Last updated: 08/30/2019
When choosing a coat for yourself, you always take into consideration the quality of the fabric, price and seasonal trends. Well, you should do the same when buying a coat for your dog, plus more. The age of your dog, the breed of dog, and even the climate of your area are factors that should be carefully assessed in order to make a good decision.
No matter how much you like cloth or wool when choosing a dog coat, you must prioritize your dog’s comfort rather than thinking about a print that looks nice in photos. It is also important to make sure your dog really needs a coat. So, what are you waiting for, we’ve written a guide on dog coats and the best products on the market. Don’t miss it!
Contents
- 1 Key Facts
- 2 Ranking: The best dog coats on the U.S. market
- 3 Shopping Guide: Everything you should know about dog coats
- 3.1 What are dog coats and what are their advantages?
- 3.2 Is a dog coat really necessary?
- 3.3 Are dog coats always advisable?
- 3.4 What should I consider when buying a dog coat?
- 3.5 How to choose the coat size?
- 3.6 How to take good measurements of your dog?
- 3.7 Where can I buy a coat?
- 3.8 What types of dog coats are there?
- 3.9 When and how to use dog coats?
- 4 Shopping Criteria
- 5 Summary
Key Facts
- You shouldn’t view your dog’s coat as a simple accessory or toy. There are certain breeds that are very sensitive to cold and temperature changes. It is critical that your pet is always warm in order to be comfortable and avoid becoming unwell.
- Not all dogs need to wear a coat, and some breeds even find it uncomfortable or unnecessary. Keep in mind that a coat can complicate your dog’s movements and your dog is usually the happiest when it is enjoying freedom in the park or yard.
- Buying cheap dog coats from a physical or online store without properly assessing the needs of your dog can result in unfavorable results. Consult your vet or a dog expert when choosing a dog coat, and take into account factors such as breed, size, and age of the dog. The climate that you live in and the quality of the fabric are also major factors to consider.
Ranking: The best dog coats on the U.S. market
You may have noticed dogs on the street with their coats on when the temperatures drop in winter. It is true that dog coats a very useful accessory that can also provide your dog with a sense of fashion or identity. There are many cute options to choose from when buying a dog coat that sometimes the choice becomes very difficult. With this and all the features of a dog coat in mind, here is a selection of the best dog coats on the market.
No. 1: Scheppend Original Adidog Coat
This super cute puppy jumpsuit is made from ultra-chic, breathable cotton and provides cozy warmth during the winter thanks to its soft sherpa fleece lining. This is an indoor coat/jacket that is perfect on cold weather days in winter, spring or fall. This jumpsuit is available in 10 fun colors so that you can pick the design that suits the personality of your dog.
Available in a range of sizes, this jumpsuit is suitable for the smallest puppy right up to large, fully-grown dogs. The specially designed hoodie is double stitched in all the right places for durability and has a super soft interior for extra comfort. The material is easy to wash so that your dog is always wearing a clean and warm coat.
No. 2: JoyDaog 2 Layers Fleece Lined Warm Dog Jacket
The JoyDaog dog coat is Amazon’s Choice Product due to the fact that it is made from high-quality materials and is relatively inexpensive. This jacket is made from 2 layers of fleece that make it extra warm in the winter and the smart design ensures that your dog’s movements will not be restricted. The extra soft polyester fabric on the outside is windproof and waterproof, which is perfect for those wintery walks.
The stitching on the jacket is extra strong so that you can pull the jacket on without ever ripping it. The smart design of the jacket includes a hole in the top so that you can still attach the leash to your dog’s collar. This jacket is more suitable for smaller dogs or puppies but could be used by medium-sized dogs.
No. 3: Zack & Zoey Polyester Nor’easter Dog Blanket Coat
The Zack & Zoey dog coat is the perfect present for your four-legged friend if you live in a climate with harsh winter weather. With this inexpensive dog coat, your little one can enjoy the wintery months in complete comfort by staying warm inside and outside the house. This jacket features a reversible water-resistant shell, a soft plaid fleece lining, and a reflective stripe that makes it perfect for taking your dog for a walk during the cold months of the year.
