Many dogs are perfectly happy in the rain with their natural coat. Others come home cold, shivering or simply soaked through. Whether your dog needs a raincoat depends on their coat, size and age, and on how you walk.
Dogs that often benefit from a coat
- Short or single-coated breeds such as whippets, greyhounds, Staffies and Chihuahuas
- Small dogs, whose bellies sit close to wet grass and puddles
- Older dogs and puppies, who can find it harder to stay warm
- Dogs with thin or clipped fur
- Long-coated dogs that get heavy and muddy, where a raincoat mostly saves drying time
Dogs that usually don't need one
Breeds with thick double coats bred for cold, wet work, like Labradors, Huskies and many spaniels, generally cope well. For these dogs a coat is more about keeping them clean than warm. Avoid overheating them on mild days.
Signs your dog is feeling the cold
- Shivering or hunching up
- Slowing down or wanting to turn back early
- Lifting paws off cold, wet ground
- Taking a long time to warm up when back home
What to look for in a raincoat
- Good belly coverage for low-to-the-ground dogs
- Reflective details for dark winter evenings in the UK
- Easy fastenings so you can get it on and off quickly
- A harness opening if you walk with a harness
- The right fit, so measure first with our dog coat sizing guide
Raincoat or winter coat?
A raincoat keeps the wet off. A lined winter coat keeps warmth in. For mild, rainy days, a light reflective hooded raincoat is usually enough. For cold, frosty mornings, small or short-haired dogs may be more comfortable in a plush-lined winter coat.
If your dog has a health condition or seems to struggle with the cold, check with your vet.
Browse the full dog coats collection.