Do Dogs Need Coats in Winter? A UK Guide

Not every dog needs a coat in a UK winter, but many do. Small breeds, dogs with short or thin fur, very young, elderly, underweight or unwell dogs usually benefit from a coat on cold or wet walks, while fit, healthy dogs with thick double coats are generally fine without one as long as they keep moving. Most dogs do not need to wear a coat indoors.

British winters tend to be more damp and windy than bitterly cold, so for many dogs the real job of a coat is to keep them dry and out of the wind. Here is how to decide whether your dog needs one, which type to choose and how it should fit.

Which dogs benefit from a winter coat?

Animal welfare charities such as the PDSA point to a few groups of dogs that are more likely to feel the cold:

• Small and toy breeds: Chihuahuas, toy poodles, small terriers and similar dogs have less body mass to hold heat and sit closer to cold, wet ground.
• Short-coated and thin-coated breeds: sighthounds such as Greyhounds, Whippets and Italian Greyhounds have fine fur and very little body fat, so they lose heat quickly.
• Puppies: young dogs are not as good at regulating their body temperature.
• Elderly dogs: older dogs often feel the cold more and may move more slowly on walks, so they generate less heat.
• Underweight or unwell dogs: dogs with little insulation, or those recovering from illness, can struggle to stay warm. If your dog has a health condition, ask your vet for advice.
• Freshly clipped dogs: a dog who has just had a short winter trim has lost some of their natural insulation.

Which dogs usually don't need one?

Breeds with a dense double coat, such as Huskies, Malamutes, Samoyeds and many other spitz-type and working breeds, are built for cold weather. A fit, healthy dog with a thick coat who stays active on walks is generally fine without a coat. Some heavily coated dogs can even overheat in one.

That said, every dog is an individual. A thick-coated dog who is getting older, or who stands around a lot at the school gate or in a beer garden, may still appreciate a light layer.

Signs your dog is cold

• Shivering or trembling
• Hunching the back or tucking the tail in
• Lifting paws off the ground
• Slowing down, reluctance to keep walking or trying to turn for home
• Looking for shelter or wanting to be picked up

If you see these signs, head home, dry your dog off and let them warm up. On very cold days, shorter and more frequent walks can be kinder than one long one.

Waterproof, padded or cape: which type?

Waterproof raincoats

For most UK dogs, a waterproof coat earns its keep more often than a heavily insulated one. Keeping the coat and skin dry stops a dog getting chilled on wet, windy days and saves a lot of towelling afterwards. Look for a coat that covers the back and chest, with a lining for a little warmth. Our Regent Raincoat is a waterproof soft-shell with a fleece lining and reflective detailing, in sizes XS to 3XL and in stone, powder blue and onyx.

Padded and puffer coats

Padded coats add insulation, which suits small, thin-coated, elderly or chilly dogs on colder days. Check whether a padded coat is waterproof or only water-resistant: water-resistant fabrics shrug off showers but will eventually soak through in heavy rain. The Hampstead Puffer is padded and water-resistant with reflective detailing and an adjustable fit, in sizes S to 2XL.

Capes and lightweight layers

A light cape or jacket is a good choice for small dogs who only need a little extra warmth for short walks around town, or for dogs who dislike anything bulky. The Kensington Check Cape is a lightweight camel cape with a heritage check collar, designed for small dogs, in sizes S to XL.

Reflective detailing

With early sunsets from late October onwards, many winter walks happen in the dark. Reflective trims on coats, collars or leads help drivers and cyclists see your dog.

How a dog coat should fit

A good fit matters as much as the coat itself. Measure your dog before buying:

1. Back length: from the base of the neck, where the collar sits, to the base of the tail.
2. Chest: around the widest part of the ribcage, just behind the front legs.
3. Neck: around the neck where the collar normally sits.

Then check the fit once it is on:

• Your dog should be able to walk, run, sit, lie down and go to the toilet comfortably.
• It should cover the back and ideally the chest, without restricting the shoulders.
• You should be able to slide two fingers under the straps.
• There should be no rubbing under the front legs. Check the skin after the first few walks.
• Persistent scratching, biting at the coat or rubbing against furniture can be a sign that it does not fit well or is irritating your dog.

Our guide to how to measure your dog walks through each measurement in more detail.

Other winter care tips

• Take coats off indoors: most dogs can overheat in a centrally heated home.
• Dry your dog after walks: towel off wet fur, paying attention to the belly, legs and paws.
• Check paws: rinse off grit and road salt after walks and check between the toes for cracks or soreness.
• Keep beds warm and draught free: raise the bed off cold floors or move it away from doors in winter.
• Never leave a dog in a cold car: cars can get very cold as well as very hot.

You can browse our full range of coats and layers in the clothing collection.

Frequently asked questions

At what temperature does a dog need a coat?

There is no single temperature, as it depends on the dog's size, coat, age and health, as well as wind and rain. Small, thin-coated, young or elderly dogs may benefit from a coat on any cold or wet day, while thick-coated active dogs often never need one.

Should my dog wear a coat indoors?

Usually not. Most dogs can overheat in a centrally heated home, so take the coat off when you get back from a walk.

Do Labradors need a coat in winter?

A fit, healthy Labrador with a full coat usually does not need one for active walks. An elderly, unwell or recently clipped Labrador may benefit from a waterproof layer on cold, wet days.

Is a waterproof coat or a padded coat better?

For damp UK winters, a waterproof coat is often the more useful choice for keeping a dog dry. A padded coat adds warmth for small, thin-coated or older dogs on colder days.