Does My Dog Need a Winter Coat?
Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details.
Not veterinary advice. This page summarizes public guidance from the AVMA and ASPCA and explains how to choose gear. For your own dog's cold limits or any health concern, ask your veterinarian.
Some dogs love snow; others shiver on the porch. Whether a coat helps depends on the dog, and both the AVMA and the ASPCA say so plainly.
What the AVMA says about cold tolerance
The AVMA's cold-weather guidance makes several points worth knowing:
- Cold tolerance varies from pet to pet, based on coat, body fat, activity level, and health.
- Short-haired pets feel the cold faster because they have less protection.
- Short-legged pets may get cold faster, because their bellies and bodies are more likely to touch snow-covered ground.
- Long-haired or thick-coated dogs tend to be more cold-tolerant, but are still at risk in cold weather.
- Very young and very old pets, and pets with certain health conditions, may have a harder time regulating body temperature.
- No pet should be left outside for long periods in below-freezing weather, according to the AVMA.
- For help determining your pet's limits, the AVMA says to consult your veterinarian.
There's no universal temperature at which every dog needs a coat. Your vet is the right person to ask about your dog.
Signs to watch for (from the AVMA)
The AVMA lists signs that a pet may be getting too cold and should be brought inside: whining, shivering, seeming anxious, slowing down or stopping, seeming weak, or looking for warm places to burrow. It says to consult a veterinarian immediately if you suspect hypothermia or frostbite.
Dogs that may benefit from a coat
Based on the AVMA and ASPCA points above, owners commonly consider a coat or sweater for:
- Short-haired dogs
- Short-legged dogs whose bellies brush the snow
- Small or lean dogs
- Dogs that seem bothered by the cold
- Older dogs or dogs your vet says are less cold-tolerant
The AVMA's wording is simple: if your dog has a short coat or seems bothered by the cold, consider a sweater or dog coat.
Choosing a coat: what to look for
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Belly coverage | The ASPCA suggests coverage from the base of the tail to the belly for short-haired dogs |
| High collar or turtleneck | The ASPCA suggests one for short-haired dogs |
| Water resistance | The AVMA warns wet coats can make dogs colder |
| Easy on and off | Velcro or buckles beat pulling over the head for wriggly dogs |
| Freedom of movement | It shouldn't rub under the legs or restrict walking |
| Reflective trim | Helpful on dark winter evenings |
| Leash access | A harness opening, if your dog wears a harness |
Waterproof dog coats → Amazon · Dog sweaters → Amazon · Reflective dog jackets → Amazon
Getting the fit right
- Measure your dog's back length from the base of the neck to the base of the tail.
- Measure chest girth at the widest part, behind the front legs.
- Measure the neck.
- Compare with the maker's size chart. Sizes vary a lot between brands, so don't go by "small, medium, large."
- Check for rubbing under the front legs after the first few walks.
Keep more than one
The AVMA suggests having several sweaters or coats on hand so you can use a dry one each time your dog goes out, since a wet one can make your dog colder. Washable coats make this easier.
Don't shave down for winter
The ASPCA advises never shaving your dog down to the skin in winter, since a longer coat provides more warmth. For long-haired dogs, it suggests trimming to minimize ice balls and salt clinging to the fur, including between the toes.
Other cold-weather basics from the AVMA and ASPCA
- Shorten walks in very cold weather (AVMA).
- Keep dogs leashed on snow and ice; the ASPCA notes dogs can lose their scent and get lost.
- Make sure ID tags and microchip info are current (AVMA, ASPCA).
- Don't leave pets in cold cars (AVMA, ASPCA).
- Stay away from frozen ponds and lakes (AVMA).
Next: protect those feet with boots or paw wax.
FAQ
At what temperature does a dog need a coat?
There's no single number. The AVMA says cold tolerance varies by coat, body fat, activity level, and health, and recommends asking your veterinarian for help determining your pet's limits.
Do short-haired dogs need coats?
The AVMA notes short-haired pets feel the cold faster, and suggests a sweater or coat for dogs with short coats or that seem bothered by the cold. The ASPCA suggests a coat or sweater with a high collar for short-haired dogs.
Can a wet coat make my dog colder?
Yes. The AVMA says wet sweaters or coats can make a dog colder and suggests keeping several so a dry one is available each time.
Related guides
- Dog Paw Protection in Winter: Boots vs. Paw Wax
- Heated and Warm Dog Beds: What to Know Before You Buy
- Gifts for Dog Lovers by Budget (Winter Edition)