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When winter weather comes calling, people aren't the only ones who struggle to stay warm and dry. Windy days with snow, slush, and ice are enough to make all but the hardiest dog breeds think twice about going outside for a walk. But with one of the best winter dog coats, bad weather doesn't have to mean a day stuck indoors.
To help us nail down the best insulated winter jackets, we spoke with 13 dog walkers and trainers from the coldest, snowiest US cities. They shared their insights on the features, styles, and brands that make the best winter coats for dogs of all sizes, shapes, and needs. Our top pick is the Ruffwear Powder Hound Jacket, a water-resistant insulated coat designed for maximum comfort. If you're looking for a reliable dog coat at a low price, the Frisco Boulder Plain Insulated Puffer Coat is a good water-resistant jacket, but it doesn't provide as much coverage as our other picks. We recommend outfitting your pup in one of the best raincoats for dogs when temperatures are mild.
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Best overall: Ruffwear Powder Hound Jacket - See at Amazon
Best for outdoor adventures: Hurtta Expedition Parka - See at Chewy
Best snowsuit: Canada Pooch Slush Suit - See at Amazon
Best budget: Frisco Boulder Plaid Insulated Puffer Coat - See at Chewy
Best for barrel-chested dogs: Weatherbeeta Comfitec Reflective Parka 300D - See at Amazon
Ruffwear's Powder Hound is a high-quality winter dog jacket that will keep your dog warm and dry in cold, wet, and windy winter conditions. The jacket is water-resistant and fits tightly enough to prevent snow from building up inside, says Jacob Venter, owner of Denver Dog Joggers.
As a brand, Ruffwear was the clear favorite for the best winter dog coats among our experts. "Ruffwear has the best dog gear," says Krissia Chanto, co-owner of Rock Paw Pet Care in Boulder, Colorado. Megan Selheim, owner of Come, Sit, Stay in Minneapolis, agrees. "Ruffwear jackets are long-lasting and high quality," she says.
The Powder Hound Jacket's upper panel is filled with recycled polyester insulation, and its lower panel is stretchy and form-fitting. It has cap sleeves over the front legs and full chest and belly coverage. The jacket's interior has a soft lining to prevent chafing and discomfort. It is easy to put on and take off quickly, with a single zipper running the length of its left side.
Reflective trim provides better visibility at night, and there is a loop at the base of the neck for attaching an additional light. Although this jacket does not have an opening for securing a leash to a harness worn underneath, it is slim fitting enough that most harnesses will fit easily over the outside.
Dogs who love a good outdoor winter adventure will stay toasty and dry in Hurtta's insulated Expedition Parka. Designed in Finland to withstand harsh Nordic winters, this jacket moves with an active dog and allows an extended range of motion. "It's easy to get on and off, warm, waterproof, durable, and fashionable," says Lori Riegler, owner of Off Leash MKE in Milwaukee. "I want one for myself!"
The coat is made of laminated water- and windproof polyester. It slips over the head and chest, wraps around the belly, and is secured with a single adjustable buckle. Its wide snood and the section around the shoulders have elastic drawstring cords that adjust to a dog's unique shape.
The parka's interior is lined with soft, breathable fabric. Its exterior is trimmed in highly visible reflective piping. Elastic sections at the front legs flex with a dog's movement, and elastic straps at the hind end can be slipped over the back legs for added security. Through an opening at the back, you can connect a leash to a harness worn underneath the jacket.
One of the reasons the Expedition Parka landed on our list of the best winter dog coats is its wide variety of available sizes. The brand's sizes include two long-length options perfect for hot dog-shaped canines and two wide options for chesty bully breeds.
When the forecast calls for snow, wind, or freezing rain, the Canada Pooch Slush Suit is ready to keep your dog warm and dry from head to toe. The full-body onesie covers the most sensitive areas of your dog's body, and its soft polyester lining helps to insulate them from frigid temperatures.
"[My dog] and I are big fans of the Canada Pooch Slush Suit," says Sydney Fontaine, owner of Zippy Pet Care in Chicago. "It can double as a full-body rain jacket, as well, which is perfect for his thick, curly hair."
The Slush Suit is a step-in jacket that zips closed along the length of the dog's right side. Melody Koney, a dog walker with Windy City Paws in Chicago, says this style fits most dogs well and keeps them warm in frigid winter temperatures. Two snaps at each ankle and a drawstring cord at the neck help to adjust the suit for the right fit.
