Photo: Daria Photostock/Shutterstock
Keep your four-legged BFF warm this winter!
By Shannon Ullman — Written on Feb 17, 2021
Winter clothes for dogs are not only fashionable, but also functional. Just because your dog is covered with fur doesn’t mean that it won’t get cold in the winter.
Double-coated dogs such as Golden Retrievers, Akitas, Shiba Inus, and Huskies don't require winter dog apparel.
However, puppies, dogs with medical conditions, small dogs, and short-haired, single-coated dogs need dog sweaters, dog jackets, and sometimes, a dog puffer jacket.
How do you keep your puppy or dog warm in winter?
Dogs lose a lot of body heat through their ears, respiration, and paws. As a result, they can get cold and even frostbitten. Keeping your dog warm helps keep it healthy.
Older dogs, especially, need to be kept warm, because the cold can irritate stiff, arthritic joints. Puppies also need sweaters in the winter, because they are less able to retain body heat than adult dogs.
Dogs also need to be dried off with a towel after coming in from the cold and have a warm bed that keeps them off the floor. This is particularly important in colder climates with freezing rain, ice, or snow.
If your puppy is still not warm enough, try a dog heating pad. Self-warming heating pads will save energy and keep your puppy warm when needed.
What's the best winter dog coat?
If it’s wet outside, it's better to have a dog jacket or a waterproof dog puffer jacket. Sweaters are great for the fall when the air has a chill to it, but there isn’t a lot of precipitation.
If it’s breezy, a dog windbreaker can help cut the wind chill from your dog’s body. Hoodies can help keep your dog’s body and ears warm.
But the main thing that makes a great winter coat is one that your dog enjoys wearing. It has to be a comfortable fit.
Don’t forget their paws!
Dogs lose a lot of heat through their paws.
Protect their paws from frostbite and keep the chill off with paw wax. Not only does it protect your dog’s paws from the cold, but it also helps heal painful cracks and protect their paws from salt-dusted city streets and sidewalks.
Dog boots also help keep your dog’s paws warm in the winter. Be sure to wipe your dog’s paws and check for ice buildup when you come inside.
How to measure your dog for winter clothes.
Winter clothes for dogs can come with or without turtlenecks and with or without sleeves.
Before shopping for dog apparel, measure your dog’s neck girth, topline (back) length, and chest girth to ensure the dog clothes you buy fit, comfortably.
Step 1: Measure the circumference of your dog’s neck by taking a soft tape measure and looping it around its neck.
Follow the American Kennel Club (AKC) "two-finger" rule: leave enough room for you to fit two fingers inside the loop you have wrapped around your dog’s neck.
Step 2: Measure your dog’s chest circumference, the largest part of your dog’s body.
Wrap a soft tape measure around your dog’s body, just behind the front legs. Again, follow the "two-finger" rule.
Step 3: Measure the length of your dog’s topline (back).
Position the soft tape measure at the base of the neck, where the collar is. Measure along the spine to the base of the tail.
Step 4: Compare your measurements with the sizing chart below.
Photo: Chewy.com
If your dog’s size ends up being between two sizes, buy the next size up.
Additional measurements for clothing comfort.
For male dogs, also measure from the underside from the notch at the front of the neck to the waist, or where the clothing will end.
This reduces the chance of him urinating on his apparel and having it chafe his sensitive underside.
For dogs with short, stocky necks (like bulldogs), measure the neck length. That way, you’ll know if it will fit into that cute turtleneck sweater you have your eye on.
Here are the 12 best dog sweaters, coats, and jackets to keep your pup warm all winter.
We rounded up a great selection of some really cute, machine-washable winter dog coats, jackets, hoodies, parkas, and sweaters from Chewy.com and get up to 60% off on various styles.
These selections include a covered leash hole so you can attach a leash to a collar worn underneath.
Large Dog Coats
1. Frisco Patterned Floral Insulated Dog Puffer Coat
This stylish floral-patterned coat has a cozy fleece lining that will keep your dog warm and dry while you're out and about together.
Price: $17.99
2. Frisco Plaid Dog Sweatshirt (Multi-Plaid)
This cozy sweater made from stretchy polyester gives your dog a preppy yet comfy vibe. It also comes with a trendy bone design that's sure to catch some eyes while you're out on a casual walk.
Price: $11.95
3. Frisco Plaid Cable Knit Dog Sweater Dress (Red Plaid, Large)
This classic sweater dress features a black cable-knit sweater top, buffalo check poly-cotton skirt, and adorable bow embellishments.
Price: $13.99
4. Frisco Black & Cream Turtleneck Sweater
This attractive turtleneck slips over your pet’s head easily and keeps them warm in the nippy weather. It has a black and cream sweater print design that’s sure to turn heads.
Price: $15.99
5. Frisco Rubber Ducky Dog Raincoat
If the weather is not too cold but still wet, this cute raincoat is the perfect rainy day accessory for your dog. Whether it's a drizzle or a downpour, this water-resistant raincoat is sure to keep your dog dry.
Price: $13.99
6. Frisco Gradient Diamond Dog Sweater
This beautiful four-color gradient diamond design has wintery shades of tan and brown, and faux button accents at the collar. Because it has a higher cut at the belly, you don’t have to remove it when your pet needs to potty.
Price: $12.99
Medium Dog Coats
7. Frisco Boulder Plaid Insulated Dog Puffer Coat
The waterproofing on this attractive puffer will protect your pet from light rain or snow. The fleece lining on the inside will keep them warm in chilly winter weather.
Price: $17.99
8. Frisco Lumber Insulated Dog Jacket
This stylish coat has classic blue, light denim fabric, buffalo check, and fuzzy accents as well as a sherpa lining that keeps them warm when the temperature drops.
Price: $15.99
9. Frisco Dog Peacoat Dress With Sleeves
This smart, dressy peacoat is functional and fashionable with faux-fur accents, a flared skirt on the bottom, a polyester shell, and fleece lining to keep your dog warm while looking great.
Price: $16.99
10. Frisco Püppy Insulated Dog Parka With Sleeves
This sporty red parka is made with soft polyester material and faux-fur accent on the hood. It has white stripes on the hood and a prominent white Püppy logo on the back.
Price: $29.74
11. GF Pet Chalet Dog Sweater
This pretty soft acrylic multi-knit sweater makes a bold yet simple statement. It has a sculpted body shape for a cozy fit.
Price: $25.99
Small Dog Coats
12. Chilly Dog Charcoal Striped Wool Dog Sweater
This colorful striped sweater is made from 100 percent natural and organic fair-trade wool from small Andean farms. The dyes used are made from plants and fruits.
Price: $29.74
Be sure to check out Chewy's great selection of dog winter outerwear.
— Created in partnership with Chewy.
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Shannon Ullman is a writer who focuses on animals, travel, lifestyle, pets, and the outdoors. She loves animals and has spent time fostering cats and volunteering at dog shelters. She has written for publications such as Huffington Post, Elite Daily, and PopSugar.