Dog clothing guide: How to decide if your pet needs a coat

As the weather cools down, it’s time to pull out warmer clothing—even for pets! Here’s how to know when it’s time to bundle up your dog.

Outdoor activities are essential for your dog’s mental and physical health, from walking and running to hiking. But as winter approaches and temperatures drop, it’s important to know when the cold can become dangerous for your dog if he’s not dressed. Let’s look at the key factors to consider to keep your pet safe on the coldest days.

Consider the unique characteristics of your dog!

A temperature that feels comfortable to one dog may be uncomfortable for another. How dogs react to the cold depends on several factors.

Type of coat
In general, dogs with thick, double coats—such as the Siberian Husky, Newfoundland, and Samoyed—are among the most cold-tolerant breeds. These dogs typically originate from northern climates and have qualities that enable them to thrive in colder conditions. In contrast, dogs with thin coats, like the Basenji, can quickly feel the effects of cold weather

Coat colour
In sunny weather, a black or other dark-coated dog can absorb a significant amount of heat from the sun’s rays. This makes it less susceptible to the cold compared to its lighter-coated counterparts.

Dog size
Dogs lose most of their heat through their skin. Smaller dogs lose heat over a relatively larger surface area than their larger counterparts due to their higher surface area-to-volume ratio, so they start to feel cold sooner. Additionally, the height of the animal is also a factor: shorter dogs are further affected by the cold ground

The weight of the dog
Body fat is a good insulator, so thin dogs feel the cold sooner. However, the health risks associated with being overweight far outweigh any potential benefits, so don’t let your pet gain excessive weight as winter approaches.

Dog age and health
Puppies, older dogs, and those with health problems may not be able to regulate their body temperature as effectively as healthy animals. They are less tolerant of the cold, so they may need to be dressed sooner

Don’t just watch the temperature!

For humans, it’s not just what the thermometer reads; like us, our pets’ sense of warmth is influenced by many other factors. Wind, precipitation, and cloudy days can make dogs feel colder as they cannot warm up in the sun. Activity also plays a role. If your dog spends time outdoors actively exercising, he may be able to generate enough body heat to keep himself comfortable, even when temperatures are relatively low.

Your guide to dog clothes

While broad generalizations are not always the most accurate, the following guidelines should be considered when assessing the factors mentioned above. Dogs that are more sensitive to the cold—such as light, thin, short-haired breeds, small dogs, elderly dogs, and sick animals—may start to feel cold when the temperature drops below 7°C (45°F). At this time, it is a good idea to put them in a thinner dog coat. This will help keep them warm and comfortable.

At around 0°C, most dogs need a coat. For small, short-haired breeds, it’s essential to choose a coat that also protects the animal’s belly. Additionally, if the dog is not active, it’s important to reduce the amount of time spent outside. By this you can prevent them from getting too cold.

Below -7°C, all but the most cold-tolerant breeds need to be dressed.

When you are out with your dog, observe the animal’s behavior. If you notice that your pet’s ears are cold, or if it is shivering, anxious, slowing down, or lifting its legs, it’s time to head home. If the dog is outside, make sure to provide shelter where it can warm up. When the temperature drops below -10°C at night, at least let the dog into the hallway to avoid hypothermia.