How we pick our products
Welcome to our big dog raincoat test 2023. Here we present all the dog raincoat that we have tested in detail. We have compiled detailed background information and added a summary of customer reviews on the web.
We would like to make your purchase decision easier and help you find the best raincoat for your dog.
You will also find answers to frequently asked questions in our guide. Furthermore, you will also find some important information on this page that you should pay attention to if you want to buy a dog raincoat.
Summary
- Rain jackets are particularly suitable for puppies, old dogs and animals with health problems. They can also be useful for breeds from areas with hot climates and quadrupeds without undercoats.
- You can choose between lined coats and unlined raincoats, depending on the dog’s needs.
- Look for signs such as muscle tremors, tucked-in belly, hunched back and stiff movements that signal your pet is cold.
The Best Dog Raincoat: Our Picks
Guide: Questions you should ask yourself before buying a dog raincoat
Does a raincoat make sense for your dog?
Dog breeds whose natural habitat is in colder latitudes are less sensitive than others. If your dog is smaller, a short hair or has no undercoat, there’s nothing wrong with protection against precipitation.
In principle, a raincoat cannot harm a dog. Simple protection keeps the coat dry. This way, your whole flat won’t get dirty after the walk and you won’t have to dry the animal for a long time. In addition, you are not in a hurry to go for a walk – as long as you have thought of your own raincoat.
If there is a lot of running around and as soon as you enter the car or flat, you should take the coat off so that the dog doesn’t overheat.
Which breeds are suitable for a raincoat?
In dog breeds without an undercoat or with a very short coat, moisture penetrates to the skin more quickly. This doesn’t mean that they can’t withstand much and need a coat because of a few drops of rain. On the contrary: dogs are very robust. But to be on the safe side, you can dress your four-legged friend. Especially to protect against heavy rain or to be able to go for long walks in cold and wet weather.
Here are some examples of different types of fur:
| Dog breeds | Coat type |
|---|---|
| Shiba-Inu, Husky, Australian Shepard, Longhaired Collie | long coat, lots of undercoat |
| Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, Poodle | long coat, little undercoat |
| Labrador, Rottweiler, Pug, Golden Retriever | short coat, lots of undercoat |
| Dalmatian, Doberman, Boxer, Bull Terrier, Great Dane | short coat, little undercoat |
Dog breeds like the Chihuahua, which come from countries with warm climates, are not used to wet and cold autumn days in Germany. Maybe you brought your furry friend from Spain or Greece, where it is comparatively warm even in winter. In that case, he must first get used to the local temperatures.
Of course, every animal has its own personality with different needs, so don’t neglect that. Watch out for body language, such as trembling, tummy tucking and stiff posture.
How much does a raincoat cost?
The price does not necessarily say anything about the quality of the product. In internet forums you can find tips from dog owners about which brands produce high quality rain jackets for dogs. Depending on the needs of the animal and the owner, the requirements can vary greatly, which makes it difficult to generalise. You can also find inspiration and items at reasonable prices on amazon and eBay classifieds.
It’s best to think about what features you want in a rain cape and how much you are willing to pay. If you want a jacket for your puppy, he will probably outgrow it quickly. You might want to spend less than you would for a weak or sickly dog that needs extra protection.
Can I sew a raincoat for my dog myself?
Turn old into new. You can make a coat for your dog out of all kinds of clothes and fabrics.
For example, with a little skill you can make a raincoat for your four-legged friend out of an old umbrella:
- Cut a piece, depending on the size of the dog, from the umbrella and sew around the edges
- Sew a piece of fabric to the front for the collar. You will need a second strip to close the coat under the belly. Velcro tape on both sides works well as a fastener.
- A slit in the place where the collar or harness sits makes sure that you can walk the animal on a leash even when it is in the coat.
- Always try it on to make sure it fits well.
Size and shape vary from dog to dog, of course, and the measurements must be adjusted accordingly.
How do I find the right size for my dog raincoat?
Take 4 measurements:
- Back length = from the middle of the neck to the base of the tail
- Chest measurement = directly behind the front legs
- Chest width = across the front of the chest at the widest point
- Neck circumference = at the strongest part of the neck
What material should the raincoat for my dog be made of?
| Material | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Polyester | water-repellent, tear-resistant, dries quickly | heat accumulates, not breathable |
| Nylon | waterproof, elastic, robust | fades, electrostatic charge, moisture collects |
| PVC | highly waterproof, long-lasting, UV-safe, flexible | particularly environmentally incompatible |
Most rain capes for dogs are made of polyester. The material is particularly water-repellent, tear-resistant and dries quickly. Softshell coats made of this material are very popular because they are considered particularly comfortable, windproof and waterproof. If the garment is made of 100% polyester, it is not breathable. Often a blended fabric is made in combination with cotton to create this property.
Many dog coats are made of nylon fleece. Again, a blended fabric is usually used to make it breathable and to wick away moisture. Nylon is particularly resilient, elastic and easy to clean. It is also well suited for outdoor clothing due to its durability. However, it fades more quickly in the sun and can become electrostatically charged when exposed to friction.
Capes made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are particularly water-repellent. The fabric is flexible and tear-resistant. PVC is not affected by sun or rain and is considered indestructible. However, this is not a good quality for the environment. If you buy a dog raincoat made of PVC, you should definitely recycle it when you no longer need it.
What are the alternatives to a dog raincoat?
