Choosing a Dog Coat: Does Your Dog Need One, and What Should You Look For?

August 28 2026, by Michael van Wassem, 7 min reading time

Does your dog need a coat for autumn and winter? Discover which dogs benefit most, which type of coat suits them, and how to choose the right size.

As the days grow shorter and the first rain showers and chilly mornings arrive, now is the time to think about a dog coat. But not every dog needs one, and the wrong choice often means the coat ends up back in the cupboard after a single walk.

The short answer: dogs with little undercoat, short legs, thin fur or a vulnerable health condition benefit most from a coat in autumn and winter. Dogs with a thick double coat usually don't need one, and can even overheat in one. In this article, you'll learn how to work out whether your dog needs a coat, which type suits best, how to choose the right size, and which mistakes to avoid.

Which dogs really need a coat?

Whether a dog needs a coat mainly depends on coat type, build, age and health — not on the outside temperature alone.

• Short-haired and thin-coated breeds, such as the French Bulldog, Chihuahua, Doberman, Whippet or Greyhound, have very little undercoat and lose heat quickly.
• Small dogs have a larger body surface relative to their weight, so they cool down faster than large dogs.
• Senior dogs regulate their body temperature less efficiently and often benefit from extra warmth, especially with joint problems.
• Puppies don't yet have a fully developed coat and can use extra protection during their first winter.
• Recovering or unwell dogs, for example after surgery or with a chronic condition, often have less reserve to stay warm.

Rain coat, winter coat or vest: what's the difference?

Not every dog coat serves the same purpose. The type you choose depends on the weather your dog will wear it in. At Fidello, you'll find a wide range of coats for every season in the dog coats and vests collection.

Rain coat

A rain coat is lightweight, usually unlined, and made from water- and windproof material. These coats keep your dog dry during showers without overheating them, making them ideal for milder, wet autumn days. The Gor Pets Wrapid Jacket is a practical example: a quick, wrap-style waterproof jacket that's easy to put on.

Winter coat or thermal coat

Once temperatures really drop, a lined winter or thermal coat is a better choice. These coats combine a water-resistant outer layer with an insulating fleece or thermal lining, so your dog stays warm even in frost and wind. The Gor Pets Edinburgh Wax Coat is an example of a classic, water-resistant winter coat with fleece lining.

Lightweight vest or jumper

A thin jumper or vest offers no rain protection, but does add a layer of warmth during the transitional autumn and spring periods. This type suits short-haired dogs best in mild, dry weather.

Reflective elements: extra safety in the dark

As the days get shorter, you'll be walking your dog in dusk or darkness more often. A coat with reflective strips, or a separate hi-vis vest, makes your dog much easier to spot for cyclists and drivers. Look for coats or accessories with reflective detailing whenever you're walking during the darker months.

Which size should you choose?

A poorly fitting coat will be shaken off by most dogs within minutes. Always measure your dog yourself, rather than relying on weight alone.

• Back length: measure from the base of the neck (where the collar sits) to the base of the tail. This is the most important measurement for almost every brand.
• Chest girth: measure around the chest at its widest point, just behind the front legs.
• Freedom of movement: make sure the front legs can move freely and the coat doesn't restrict walking, sitting or toileting.
• Combination with a harness: if your dog wears a harness, check whether the coat has an opening for the lead, or choose a coat with a built-in harness.

Not sure between two sizes? Choose the slightly larger one, so there's room for a thicker winter undercoat.

How to get your dog used to a new coat

Not every dog accepts a coat straight away. Build it up gradually:

• Let your dog sniff the coat calmly before putting it on.
• Put the coat on indoors the first time, for just a few minutes.
• Reward calm behaviour immediately after putting it on with a tasty treat.
• Build up the wearing time over several days, until your dog moves around the house comfortably in it.
• Only go outside with the coat once your dog is visibly relaxed wearing it indoors.

🐶 Practical example: Does your dog freeze or walk stiffly as soon as the coat goes on? Let them walk a lap indoors with a few kibbles scattered on the floor, to distract them from the unfamiliar feeling on their back.

Care: washing and drying

A dog coat that's used outdoors often needs regular care to stay water-resistant and fresh. Check the care label: most coats can go in the machine at 30 degrees, though some lined models are better hand-washed. Always let a coat dry fully before putting it back on, to prevent mould and unpleasant odours. Clean hook-and-loop fastenings from time to time with an old toothbrush: built-up dirt and hair stop the fastening from gripping properly.

Common mistakes when choosing a dog coat

• Choosing by weight instead of measurements. Two dogs with the same weight can have completely different back lengths.
• Buying a coat that doesn't suit the dog's type. A thick thermal coat for a Husky is usually unnecessary and can cause overheating.
• Confusing water-resistant with waterproof. Water-resistant material holds off light drizzle but not prolonged, heavy rain.
• Never letting the dog get used to the coat. A dog feeling an unfamiliar coat outdoors for the first time may freeze or try to shake it off.
• Not accounting for a harness. Without an opening for the lead, a coat quickly becomes awkward to combine with daily walking gear.
• Buying a size up "just in case". A coat that's too loose rubs, slips, or gets in the way of movement.

Checklist before buying a dog coat

• ☐ Measured my dog's back length and chest girth
• ☐ Chosen a coat type that suits my dog's coat type and health
• ☐ Checked whether the coat leaves room for a harness or collar
• ☐ Material matches the weather: water-resistant, waterproof or lined
• ☐ Reflective elements included for dark walks
• ☐ Checked the care label
• ☐ Planned time to let my dog get used to it calmly

Frequently asked questions

Does every dog need a coat in winter?
No. Dogs with a thick double coat already have enough natural insulation. Short-haired, small, older or recovering dogs usually benefit from a coat.

Can a dog overheat in a coat?
Yes, especially during intense exercise or if the coat is too warm for the weather. Check under the coat regularly and take it off during exertion or if the temperature rises.

At what temperature does a dog need a coat?
There's no fixed cut-off, as this varies per dog. Watch for signs like shivering, clinging to you, or hesitating to go outside, rather than a specific number of degrees.

Can my dog wear a coat under or over its harness?
Both are possible, as long as the coat has an opening for the lead attachment. Some coats even come with a built-in harness.

Summary and conclusion

Not every dog needs a coat, but for short-haired, small, older or vulnerable dogs, a well-fitting coat makes a real difference on wet and cold walks. Always measure back length and chest girth, choose the type based on the weather, and give your dog time to get used to it calmly. That way, a dog coat stays something your dog is happy to wear, instead of a coat that ends up back in the cupboard after one walk.

Looking for the right coat for your dog? Browse the full dog coats and vests collection at Fidello and find the model that suits your dog's needs and the weather.

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Honden Kennisbank Koopgids Seizoensverzorging

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