Available in sizes from XX-Small up to XX-Large, there is definitely going to be a size that fits your dog perfectly. You also have a choice between 8 beautiful colors that your dog will absolutely love. For a versatile, well-made dog coat that is waterproof, the Zack & Zoey dog coat is the perfect product.
No. 4: Kuoser Cozy Waterproof Windproof Reversible British Style Plaid Dog Vest
Are you looking for the ultimate fashion item that is both warm and comfortable for your dog? Take a close look at the Kuoser Dog Vest that features British style patterns that will easily make your dog the most fashionable canine in the park. The outer layer of this coat is water-resistant, while the inner liner is deliciously warm and cozy. With a size range from XX-Small to 4X-Large, there will be a coat size that fits your dog just right.
No. 5: RC Pet Products Packable Dog Rain Poncho
Perhaps you live in a place where there is a lot of rain but the temperatures are not always low. Well, if this is the case, then a raincoat may be the product that you are looking for. This coat is a lightweight water-resistant shell that can be easily folded away to be used whenever it rains. This dog poncho is perfect for keeping your dog dry when you go for a walk or play in the park. Available in a number of interesting and eye-catching patterns, with this jacket your dog will be the center of attention every time you take it outside.
The RC Pet Products dog poncho makes it easy to be prepared for stormy weather. These bright, colorful and water resistant ponchos come in their own compact pouch that easily attaches to a leash. This coat is also great for long-haired breeds that don’t need added warmth. With this inexpensive dog accessory, your dog will never be caught unprepared by the wind or rain!
Shopping Guide: Everything you should know about dog coats
When choosing the best coat for your dog, there are several factors that must be taken into account. Aspects to consider range from the breed or size of the dog to the characteristics of the product and the intended use. It is very important to know the specific needs of your pet in order to make a good decision. Below we summarize a number of key points when it comes to a dog coat.
Some dogs are more sensitive to the cold than others. Puppies, older dogs or dogs with very short hair are particularly sensitive to cold conditions.
(Source: Chaoss: 80346687/ 123rf.com)
What are dog coats and what are their advantages?
“Clothing that shelters or protects against the cold” is one of the definitions of the word “coat”. Therefore that should be the main function of a dog coat. Dog coats are increasingly popular, especially for dogs that live inside a house or apartment. These dogs are accustomed to being inside a home and a dog coat can really benefit them for going outside during winter.
Think about what it would be like for a dog during winter. You are at home, wanting all day to go outside to do your business, but when the door is opened to go outside the cold is so harsh that you can’t leave the house. This is how abrupt the change in temperature can be! Just as we use a coat for venturing out during winter, so does your pet.
Like everything, dog coats have advantages and disadvantages. Below we present a comparison chart with both the positive and negative aspects to dog coats.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Is a dog coat really necessary?
This is the first thing to determine and the first thing you should ask yourself if you are a dog owner. Making this decision requires factors such as the climate you live in and the breed of dog to be taken into consideration. A coat for your dog, as long as it’s of a certain quality and fabric, shouldn’t cause any problems for your pet if you’re careful with keeping it clean and putting it on correctly.
Some dogs are more sensitive to cold and humidity than others, such as puppies, older dogs or dogs with very short hair. The most vulnerable breeds tend to be Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, and greyhounds. On the contrary, the breeds that withstand the cold well include the Siberian husky and the San Bernardo.
Remember, it’s very important to take care of your best friend.
(Source: Olimpic: 53061450/ 123rf.com)
Are dog coats always advisable?
As a general rule, veterinarians advise the use of a dog coat for certain dogs or in specific circumstances. More often than not they are advisable for protection from rain and humidity than for the cold itself. As they are not always advisable or always necessary, it is important to ask the question about how active your dog is and whether or not it will feel comfortable wearing a coat.
