It’s always a good idea to make your pup as visible to motorists as possible, but it is especially important to do so in the types of low-light conditions that are common in the winter. However, it is always important to strike a balance between insulation and mobility, as some coats are so thick and bulky that they can make it tough for your dog to move around. Ample InsulationĪ coat isn’t very helpful if it doesn’t keep your dog warm, so you’ll want to select a coat that provides plenty of insulation. For example, some machine-washable coats must only be washed in cold water and some are not designed to be put in the dryer. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s washing instructions to ensure it holds up the way it is intended. Accordingly, it is almost always preferable to select a machine-washable coat, to save yourself some time and effort. While you can wash virtually any coat by hand in your sink, this will quickly become a tedious chore. Your dog’s coat will get dirty over time, so you’ll need to wash it regularly. This will help ensure you get a high-quality coat, which will keep your little canine cozy. No matter what type of dog you have or what the temperatures are like in your area, you’ll always want to consider a few key factors when making your decision. Things to Look for When Purchasing a Coat But coats with sleeves will allow your pup to play the way he wants to, while still keeping him relatively dry in the process. And, while fun, this can cause their legs to become soaking wet, which can cause them to catch a chill. Some dogs love to splash in every puddle they encounter or jump into every pile of snow they can find. Dogs Who Love to Splash Around or Play in the Snow By keeping your dog’s hips, knees and elbows warm, your dog may experience less pain and enjoy greater range-of-motion while walking around in cold weather. Dogs with Hip, Knee or Elbow Problemsĭogs who have joint issues may benefit from a little extra warmth, so sleeves are often a good idea. Your dog’s legs effectively work like radiators and constantly let body heat escape, so it is important to give these types of dogs the extra protection sleeves provide. Not seeing a jacket that fits your petite pooches needs here? Make sure to also check out our guide to the best dog coats for small dogs in particular! Long LegsĮven though they are fairly large, Weimaraner’s, Dalmatians and other long-legged breeds may benefit from a full-body coat which shields their legs from the cold winter air. Sleeves are usually a good idea for Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Papillons and other dogs with single-digit body weights. Very small dogs radiate body heat into the air remarkably quickly, so you have to bundle them up to keep them warm. Generally speaking, the smaller the dog, the more important it is to keep him warm. Sleeves are especially important for some dogs, including those who meet the following criteria: Very Small Size Dog coats with legs for winter temperatures are perfect for such occasions. While these types of coats may be fine for moderately cool temperatures, your dog may require additional coverage to cope with very cold weather. Most dog coats have very short “sleeves,” which don’t really offer any protection for your dog’s legs. If you live in an area where rain is frequent, but temps don’t require a heavier snow jacket, you may want to consider a lighter dog rain coat for your pup!ĭogs Who May Benefit Most from a Coat with Legs Wet dogs can become chilled very easily, so it is always a good idea to keep your dog dry while going for walks. However, coats are most important for small dogs, who are particularly susceptible to the cold.Įven if the temperatures in your area don’t plummet terribly far during the winter, you may want to provide your dog with a water-proof coat if rain is common. This is especially true for short-haired breeds and those without an undercoat like boxers, beagles, and pit bulls. Some dogs were bred to live in the coldest and wettest weather Old Man Winter can throw at them, so coats aren’t always necessary.įor example, huskies, malamutes, sled dogs and similar, long-haired, double-coated breeds will usually remain comfortable even when snow covers the ground.īut, most other dogs can become chilled when the mercury falls, and they’ll appreciate a little extra insulation during winter walks. Hurtta Slush Combat Suit Waterproof Dog Overall, Orange Camo, 24M

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