Should you dress your dog in winter?

Down jacket, hat, scarf... You are ready to face the winter temperatures. And your dog? Should it also be equipped for outings in the cold of winter? 

Dogs are covered in a layer of fur and fat under their skin that protects them from the cold. However, their coat may not always be enough to keep them warm, especially with short-haired breeds. The shorter your dog's fur, the more sensitive they can be to the cold. Some dog breeds are also more sensitive to the cold than others. Small breeds are generally more susceptible. Puppies and senior dogs are also more sensitive to the cold, as are sick or very thin dogs. For these dogs, it's best to get a dog coat to help them face the winter cold without any problems.

Some of our furry friends are naturally equipped to handle low temperatures. This is the case for breeds with long hair or very thick fur, like the Pyrenean Shepherd, the Husky… Lucky them! No need for dog sweaters or coats for them.

How can you tell if your dog is cold ? Simply observe him closely: if he's shivering, hesitant to take a few more steps, walking slowly as if conserving energy, or if his breathing is shallow, cover him up and go inside to get warm! Don't wait until he catches a chill and becomes ill. His resistance to the cold shouldn't be overestimated. Dogs are spending less and less time outdoors. They're part of the family and therefore, like everyone else, live indoors, which makes them less resistant to the cold.

Musher isn't bothered by the cold much; she swims in all kinds of weather! Even in the dead of winter, my dog ​​goes swimming . But during a walk in the Aubrac region, where the wind was blowing hard, the wind chill made it feel like -10°C, and I could see she was cold! At the beginning of the walk and during playtime, she clearly wasn't cold at all. By the time we stopped for a picnic, and with the fatigue at the end of the walk, I could tell it was getting to her. That's why this year, I've been testing several dog coats to give her a little warmth when and only when necessary. No way am I putting a coat on her just for looks!

Before telling you about my tests, I want to make an important clarification in my opinion. Covering a cold dog is justified. Covering a dog that doesn't need it makes him cold and therefore sensitive to the cold. The day when you have nothing to cover it, it will surely catch cold. Do not cover your dog because you fell for a too cute coat that will give him a cute look! Cover him because he's cold.

There are so many dog ​​coats available! I've chosen two that come in larger sizes (which is quite rare!) to test on my dog. Are you going skiing with your dog in a few days, and your dog isn't used to the cold? A dog coat can be very useful to keep them warm and comfortable.

Very easy to put on, the Trixie "Orléans" coat fastens around the neck and belly with Velcro. Each hind leg is then slipped through a small elastic band to complete the fit. This prevents the coat from slipping down the dog's back during walks. The fabric is water-repellent and the inside is fleece-lined. The coat's edges are reflective, and there's also a reflective paw print pattern on the dog's hips. This dog coat is machine washable; and that's a good thing! Musher loves to roll around on his back, coat or no coat!

I tested this dog coat during a walk in very windy conditions; the wind chill must have been around -10°C. Musher didn't seem cold at all, she was so excited to finally see snow again. I put it on her during our little picnic break so she wouldn't get chilled from doing nothing. She took to it immediately. The coat's material is similar to a rain jacket, so it makes a bit of noise, but she didn't even notice. The coat is fantastic: it covers her entire back and goes down over her legs, a bit like a horse blanket. I also use this coat for car rides home. After a good walk in the fresh air and damp surroundings, it's usually on the way back, when it's still cold in the car, that Musher can get chilled. After drying her paws and belly, I put the coat on her and she's perfectly fine. One last positive point about this coat: its price!

This dog coat is a two-in-one. It consists of a water-repellent outer layer that protects against wind and rain, and a removable flannel lining. The Trixie Paris coat can therefore protect your dog from the rain and, if you add the lining, from the cold. It fastens at the neck and belly with Velcro. A special feature of this model is that it also protects the dog's chest.

This coat is also very easy to put on. It's not the same shape as the previous one. It has a closer fit that follows the dog's curves. I found it less suitable for Musher's build. It doesn't extend as far down the sides. The removable layer is very easy to take off or put back on. The faux leather material with the checkered collar gives the dog a very stylish look! A big thumbs up for the Paris model from Trixie.

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This coat is suitable for rainy and windy weather. It's easy to put on and fastens with snap buttons that go from the neck to under the dog's belly. It comes in two colors; Musher tested the Tresko raincoat ! I tested it in the snow to see if it would be suitable. It doesn't provide warmth, but since it protects the dog from the wind, it helps maintain its body temperature. The dog raincoat covers the legs and belly; it's similar to a snowsuit, except the dog's private parts are exposed to allow it to relieve itself. The coat's hood protects the head on rainy days. It can be practical on days when the snow is wet, after rain, or when it's starting to melt. It will prevent your dog from getting wet and catching a cold. All you'll have to do is dry its paws when you get back from your walk.

You can also read or reread the article How to keep your dog dry when it rains : you will learn lots of tips and advice for wet days!

👉 I have also compared the 10 best dog raincoats to help you find the best model for your dog.

To discover other dog coat styles , I recommend browsing the Wanimo shop . You'll find them in all colors, with pretty patterns or more understated designs. I tested coats with a warmth rating of 2 out of 3 from the Trixie range. So you can choose lighter coats for the mid-season or even warmer coats for your companions. Unfortunately, there aren't many options for large dogs…

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