Do dogs really need winter jackets? At first glance, it seems like a silly question. Jackets are our way to make up for a lack of fur. Though not all dogs are equal. Unless it’s an Arctic dog like an Alaskan Malamute or Husky, chances are there is a time and place where a winter jacket could come in handy.
We’ve broken down some factors to help you decide when it’s the right time to give your dog a helping hand against the cold, and what to look for in a winter jacket for any adventure or condition.
At what temperature do dogs get cold?
Generally, dogs are much more capable at handling mild cold temperatures than humans are. Most dogs can handle temperatures down to about 45°F without issue. Below that threshold and comfort starts to depend on different breeds and their own natural defenses against the cold.
Smaller dogs, and dogs with shorter coats, can quickly lose body temperature as temperatures drop below 45°F, so it’s important to look for signs of chills and distress.
Larger dogs, and dogs with more fur, should be comfortable for moderate-length activity if the temperature stays above freezing, but can become cold and exhibit signs of dropping body temperature when the weather dips below 32°F.
It’s important to note that temperature isn’t the only factor, as inclement weather like sleet or rain can dampen a dog’s fur and chill them much quicker.
What are signs that a dog is too cold?
If you’re out and about on a cold day, here are a few key signs to look out for if you’re concerned your dog may be getting too cold:
Shivering: The easiest symptom of the chills to pick up. Shivering is a dog’s involuntary way to warm up when it senses a drop in body temperature. Rapidly contracting muscles generates heat. Of course, it’s also a common indicator of a nervous or fearful dog, too.
Lifting paws: If a dog is lifting its paws or changing their natural walking pattern during a walk in the cold, it could be a sign that their feet or paws are becoming uncomfortably cold.
Whining: A dog’s way of indicating they are in distress. If nothing else is clearly causing distress, it may be the cold.
Tail-tucking or curling up: To preserve body heat, dogs will try to condense themselves as much as possible.
These are easy signs that a dog has reached a temperature or an activity length where adding a jacket will increase their comfort.
When should dogs wear a winter jacket?
Dogs who struggle in cold weather (including puppies, senior dogs, and those with thin coats) may benefit from wearing a jacket for extended activities once temperatures drop below 45°F.
For most dogs, outdoor activities in temperatures below 32°F are a good time to consider adding a jacket. Short potty breaks or highly active outings, where your dog is generating plenty of body heat, likely won't require an extra layer.
Dogs with thick coats or double coats are naturally built for colder conditions and usually don’t need a jacket. However, even cold-weather breeds may benefit from added protection in wet, windy conditions or during extended exposure to extreme cold.
Which dog breeds get cold easily?
Dogs with low body fat, short fur, or small stature are most likely to get cold more easily. Flat-faced dogs also have an especially tricky time in the colder temperatures. Cold air has less time to warm before reaching their lungs, cooling down their body temperature quickly.
Here is a list of some breeds that have more trouble in the cold: Chihuahuas, Greyhounds, Whippets, French Bulldogs, Pugs, Pit Bulls, Beagles, Miniature Pinschers, and Boxers.
Which dog breeds are best suited for the cold?
Since some dogs are truly made for the cold, we’ll break our list down into two categories: dogs who thrive in the cold, and dogs who have a higher tolerance for the cold.
Dogs bred for inclement weather have developed either extremely thick coats or double-coats (a coarse outer layer of fur, with a thick and fluffy layer underneath) to comfortably withstand temperatures even below 0°F. Some of these dogs include: Siberian Huskies, Samoyeds, Alaskan Malamutes, Saint Bernards, Great Pyrenees, and Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Dogs with longer fur, fluffier coats, or a higher body fat percentage tend to have a higher tolerance to the cold and may do well without winter jackets in even below freezing temperatures for shorter distances. These include: Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Border Collies, Poodles, and Australian Shepherds.
Even within cold-tolerant breeds, individual dogs can respond very differently to winter conditions, so comfort should always guide your decisions.
How to choose the right winter jacket for your dog:
Winter jackets for the active dog: Light fleece or weather resistant jackets should do the trick for active adventures. Keeping fur dry and clean in snowy and slushy conditions will help prevent chills while exploring. Our Rain Jacket will do the trick in those wet storms.
Winter jackets for maximum comfort: Comfort is different for every dog, but fleece-lined materials provide a more comfortable surface, preventing any friction points from bothering a dog and added warmth. Check out our Fleece Jacket or Sherpa Fleece Jacket for maximum coziness.
Whatever your winter adventure is, have fun and do not let the cold be the reason your dog misses out. With the right layers and a little preparation, winter can be just another season to explore together!
