Do dogs need coats in winter? A UK guide by breed, age and coat
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Not every dog needs a winter coat. UK vets and charities say coats help dogs with thin or fine fur, small breeds, and dogs that are very young, old, underweight or unwell. A fit, healthy dog with a thick coat that keeps moving is usually fine without one. Wet and wind matter as much as the temperature.
Which dogs benefit from a coat?
The PDSA names these groups:
- Dogs with fine or thin fur, such as greyhounds and whippets.
- Small breeds, such as chihuahuas and small terriers, which "can feel the cold quickly".
- Dogs that are very young, underweight, old or unwell.
The British Veterinary Association gives similar advice, via the Met Office: "consider putting a coat on older dogs or those with thin fur to keep them warm during walks". The Royal Kennel Club suggests a well-fitting coat for smaller or short-coated dogs to keep them warm and dry.
Which dogs usually don't?
According to the PDSA, "a fit and healthy dog with thick fur should be fine outside without a coat" while they stay active. Breeds built for cold, such as huskies and malamutes, are well suited to winter weather. A labrador, collie or spaniel on a brisk walk often doesn't need one, though many owners still use a drying robe afterwards, when the dog is wet and no longer moving.
Is there a temperature when a dog needs a coat?
There isn't an official cut-off, and the PDSA's advice doesn't give one. Look at the conditions together:
- Wet: a soaked coat stops insulating. Rain plus cold is harder on a dog than dry cold.
- Wind: wind strips heat away faster than the thermometer suggests.
- Activity: a dog running hard makes its own heat; a dog walking slowly, waiting at the car or travelling home wet doesn't.
- Your dog: size, coat, age and health matter more than any number.
Signs your dog is cold
The PDSA's advice is simple: "if you notice your dog is shivering or slowing down, bring them home and into the warmth straight away." Other signs owners notice include lifting paws off cold ground, hunching up, and wanting to turn for home early. A dog that is very cold, weak or unusually sleepy needs a vet.
Which kind of coat?
| Coat | What it's for | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Padded winter coat | Warmth on cold, dry or damp walks | Thin-coated, small, older dogs |
| Waterproof raincoat | Keeping rain and mud off during the walk | Small dogs, low-slung dogs, long walks in rain |
| Drying robe | Absorbing water and holding warmth after the walk | Any dog that comes home wet, especially in the car |
How a coat should fit
The PDSA's test is that your dog "should be able to move freely in their coat and do everything they usually do". Biting or scratching at a coat, or rubbing against furniture, is a sign it doesn't fit. Measure:
- Neck: round the base of the neck, where a collar sits.
- Chest: round the widest part, just behind the front legs.
- Back: from the base of the neck to the base of the tail.
Deep-chested breeds such as greyhounds and whippets often need coats cut specifically for their shape.
Other winter care
- Paws and belly: the BVA advises wiping your dog's paws and belly after snowy walks to remove ice and salt, and checking pads for cracks. Grit and rock salt can be toxic if licked.
- Antifreeze: the Royal Kennel Club warns it can damage the kidneys and kill even in small amounts. Clean up spills and keep it out of reach.
- Drying: the RSPCA advises drying your dog thoroughly after walks, because damp fur can make your dog cold and lead to skin irritation and matting.
- Dark evenings: reflective or lit kit helps drivers see your dog.
Our winter range
- Summit Coat: a padded winter coat with a built-in harness and reflective straps. It is water-resistant, not waterproof.
- Full-coverage raincoat: waterproof, with legs, hood and tail cover, for small dogs from 0.5 to 7.5 kg.
- Drying robe: for the drive home after a wet walk, with a waterproof backing.
Free UK delivery and 30-day returns on all of them.