If you are on this guide, you will surely know that the choice of a dog coat must be considered. Just like when you buy any item of clothing for you, taking into account the quality of the fabric, the price or trends in fashion, the same must be true for your four-legged friend. You can’t choose a random product.
As much as you like plaid or polka dot motifs, when evaluating a dog coat you have to give priority to the comfort of your four-legged friend. It doesn’t matter how good that reason is! First of all, make sure your dog really needs a coat. If so, we will help you choose the best product for him.
The most important things in a nutshell
- Your dog’s coat should not be considered a mere accessory. Some breeds are very sensitive to cold and temperature changes, so try to understand if your friend needs such an accessory.
- For some dogs, the coat may not be recommended. If you suffer from dermatitis, if you have a coat suitable for winter or in other similar cases, your coat may not go well with your friend.
- The criteria for choosing a good coat are the breed, size and age of the dog, as well as the climate of the area where you live. The quality of the fabric also wants to its part: make sure that the materials are of quality.
The best dog coats on the market: our selection
To date you can find many models of coat for dogs on the market, especially thanks to the vast online assortment. Below you will find 5 of the best products available, with the characteristics that distinguish them and also a summary of the reviews of those who bought them. Take a look at our ranking, you may already find the best dog coat for your needs!
Bwiv
Bwiv offers a winter coat for medium and large dogs, which covers the neck, belly and back. It is waterproof, lined in fleece, and sold in three colors: blue, red and black. It is available in 4 sizes, from 3XL to 6XL; these two, in particular, are suitable for dogs 48 and 78 cm long respectively.
Buyers are very satisfied with the product, aesthetically beautiful and warm enough, while the Velcro closures make it comfortable to put on and take off. The price is convenient and the material is called good quality. In addition, the measures recommended by the manufacturer fit perfectly.
Idepet
Idepet offers a jacket for dogs of any size, with sizes ranging from S to 5XL. It is padded and waterproof, and covers the animal’s neck, chest, back and belly. The upper part has a zip closure that runs along the entire back, with two D-rings to affix the leash.
Reviews of the product are very favorable, with the price seeming to play a key role: the materials are good, it warms and protects from the rain, and it also looks very comfortable. The measurements are right for medium and small dogs, although it is better to take a larger size; instead, it is less suitable for larger dogs.
SILD
SLID sells a warm and waterproof dog coat, with sizes ranging from XS to 3XL and which adapt to most dog breeds. It has a velcro closure on the neck and chest, a buttonhole on the neck for the collar, and reflective stripes along the entire surface. It is available in 6 different colors.
The coat satisfies customers, who appreciate the quality and strength of the materials, as well as the aesthetic value. It adequately covers the animal and protects it from the cold thanks to a thin internal layer of fleece, while leaving the chest uncovered; the sizes are adequate, but with many breeds the end of the back remains uncovered.
Ancol Pet
Ancol Pet Products Limited offers a dog coat with velcro fastening and reflective finishes, which wraps around the animal’s neck, torso and back. It is available in various sizes, which adapt to small and medium-sized dogs up to German shepherds and labradors for the maximum size. It is sold in three colors: red, blue and brown.
Buyers are generally satisfied with the coat, which is warm and well padded, and made with good quality fabrics. The sizes are correct, and fit well both for chihuahuas and shepherds, just rely on the manufacturer’s guide measures.
Kismaple
The warm and comfortable Kismaple jacket is designed for small dogs. It covers the animal’s back and chest, closes with a series of press studs and is equipped with a hood. It has a cotton padding and a plush interior, and is available in gray or blue.
The buyers’ opinion is very positive: the jacket is perfectly suited to the smallest dog breeds, or in any case to young specimens that are still under 10 kg. They like the colors and materials it is made of; it also looks comfortable and very warm, however there are no elastic bands to secure the back.
Buying Guide: Everything you need to know about dog coats
When choosing the best dog coat, keep in mind that each animal has certain needs according to its breed and size. The characteristics of the product itself and the use to be made of it are also key aspects. Below, you can find useful information that will help you make an informed purchase.
There are dogs more sensitive than others to cold and humidity: puppies, older ones and very short-haired dogs. (Source: Chaoss: 80346687 / 123rf.com)
What are dog coats and what are their advantages?
