Dogs get cold just like people do. As the temperatures drop, many owners may be wondering whether their furry friends need winter coats to stay safe and warm — especially when heading out on a long walk.
According to the experts at Tails.com, if your dog will be outdoors for 10 minutes or less they will not need a jacket, unless they are displaying signs of discomfort. However, if you are journeying outside for longer, pups will need winter coats or jumpers to brave the cold weather. Remember, you shouldn't walk your dog in a storm as dogs can find strong winds and rain stressful. See here for more information on walking your dog in bad weather.
As well as outside temperature, you should also consider your dog's size and breed. "Some dogs, like Labradors, Huskies and German Shepherds have thick coats that do a great job of protecting them against colder weather," say the team at Tails.com. "However smaller and short hair breeds, like Greyhounds, Whippets and Chihuahuas find it harder to retain body heat and would benefit from extra protection when in colder climates."
Not all dogs will need a coat during winter, however older pups will naturally struggle to regulate their body's temperature. The team continue: "Protecting them with an extra layer of insulation, such as a quilted jacket or a sweater can help to encourage warm blood flow around their body."
Cold weather can be especially problematic for dogs who suffer from stiff joints, as the low temperatures can cause muscles to tighten up and increase pressure when they are walking. If this is the case, then always ensure your pup wraps up warm with a coat.
Don't forget: "It's important to monitor your dog's body language to determine if they need a coat. Some dogs will lift their paws when they get cold, refuse to walk or shiver. Once wrapped up, other dogs may feel a bit hot and bothered and no longer require a jacket."
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12 dog winter coats to keep your pups cosy
Keep your pup snug and secure with this thick quilted dog jacket from H&M. Perfect for a winter's walk, it has quilted seams, a stand-up collar with an open front, and a belt with a hook and loop fastening at the back.
Designed to resist whatever the weather throws at you, this waterproof dog coat is ideal for older pups with joint problems or less fur and has a particularly warm inner lining.
Keeping warm and snug just got a whole lot easier thanks to this gorgeous waxed coat from Joules. In olive green, it has a tweed lining and beautiful bee prints.
In a gorgeous white, this pocket-detail faux shearling dog jacket has been designed to add an extra layer of warmth during those cold winter days. It has two small holes for their legs, as well as a zipped pocket on the back.
This thermal dog coat is excellent for winter walks, thanks to its self-heating technology.
"Our reflective technology lining, combined with a hollow fibre core maximises the dog coats thermal properties," say petslovescruffs.com. "The thermal dog coat has a fleece collar and chest pad to provide greater comfort, improved fitment and allow unrestricted movement."
A warm pet coat is great to ward off the chill during winter. Not sure which one to pick up? We love this technical dog parka, which has been specially developed for short-haired dogs and dogs without an undercoat.
In olive green, this luxurious Barbour coat is ideal for dogs who like the finer things in life.
On the hunt for a warm knit jumper? To keep your furry friend extra cosy, why not pick up this Barbour jumper. Boasting a unique design with a roll neck for elite comfort, it's perfect for them to wear on a Christmas Day walk.
READ MORE: The Barbour Christmas advert 2021 stars Paddington Bear and his heart-warming family
Made from super-soft fleece fabric, this blue fluffy coat has teddy bear ears attached to keep your dog warm and cosy. It also has a stretch jersey fabric, making it easy to pull on and off.
William Morris fans will love this adorable reversible dog coat in the brand's classic print. With a water-resistant, waxed cotton outer fabric, it also helps to keep rain off.
OVER GLAM Medium faux leather sleeveless dog jacket
This sleeveless dog jacket looks so cosy! It has small holes for their legs and black poppers to keep them cosy.
In vibrant blue, this microfibre dog coat is light and absorbent to offer protection from getting cold. It has a click fastener on the back and openings for legs and tail.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
