours that we had to separate them,” the zoo’s executive director, Josh Sisk, told the South Bend Tribune. The zoo’s animal care staff consulted with the African Painted Dog Species Survival Plan (SSP), a group of zoo professionals who form the breeding plans for this endangered species in accredited zoos across the United States. The staff at zoos usually try to remain uninvolved, letting the packs raise the puppies as they would in the wild. This approach is often successful and helps the pups learn the complex social structure of their species. However, in this case, the decision was made to intervene and hand-raise the litter. Instead of bottle-feeding the puppies, the SSP recommended finding a surrogate dog to nurse the puppies. Within a few hours, the Indiana Council for Animal Welfare connected the zoo with a golden retriever named Kassy, who recently had a litter of puppies and had milk to spare. Kassy and her litter arrived at the zoo a day after the painted dog pups were born and immediately accepted them. The zoo’s staff watched as Kessy nursed and cared for the pups as if they were her own.“It was a crazy first month,” Sisk said. “Our team was there for four weeks, 24/7. We had a mattress next to the dogs.”The zoo’s veterinarian and care team worked around the clock to ensure that all of the puppies, including Kassy’s litter, were getting enough food and time with Kassy. However, despite everyone’s efforts, not all of the African painted dog pups survived. Four weeks after the litter was born, only three puppies remained. The surviving pups were named Blue, Red, and Orange for the colors staff used to track them since they were born. Originally, the zoo planned to reintegrate the pups with Bleu, Maurice, and Colby. However, the adult dogs didn’t show a positive interest in the pups, so the plan was changed. The zoo decided to build a home for the pups next to adult dogs, so they could still learn how to behave like painted dogs. Once the puppies get older they can either be integrated with Bleu, Maurice, and Colby or moved to another zoo.“Blue, Red, and Orange have had an unusual and challenging start to life, but the zoo hopes they will have a bright and successful future,” the zoo shared in a release. “These three healthy, active pups are just the start of this story and the zoo hopes to share more positive updates of their milestones in the future.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Finney the Jack Russell Terrier Survives 72 Days Alone in Wilderness

Loyal after death, this mini-mutt remained at her owner's side until rescuers arrived.

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