The outer shell is water-resistant polyester, and reflective tape runs along the zipper for better visibility. The Canada Pooch website has a breed sizing tool to help identify which size is best for your dog. Fontaine says the suit is fully lined inside, which is important in Chicago's cold winters. "Dogs hold most of their heat along their back and spine, so keeping that insulated is the top priority," she says. It also has an opening at the back for attaching a leash to a harness worn underneath.
Because the suit requires each leg to be placed individually in its own opening, dogs sensitive to handling may struggle with it. And although it's moderately priced for smaller dogs, the price rises for larger breeds, topping out close to $100.
Frisco's range of affordable snow jackets for dogs don't just look cute, they also provide a good quality alternative to pricier pet apparel, says Stephanie Gonzales, owner of Maw and Paws Dog Walking in Brooklyn, New York. With its quilted, water-resistant polyester exterior and plush fleece lining, the Frisco Boulder Plaid Insulated Puffer Coat, in particular, is an excellent option for cold, damp conditions. It's also available with budget-friendly personalization.
The Boulder Plaid Insulated Puffer is easy to put on your dog and secure with two velcro straps that wrap under the belly and around the neck. This makes it an excellent option for squirmy dogs who can't stand still long enough to step through tight leg holes and dogs who are sensitive to having a jacket pulled over their head.
Because the coat leaves the belly and chest mostly exposed, you may want to throw on a second layer on wet or snowy days when your dog is likely to kick up a lot of bone-chilling water and mud.
This puffer is designed to fit a range of body types. "My dog Rocko is a Chiweenie, which means it can be difficult to find something that fits his long skinny torso while still providing length to keep his little butt warm," Gonzales says. "Frisco seems to have that figured out."
A harness worn underneath the puffer can be connected to a leash through an opening at the back. And when the jacket has collected its fair share of mud and salt, it can be thrown in a washing machine and dryer. However, this jacket may struggle to stay dry in heavy rain or deep snow and lacks reflective trim.
Weatherbeeta's Comfitec Reflective Parka 300D Deluxe Dog Coat comfortably fits dogs with broad, barrel, or irregularly shaped chests for whom regular jackets are too snug. With full chest and belly coverage, this waterproof, insulated snow jacket will keep dogs of all sizes warm and dry.
Several dog pros we consulted prefer the velcro closure like that on Weatherbeeta's parka. "I don't like coats that have buttons or zippers on them simply from an ease of use standpoint," Anderson says. "When my dogs are wiggling to get outside, I like to get them geared up and out the door as quickly as I can, which makes velcro my best friend." The beauty of the strap on the Comfitec Reflective Parka is that it wraps around the chest and belly so that it can be pulled tighter for narrow-chested dogs or fastened more loosely across broader dogs.
The parka has a wide collar that can be flipped up or down. An opening at the back can be used to connect a leash to a harness worn underneath the jacket. Elastic at the chest allows the parka to move with your dog, and elastic straps at its tail end can be slipped over the legs for added security.
The jacket is lined with fleece and filled with polyester material that will keep a dog with medium-thick fur warm in near-freezing temperatures. The polyester exterior is trimmed in reflective tape, ensuring your dog stays highly visible day or night. If you'd rather your dog's snow apparel be a little more low-key, you'll have to look elsewhere. While this jacket can be machine-washed on the delicate cycle in cold water, Weatherbeeta recommends handwashing it with mild soap.
With so many similar-looking options, choosing one of the best winter dog coats can be overwhelming. To narrow down your search and better differentiate between styles, we asked Dr. Shelly Vaden, a veterinarian and professor of nephrology and urology at the NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine, what factors to consider when shopping.
Fit: Vaden says the coat's fit is very important to keep in mind. "The coat should not be so small as to inhibit movement or rub on the skin," she says, stressing the importance of the fit around the top of the legs. "If the coat is too big, it can prevent them from walking and may be more likely to be soiled when the dog goes potty," she adds. Keep overall length in mind as well, and make sure the coat does not cover the dog's anus or external genitalia. To ensure a proper fit, take time to gather your dog's measurements rather than eyeballing them. Then, cross-reference your measurements with the coat's sizing instructions before ordering.
Material: The type and quality of a coat's material affect how well it protects against cold temperatures, resists moisture, and blocks strong winds. If you live in a particularly wet, snowy, or windy climate, look for water-resistant fabrics like nylon or polyester. For protection against the cold, fleece and polyester are effective insulators, and their soft texture is comfortable for dogs. For maximum protection, look for a coat with both types of fabric. Vaden also recommends choosing a washable fabric that won't shrink since it's important to wash a coat regularly. She also says to look for reflective materials, like piping and strips, if you walk your dog in heavy traffic areas.