The coat can be defined as a garment that gives warmth and protects from the cold, but in the case of that for dogs, most of the time the waterproofing of the product is also included. In fact, the term ‘coat for dogs’ is used even if the final garment is very different from what we define as ‘coat’ for us human beings (which is never waterproof).
Many people think that dogs don’t need something to warm them, because in nature these things don’t exist. But try to think how far the home environment is from their natural environment. He is in a heated house, perhaps on top of a nice and cozy kennel, maybe even a little hot … Suddenly you decide to take him out in the wet and cold. Don’t you think that such a sudden rush can harm him?
Obviously in some cases these rushes can be less harmful than a coat not suitable for your friend. For this you should evaluate pros and cons and below you will find a table to get an idea.
Advantages
- They avoid temperature changes
- They prevent the dog from getting wet
- They help keep it clean
- They protect it from scratches
- They can better protect it from parasites
Disadvantages
- They can be irritating
- They can make you feel too hot
- They cause stress in some dogs
Is a dog coat really necessary?
This is the first thing you need to know and the first thing you need to ask yourself, being aware of the pros and cons. Regardless of the type, your dog’s coat should not cause him any problems if you pay attention to hygiene and position it well. Obviously, assuming the coat is of good quality, as is the fabric.
As we mentioned initially, there are dogs more sensitive than others to cold and humidity: puppies, older dogs and very short-haired ones. The most vulnerable breeds are the Yorkshire Terrier, chihuahua and greyhound. On the contrary, there are also breeds that can withstand the cold well, such as the Siberian husky or the Saint Bernard.
Remember the importance of taking care of your best friend
(Source: Olimpic: 53061450 / 123rf.com)
What do experts think of dog coats?
Normally, veterinarians recommend the coat only for certain types of dogs or in particular circumstances, especially for rain and humidity rather than for the cold itself. Hence, they are not always recommended and not always necessary. If your dog is not used to it, he may be stressed a lot before tolerating it. Think carefully if it’s worth it.
A dog of a certain age, who no longer runs around the street if you take him for a walk, will not be bothered by his coat. Since it is in most cases also waterproof, it is recommended for those dogs who go for a run with their owners regardless of the weather outside the house. Esther SanchezVeterinary
“The coat is not always necessary for a healthy, young and active dog.”
What should i know if i want to buy a dog coat?
As we have already said, small dogs are the most sensitive to low temperatures, as well as puppies a few months old. Another factor to consider is the amount of hair of our friend: if he has a lot of it, it already helps him in itself to maintain a good body temperature.
Obviously the climate of the place where you live has a great influence on the choice of the dog coat. If you live for example in a city where the cold lasts only a few weeks, you could choose a product that is more waterproof than warm. If, on the other hand, the weather is cold for several months a year, probably a real winter dog coat could be the right option.
Also keep in mind how active your dog is when he goes out, because if he runs, jumps and plays, getting him to wear something heavy could be very annoying and counterproductive. Also, remember to ask your vet about your friend’s hair type and consider allergies or dermatitis.
Your dog’s skin may be more sensitive to one type of fabric than another: based on this, you will have to buy the coat model that’s right for him.
How to choose the size of the dog coat?
If you take a look at the comments of people who buy the coat on the internet, you will see that the complaints come from not having taken the right measurements. One of the main problems at the root of this is the fact that the dog is uncomfortable while measuring it, so it tends to approximate and then the coat doesn’t come back. How to know the right size?
To be sure, we need the measurement of the circumference of the neck and chest, in the widest part. The measurement of the length starts from the base of the neck up to the hanging of the tail. When the size of the dog falls between two sizes, it is usually recommended to take the larger one.
How do I take my dog’s measurements?
The most important measure is the length of the back or back and is the easiest to take. Usually, it is the number referred to for the size of the clothes for animals and is the measurement from the neck to the beginning of the tail. Other measures that may be needed are the contour or circumference of the neck and chest.
When you need to take the measurements of the neck, place two fingers between the tape measure and the neck so that the coat is not too tight. Same thing for the chest, of which you will take the measure of the widest point, which is normally located behind the front legs.
The quality of the fabric is an important factor in choosing the coat for your friend.
(Source: Mirawonderland: 88830289 / 123rf.com)
Where can I buy dog coats?
You can buy coats, clothes and accessories for dogs in pet stores, department stores and, of course, in stores online. In the latter case, you can count on the convenience of buying from home, always paying attention to the instructions for taking measurements and choosing the size.
