They’re not just fashion statements – winter coats for dogs help keep the chill at bay

Your dog may not be built for a winter wonderland. Depending on his age and breed, your dog may not be able to physically warm himself in frigid temperatures. This makes daily necessities, like having a bathroom break or a walk, uncomfortable and dangerous. A winter coat can make a huge difference for your dog this winter.

Smaller dogs (Chihuahuas, Pugs), thin dogs (Whippets, Greyhounds) and senior dogs need the most protection from the biting cold and would benefit greatly from a winter coat. You can even put a sweater on them indoors if you’re looking to cut down on your heating bills or your home is a bit drafty. Even if your dog doesn’t necessarily need a winter coat, it certainly won’t hurt him – as long as he doesn’t mind wearing one.

Every dog is different, so his needs will determine what winter coat he wears. Material (water resistant) and filling are important factors when choosing a winter coat – is the material comfortable, is the filling warm enough for your climate, can the coat be washed? As well, fit is important when purchasing this garment. If you can, take your dog into the store to try it on. He should be able to move around comfortably. The coat should cover his stomach (except for a male dog’s willie) and hit the base of the tail. His legs should be uncovered, so he can walk, run, and pee. If you’re ordering online, measure around your dog’s neck, around the largest part of the chest, and the distance from the neck to the waist. Your dog’s weight is also an important consideration. You don’t want the coat dragging on the ground or being pulled off easily, so a proper fit is mandatory.

There are a lot of winter dog coats out there and we wanted to introduce you to a few of our favorites:

DOGO Urban Bubble Jacket: We love DOGO’s Urban Bubble Jacket. Thanks to it padded bubble and fleece lining, this coat fashionable and warm. Along with its unique bubble pattern design, it comes with elastic sweater along the trim for comfortable leg movement. The Urban Bubble Jacket is water resistance, features a vertical Velcro closure and a leash hole. Available in different sizes and colors, it retails for $40.

Hurtta Winter Jackets: This Scandinavian favorite for active dogs, the Hurtta winter jacket (As seen above) keeps your dog warm and protects his major muscle groups and abdomen area. It can be put on and taken off quickly, so it’s ideal for warming up an active dog’s muscles before or after training. The coat is waterproof, machine washable and comes with 3M reflectors and a breathable Houndtex membrane. The Hurtta winter jacket comes in red, blue and black and is available in different sizes.

Puppia Vince Winter Vest: What we like about the Vince Winter Vest is that it’s reversible. On one side is a water resistant polyester material, and the other is a quilted reindeer pattern. This makes a wonderful holiday gift for your chilly dog. Comes in blue and brown and is available in a range of sizes.

Do you have a go-to winter coat for your dog? Please share what brands you would recommend in the comment section below.