The age of your dog is a factor that is important to consider. An older dog, who is no longer accustomed to running continuously when it goes outside, will not see a coat as a nuisance. You can also consider a coat for dogs as a barrier to prevent your pet from coming home completely soaked from the rain. In addition to not having to dry your animal, a dog coat will also prevent the dreaded wet dog smell in the house.
Jan ReisenAmerican Kennel Club
“Once you’ve determined that your dog needs a winter coat, look for a coat that protects his neck and belly. It should extend from the base of his neck to his tail, without being so long that it would make bathroom stops problematic.”
What should I consider when buying a dog coat?
As mentioned above, small breed dogs are more sensitive to low temperatures, as well as puppies and older dogs. Another factor to take into account is the amount of hair that the animal has. If they have a lot, this will help them maintain good body temperature naturally.
The city you live in and its natural climate are also key factors when choosing coats for dogs. We specifically mention the city because the main buyers of this type of product are people who live in flats and cities. Also, the nature and daily routine of your dog, along with the time it normally spends outside should be considered.
The type of hair, whether or not your dog has allergies or dermatitis issues, are the specific details that you should discuss with your vet. Only a trained veterinarian will be able to advise you on these aspects.
Your dog’s skin may also be more sensitive to some fabrics than to others. Keep this in mind when choosing the fabric of the dog coat.
How to choose the coat size?
If you take a look at many of the reviews from people who buy dog coats on the Internet, you will see that there are many disadvantages if you do not choose the right size coat. One of the main problems of not buying the right size coat is that your dog is going to be very uncomfortable and will lose freedom of movement.
To buy the correct size, you will need to take measurements around the neck and around the chest of your four-legged friend. The length of your dog is from the start of the neck to the base of the tail. One of our recommendations is that if the size of the dog is between two coat sizes, you should choose the bigger size.
How to take good measurements of your dog?
The most important measure is the length of the dog’s back. This is usually the number or categorization that will be used to refer to dog size. A dog’s back is a measure from the base of the neck to where the tail of the dog begins. Other measurements you should also take are the thickness of the neck and the size of the dog’s chest.
When taking the measurements of your dog’s neck, we recommend putting two fingers under the tape measure, to give the correct measurement that will be comfortable for your dog. The same adjustment should be followed when taking the measurement of the chest. Thie chest measurement must be taken at the widest point of the chest, which is usually just behind the front legs.
The quality of the fabric is an important decision when selecting a dog coat.
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Where can I buy a coat?
When thinking about where to buy dog coats, dog clothes, and accessories, you can go to specialized pet shops, supermarkets and of course online stores. When it comes to buying online, this offers you the comfort of buying from home and taking into consideration the feedback from other dog owners. Always remember to pay attention to the coat measurements and type of material.
Dog coats will guarantee protection against cold, wind, water, rain and snow. Among the latest innovations in dog fashion, you can buy fully customized dog clothing for all types of situations: raincoats with or without a hood, coats, t-shirts, sweatshirts, jerseys, vests, shoes and even pajamas.
What types of dog coats are there?
When it comes to dog coats, it is important to pay attention to the composition of the fabric, which is usually nylon or polyester. Poor quality fabric, that is often the cheaper option, can damage your dog’s skin or irritate them. If your dog is very sensitive it can even cause skin allergies that can become serious. Below we explain some types of coats that exist:
- Raincoats: Raincoats provide extra protection against rain, moisture, and snow. They are highly recommended because they will avoid increasing the humidity around your dog’s body.
- Coat with a hood: Everyday it seems that there are new patterns and designs for dog coats. Nowadays there are coats for dogs that have a built-in hood. This detail is more of a compliment, but if it rains a lot where you live, a hood can protect your dog’s head.
- Padded and lined: Particularly suitable for dogs that are more sensitive to the cold and that have less hair. Remember that during the winter months that it is not advisable to cut your dog’s hair very often. Take care with this type of dog coat as it can produce a lot of heat for the dog.
