The Best Dog Coats to Keep Your Pet Warm and Stylish in a Cold Snap

By: Wendy Rose GouldUpdated:

best dog coats
Chewy Studios

Sure, our four-legged friends look extra adorable sporting a winter dog coat—and it’s fun to dive into the season’s best fashion trends—but coats also help keep your pet warm. In those bone-chillingly cold, damp days, when the undercoat Mother Nature provided your pup isn’t quite enough, it’s up to you to deliver that additional layer of protection with a high-quality dog coat or jacket.

Not just any old thing will do, though. We know you want the best of the best for your precious pooch—something that’s both functional and fashionable. To help keep your pet warm and stylish this winter, we rounded up the best dog coats that accommodate a range of sizes and weather conditions. These dog coats and dog jackets are a mix of Chewy customer favorites and new items that tap into the hottest trends this winter, like bright and cheerful hues, swampland-inspired earth tones, and ultra-fuzzy fibers.

Dog Coat FAQs

What are the benefits of putting a coat on a dog?

Dog coats aren’t just a fashion statement for Fido. They help keep your pet warm, cozy and safe during cold days in the fall and winter. The extra layer helps maintain their body temperature and can also provide protection from the wind, snow and rain.

Do dogs need to wear coats?

Not every dog needs to wear winter coats, especially if they already have a nice layer of fur to protect them. However, some small dog breeds, short-haired dogs, older dogs, and dogs with low body fat may benefit from an extra layer, notes Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM, a veterinarian at Chagrin Falls Veterinary Center & Pet Clinic in Ohio.

“I tell my patients, ‘If it’s too cold for you to go outside without a jacket, it’s probably too cold for your dog to go without a jacket, too,’” Dr. Osbourne says.

Dog coats can also protect from sleet, snow, and rain, as well as windy days. If your pup has sensitive skin or tends to get cold, a jacket or coat comes in very handy.

How do I pick the right coat for my dog?

The most important factors to keep in mind when shopping for dog coats is fit and comfort. You want to make sure to measure your pup and that the garment has a snug fit but isn’t too tight. Follow these instructions on how to properly measure your dog for clothing. Then refer to the coat manufacturer’s sizing chart.

From there, you can consider other details, such as reflective piping (great for nighttime walking), water-resistant materials for wet weather, or leash holes and/or d-rings for easy leash attachment. Also consider your particular climate since you don’t want a coat that’ll make your dog too warm or not warm enough.

Need more cold-weather fashion inpo? Learn more about the season’s hottest trends, and how to get them for your pet.