Dog coats provide protection against cold, wind, water, rain and snow. Online you can easily find products that combine ‘useful to enjoyable’. Among the latest news, you can buy personalized dog coats and all kinds of clothes: raincoats with or without hood, coats, T-shirts, sweatshirts, sweaters, jackets, etc …
What types of dog coats are there?
Returning to dog coats, it is important to pay attention to the composition of the fabric, which must normally be nylon or polyester. A low quality fabric can harm the dog’s skin. If the animal is very sensitive, it could also cause allergies. Let’s see the main differences in the types of coat on the market:
- raincoats: Waterproof dog coats offer extra protection against rain, moisture and snow. They are the most recommended because they allow you to avoid any type of humidity.
- Hooded: Just as there are multiple motifs and designs, there are coats that have a hood included. This detail is more an accessory that, if it rains, also allows you to protect your friend’s head.
- Padded and covered: especially indicated for dogs more sensitive to cold and with less coat. Remember that in winter it is not recommended to shorten your friend’s fur often. Pay attention to this model, because it can make the dog feel very hot.
- reflective: there are dog coats that have reflective stripes or patterns printed on them, which make them perfect if we want to keep our friend under control when there is not enough light outside. What time do you usually get your dog out?
- Jackets: very often, dog coats have the shape of a jacket: if they are whole, they also have a part for the animal’s legs, and with this you can also protect them from the cold.
When and how to use dog coats?
In principle, the body temperature of dogs is two degrees higher than ours, and is usually 38 degrees. Despite this, they tend to suffer more from the heat than from the cold. So don’t think that without a coat he would be an unhappy dog. For example, if your walks are intense and you move a lot, you probably won’t need it.
Use your coat when it rains a lot and the temperatures are particularly low. If he is a small dog, who regulates heat loss less well, and is quiet, he may feel cold if you stay still. Even older dogs may not move much and be relaxed on walks, so if your friend is a few years older, consider buying him such an accessory.
Purchase criteria
Once you have decided to buy a coat for your dog, you need to pay attention to a number of factors in choosing the most suitable one. The type of hair and age of your friend are to be taken into consideration, as well as the size. We have talked about some concepts extensively, but it is worth repeating them, given their importance.
- Breed, size and age of the dog
- Fabric quality
- Climate of the area
- Consumer ratings
Breed, size and age of the dog
Depending on the breed and age of the dog, it is more or less advisable to buy a coat to go out on the street. Remember that there are breeds sensitive to low temperatures, with less fur and more delicate skin. Same thing for age: coats are recommended for puppies and dogs of a certain age.
Lastly, it is important to take the dog’s size into consideration. There are coats specially designed for medium, large and small dogs. Each product sheet contains specific information (including graphics) on how to take your dog’s measurements.
An advice: Use a measuring tape and don’t be fooled by sizes you’ve used in the past, because there may be variations between one brand and another.
Fabric quality
There are wool, felt, knitted or crochet dog coats. Many times they are handmade, which in some cases can make the dog feel warm. Look for something simpler: a waterproof and resistant fabric, such as nylon for example. The important thing is that it is quality, easy to clean and, even better, if it is a dark color.
Climate of the area
The climate of the area is a factor not to be overlooked. Is it raining a lot or is the weather dry most of the time? Despite the rain, temperatures may not be very low. In this case, it is better that the coat is made of waterproof or coated fabric, which does not have linings or double coverings, because they could make the dog suffer from the heat.
Some breeds of dogs are more vulnerable to cold.
(Source: Wildstrawberry: 90101057 / 123rf.com)
Consumer ratings
For the shopsonline, we always recommend taking a look at the reviews of those who bought dog coats. If they are verified purchases, they are a valid tool to understand if the quality of the fabric is good, how the product fits and whether it is easy or not to position.
Conclusions
As you could understand from our guide, the dog coat is not always mandatory. Try to understand when it is appropriate to buy it or when it is better to avoid it, perhaps even asking a veterinarian for advice. If you decide to buy it, don’t just rely on its price, but pay attention to the quality of the fabric.
Dog coats must not be an obstacle for their movements, nor a simple accessory to make them cute and nice. Remember our purchase criteria and you will surely make a purchase that you will not regret.
What do you think of our guide on dog coats? Did we miss any advice or details to consider? Leave us a comment and we will reply as soon as possible!
(Source of the highlighted image: Wildstrawberry: 92422531 / 123rf.com)