Design: Winter dog coats vary in overall design, so make sure their features are compatible with you and your dog. For example, if your dog wears a harness, a coat with a cutout on the back to attach a leash is ideal. Or, if you have an especially wiggly pup who struggles to sit still when it's time for a walk, consider a coat with a straightforward closure system instead of an overly complex design with multiple straps, clips, and leg openings. Dr. Alison Meindl, assistant professor of community practice at Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine, recommends simpler, faster velcro straps for dogs who may be sensitive to being handled or dislike items being placed over their heads.
Care instructions: Snow, slush, and rain are prime ingredients for a muddy, gritty environment and can quickly soil your dog's coat during walks. To keep a coat clean and prevent bacteria growth that thrives in moist conditions, look for coats made with machine-washable materials. Most coats will clearly be labeled with washing and drying instructions, so make sure to check before purchasing.
To select the best winter dog coats, we consulted dog professionals from across the US who walk and train dogs in cold, snowy winter climates. Most of our experts responded to a survey about brands, designs, and features they prefer in a winter jacket. Those who did not respond to the survey were sent questions to answer via email. Our experts include:
Anytime you are really feeling the cold, there's no harm in putting a jacket on your dog, says Dr. Zay Satchu, chief veterinary officer and co-founder of Bond Vet in New York City. "They're more likely to let you know they are feeling toasty by panting than to let you know they are chilly," she says. It's easier to cool down a warm dog by removing an outer layer than warm up a dog chilled to the bone.
Yes, a properly fitted coat made with insulated materials can help keep your dog warm. Insulated layers trap your dog's body heat, and water-resistant outer shells block cold water and frigid winds to help your dog maintain their body temperature in cold weather. That doesn't mean the best winter dog coats are always necessary, though. Vaden says many dogs do not need coats to keep warm, and even though it may seem cold to us, their natural coats provide adequate protection. "Some breeds will actually develop a thicker coat in the winter to aid in protection from the cold," she says. If you're unsure whether your dog is cold, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society says to look for indicators like shaking or shivering, hunched posture with a tucked tail, or a dog seeking places for shelter.
For dogs in the snow for an extended period, Vaden recommends waterproof materials or insulated coats, as well as dog boots to protect their paws. Boots help keep your dog warm and comfortable by protecting their sensitive paws from snow, ice, and salty sidewalks. "Booties are similar to you wearing gloves during the cool months," Satchu says. However, if it's cold enough that you need to cover every bit of your exposed skin to feel somewhat comfortable, you should stick to bringing your dog outdoors for only quick potty breaks instead of longer walks.
Vaden says small breed dogs, dogs with a naturally thin hair coat, dogs with medical conditions that have caused them to lose fat and muscle mass or hair, senior dogs, and puppies are examples of dogs that might benefit from a coat. On the other hand, dogs that develop thick winter coats, like huskies, do not need a coat. Vaden also says it's important to watch a dog's behavior when deciding to put a coat on them. Signs that a dog feels cold and needs a coat or sweater include shivering, reluctance to move or frequently lifting their paws while standing in one position, anxiety when outdoors, and snow accumulating between toes and paw pads.
Getting the right fit on a dog jacket is more complicated than choosing between small, medium, and large. Depending on your dog's body shape, a dog that's considered small may fit better in a large coat, while a slim, leggy dog may need a smaller one. Use a measuring tape to determine the following to get the right fit for your dog's winter coat.
Length: Body length is the primary way to determine what size jacket a dog will need. Measure your dog while they are standing in a relaxed position from the shoulder blades to the base of the tail. If your dog's measurements are between sizes, go with the larger option. Sometimes, a brand suggests a specific size based on breed or weight. This can be helpful, but don't use it as your only guide; body types can vary drastically among different dogs of the same weight.
Chest girth: Since most jackets can't be adjusted around the chest, getting this measurement right is important. This is especially true for broad or barrel-chested pups. Measure the circumference of your dog's chest at its largest point right behind the front legs while they are standing. Go with the larger option if your dog's measurements fall between sizes. If you have an active dog that does a lot of running and jumping, you may want to add 1 to 2 inches to your figure to ensure they have full freedom of movement while wearing the jacket.
Neck girth: To get the right fit on a jacket with a nonadjustable neck opening, measure around the thickest part of the neck, right below where the collar sits. As with the other measurements, size up when in doubt.
Drop: The drop indicates how low a jacket hangs on a dog's body and legs. If the coat is too long, it may restrict their movement. If it's too short, it may not provide adequate coverage. To determine how a jacket's drop will lay on your dog, compare its length to their length, measuring from the base of the tail down the hind leg to the ankle just above the paw. The ideal jacket covers the body but extends less than halfway down the leg.