For smaller dogs, children’s jumpers are good for sewing around. A zip at the bottom helps to get them on and off quickly. Of course, the material should also be water-repellent. Alternatively, there are also special dog jumpers.
Decision: What types of raincoats are there for dogs and which one is right for you?
Dog raincoats can be roughly divided into two variants:
- lined coats
- unlined coats
Unlined coats are good in transitional seasons and for less weather-sensitive dogs. Lined coats are especially good in winter and keep your sensitive four-legged friend warm.
Both types have their advantages and disadvantages, which we outline below to help you decide.
What makes a lined raincoat special and what are its advantages and disadvantages?
Lined raincoats are especially suitable for dogs that get cold quickly and for the cold season.
A lined raincoat is good for the cold season, but you can’t carry it in your trouser pocket very well. On the other hand, longer walks are possible in winter, even with older or sickly dogs. In summer, the lined coat will probably be too warm and you will have to spend a little more money.
Dogs do not sweat and cannot regulate their body heat. Your four-legged friend shouldn’t freeze, but he shouldn’t get too hot either. You should only buy a thickly lined raincoat if it is really cold outside or your dog is very sensitive.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of an unlined raincoat?
You can wear an unlined raincoat in spring, summer and autumn. If the dog breed is not particularly sensitive to the cold, the garment is also suitable for winter.
The rain cape can easily be carried in your trouser pocket and thrown over your four-legged friend in a spontaneous rain shower. In winter, it can also be worn over a thicker coat. It won’t keep your dog warm on its own, as he is particularly sensitive to the cold. If the jacket is made of pure plastic, e.g. polyester, it is not breathable.
Buying criteria: You can use these factors to compare and evaluate raincoats for dogs
In the following, we will show you which criteria you can use to decide between the many possible dog raincoats.
The aspects you can use to compare raincoats for dogs include:
- Density and closure
- Feautures
- Lining / Material
- Body parts covered
In the following paragraphs, we will explain what is important in each criterion.
Tightness and closure
Of course, a raincoat must be waterproof. It should also keep out light gusts of wind. Make sure it fits so that no wind can get through any gaps. The stomach area and joints are particularly sensitive.
Most jackets can be fastened with Velcro. This makes it very easy to put on and take off. It is easy to get a tuft of fur or skin caught in a zip fastener, especially if the dog is not completely still. A wide belt is good for closing and at the same time as additional belly protection.
Some dog coats have a zipper in the back so that a harness can be worn underneath.
Features
Many raincoats now have reflectors so your dog can be seen at night and in fog. You can also buy a light-up collar. Some capes have a hood to keep the furry head and especially the ears dry. It is practical if you can take the headgear on and off.
If you don’t want to take a bag with you every time you go for a walk, there are pockets that are attached to the jacket. You can stow your house keys and poop bags there so you never forget them.
If the raincoat doesn’t have an opening for the collar, there should be a loop so you can leash your dog. Some jackets are specifically designed to be worn with a harness, but most jackets can be worn with a harness.
Lining / Material
Of course, a rain jacket should be made of water-repellent fabric. It is also important that it is breathable. We humans don’t like to sweat after just a few metres. The fabric must also be robust, as dogs like to roll over the ground, crawl through undergrowth or play in the undergrowth.
Depending on your four-legged friend’s needs, a lined rain jacket might be the right thing. This should, of course, have a water-repellent top layer, e.g. made of nylon, and a lining made of pure or a mixture of cotton and polyester.
The material should fit snugly to your pet’s body and not restrict its freedom of movement.
Body parts covered
You can buy your dog a raincoat that covers the belly and chest – most of the dog will stay dry. There are also models with an extra large collar for the neck area or a hood. An overall raincoat ensures that the legs don’t get wet either.
It is good if the rain cape is a little longer at the legs to protect the joints. However, it should not extend over the hindquarters, because otherwise the four-legged friend may have problems doing his business. Since dogs like to sniff and keep their heads down, the coat must be tight enough at the back so that it does not always slip.
Facts worth knowing about dog raincoats
How do I put a raincoat on my dog?
The easiest way is to have treats in one hand while you put the coat over the dog’s head with the other hand. That way, he stretches his head forward and does half the work himself. Then you only have to close the coat under the belly.
Some dogs are afraid when they have to pull something over their head. In general, many animals don’t like to be touched from above or to have their eyes covered. It is best to kneel down when you put the coat on. Some designs have a fastener at the bottom of the collar so that you can put the coat on over your pet’s back.
After a short period of getting used to it, you and your animal friend should no longer have any major problems getting ready for a walk in the rain.
Can the raincoat be combined with other dog accessories?
In order to be able to lead your dog on a leash while wearing the coat, it needs either a hole where the collar sits or a loop.
If you buy a harness one size larger, it will fit over your dog’s raincoat. Some harnesses can be easily adjusted in size. There are also coats on the market that are specially made for harnesses and have a special opening, e.g. a zipper on the back.
How do I wash the dog raincoat?
Almost all raincoats with a smooth surface can simply be wiped off with a damp cloth. However, they are also machine washable. Most should be washed on the delicate cycle with little spinning. They are not suitable for tumble drying. It’s best to air dry your coat on a clothesline in a warm room.
Dry cleaning can fade, shrink or otherwise destroy the material.
You should also refrain from ironing. Most synthetic products, such as nylon and polyester, will melt or burn when exposed to high heat. The fabric usually does not crease anyway.
You should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. There is a washing instruction on every product.
Image source: unsplash.com/Cole Keister)
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