- Reflective coats: There are coats for dogs that have reflective strips or prints that are perfect for keeping your dog safe at night. The reflective strips can easily be seen by cars and help owners keep an eye on their dog when taking them out at night.
- Vests: Dog coats are most often in the form of vests. The vest design focuses on keeping the core of the dog’s body warm whilst minimizing the restriction of movement. A vest will be enough to keep your dog protected from the cold.
When and how to use dog coats?
In general, the natural body temperature of dogs is two degrees higher than that of a human. The healthy body temperature of a dog is usually 100°F. Dogs often find the heat of summer more difficult than the cold of winter. With this in mind, it is very important that your dog never becomes excessively hot as this can be very dangerous for your dog’s health.
Try to only use a coat on your dog when it rains a lot and temperatures are low. If your dog wants to exercise frequently but the city you live in is cold during winter, you can use a dog coat when taking your dog for a walk. If you own a small dog, their ability to regulate heat is far worse. They feel the cold much quicker, which is why a coat is perfect if you own a small dog.
Shopping Criteria
Once you have decided to buy a coat for your dog, you must pay attention to a few details in order to choose the most suitable product. Everything from your pet’s hair type to age and their size is important. Be especially careful to take the dog’s measurements correctly in order to purchase the right size. Below we list the different aspects to review carefully when buying a dog coat.
- Breed, size, and age
- Fabric
- Climate
- Customer reviews
Breed, size, and age
Depending on the breed and age of the dog, it will be more or less suitable to buy a coat for your dog. Remember that there are dog breeds that are especially sensitive to low temperatures. Usually, it is those dogs with less hair and more delicate skin. When it comes to the age of a dog, a coat is recommended for puppies and older dogs.
Finally, when selecting the dog coat, be very careful to choose the correct size. There are coats that are specially designed for small, medium and large dogs. Each product will define the specific dimensions of the coat and show you how to take the measurements of your dog to match the size of the coat.
Tip: Use a cloth tape to take the measurements of your dog. Do not worry about the size of old dog coats that you may have purchased as there can be great variations from one brand to another.
Fabric
There are coats made from wool, felt, nylon and cotton. Some dog coats are even handmade, which can provide a lot of heat to the dog. Our recommendation is to look for something simple that is waterproof and resistant, such as nylon. As always, we recommend high-quality and easy to clean fabrics when it comes to animal garments. Finally, it is better to choose a dark-colored material for your dog’s coat.
Climate
The climate of the area is also a determining factor when selecting a dog coat. Does it rain a lot or is the weather dry except on a few occasions? If it rains frequently but the temperatures are not very low, then a waterproof fabric would be more suitable. However on the contrary, if it is cold but dry, a warm coat made from wool is a better option.
There are certain breeds of dogs that are more likely to feel cold.
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Customer reviews
As we always recommend when buying from an online store, take a close look at the opinions of those who have bought dog coats before. When it comes to verified purchases, this will give you valuable information about the quality of the fabric, the size of the product and whether or not it is suitable for taking your dog for a walk.
Summary
Dogs love to go outside to play, run or simply enjoy the time with their owner outside the house. This is when a dog is at its happiest. However, if you live in a place that is cold or experiences frequent rain, then these times outside can be difficult for your dog. When it comes to buying a dog coat, don’t just look at the price of the coat, pay attention to the quality of the fabric at the aspects we have discussed throughout this guide.
It is important that a dog coat does not obstruct your dog’s movements or is bought purely as a fashion item rather than a practical accessory. Not all dogs will need a coat, as there are breeds that do not feel the cold and it can even be dangerous to use a coat on them. If your dog does need a coat, ensure that you take the measurements of the dog correctly and select the size that will fit your dog well.
Did you enjoy our guide on dog coats? Have we missed any recommendations or details to consider? Do you have a favorite brand that is not in our selection? Leave us a comment below!
(Source of featured image: Wildstrawberry: 92422531/ 123rf.com)
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