Best Dog Winter Coats Buyer’s Guide
Although domesticated, most dogs enjoy going outside and running around in the rain - even when it’s cold! The best way to protect them as a pet owner is not to force them to stay indoors, but to make sure that they’re warm and comfortable with a durable and well-made winter coat.
You’ll be glad to know that we used rigorous criteria when choosing these coats. We looked at different options from raincoats, doggie parkas and coats that are designed to keep your pup warm, protect them from the rain and allow them to look stylish at the same time.
To find a good quality winter coat for your dog, you need to look out for a few important considerations, including:
Insulation
The type of dog coat you buy will largely depend on the climate and weather conditions that you live in. This is characterized by the amount of rainfall, precipitation, wind and temperature levels experienced in your region each year.
For example, dog owners in tropical to semi-tropical climates that don’t get super cold would do well to purchase a fleece jacket. But if you reside in an area that’s prone to extreme wind conditions, then you’ll do well to invest in a windbreaker.
For a frigid climate, we recommend a well-insulated and multilayered jacket that will keep out the cold in freezing temperatures.
Be sure to take your pooch out of its outdoor kennel and dog houses during winter.
Waterproof
There are certain areas which experience a fair amount of rain and even snow during the winter months. If that sounds like your home then you’ll do well to invest in a waterproof dog winter coat that’ll keep your dog dry even when it’s raining cats and dogs outside (mind the pun!)
But if your area only experiences a few centimeters of rain per year, then you can get away with purchasing a wool or cotton coat.
As your canine buddy will probably spend most winter indoors, it’s time to dog-proof your house with a dog-proof trash can and a dog-proof litter box too.
Attachment
Another critical consideration to make when looking for a dog winter coat is the durability and quality of construction. You should also consider details like zippers, which may not be a good idea for long-haired pets as they tend to get snagged in all the wrong places. This is also true for other canine accessories such as a dog backpack carrier and a dog carrier purse.
Velcro snaps and attachments are a good alternative in such situations. We also recommend you stay away from snaps and buckles because these small pieces might get caught in your dog’s teeth while it chews at it out of curiosity.
Reflective Strips
There are plenty of dog winter coats with reflective strips and this helps to ensure that your dog stays visible under low light conditions. This is especially helpful to dogs that live in high traffic areas because it’ll make them more visible to drivers while walking along the street.
For added safety, there’s always an option of getting a dog LED collar to bring your dog for walks during winter nights.
Reflective strips will come in handy when walking your dog at night and they’re perfect for pet owners that only have a chance to walk their dogs after work.
