The best dog coats protect your pup from the cold, wind, snow, and rain, making winter walks much more enjoyable. If your dog is lean, small, or a puppy, they might find it harder to keep warm and could benefit from an extra helping hand, according to vet Dr. Hannah Godfrey.
My late dog, Issy, was prone to feeling the cold and often preferred to stay indoors during the chilly winter months. To keep her warm, we regularly wrapped her up in a cozy coat, which made a world of difference and stopped her from shivering.
Whether you're looking for a lightweight fleece or a full-coverage warmer, there are plenty of great options on the market, which we've rounded up below. We’ve also asked Dr. Godfrey to answer your FAQs, like how long you can leave a coat on your dog and what to consider before buying one. While you're here, you might also want to check out our guide on the best heated pet beds.
The quick list
The best dog coat for winter
A warm winter coat that protects your dog from the elements. It features a full-coverage design, foil lining for insulation, and 3M reflectors for safety – everything they need in a winter jacket.
The best budget dog coat
An affordable dog coat with a soft fleece lining, a water-resistant outer shell, and a foldable furry collar. The reflective strips will keep your pooch safe and visible on those dark evenings.
The best fleece dog coat
A buttery-soft fleece that helps your dog to feel warm, cozy, and comfortable. The sleeveless design allows free movement, giving your pup total flexibility, with no zips, buttons, or Velcro.
The best waterproof dog coat
A premium raincoat that keeps your dog dry even in the heaviest of showers (up to 10,000mm!). It features an adjustable tricot collar and a wide belly strap for ultimate protection, plus a built-in harness clip and reflective strips.
The best reflective dog coat
A waterproof coat that keeps you and your dog safe on walks. The outer shell is made from 100% reflective material—unlike other coats that only have small reflective strips—ensuring you’re always visible. It also features a harness attachment hole and adjustable neck and chest straps.
The best towel dog coat
A dog coat that doubles as a fast-drying towel – perfect for adventure-seeking pups who love to splash around. It features a waterproof shell, an absorbent microfiber lining, and a long neck for extra coverage. It’s also great for use after bath time.
The best dog coats we recommend in 2024
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Best dog coat for winter
If you live somewhere particularly cold, or if your dog has muscle problems, an extreme warmer like this could become your dog’s best friend. It's waterproof, wind-resistant, and doesn’t get much warmer than this.
The foil lining material is perfectly suited to cold weather, reflecting your dog’s own heat to keep them toasty and warm. This design encourages and stimulates blood circulation – something most ordinary jackets won’t do. It’s also specifically designed to protect your dog’s most important muscle groups, as well as their neck and chest.
We love how you can adjust the hood, back length, collar, and waist to ensure a proper fit for your dog. There’s a range of colors and sizes to choose from, and if you're unsure of their measurements, you can select their breed instead.
As a bonus, there are 3M reflectors on the jacket to improve your dog’s visibility in darker conditions. If you often walk your dog in the snow, choosing one of the brighter colors can also help them stand out against the white.
While the coat is machine washable, make sure you do it on the gentlest setting (or by hand) to protect the foil lining and ensure it functions as intended.
Our tester Katie is currently trying this out on her terrier, Stanley.
Best budget dog coat
If you're looking for an affordable dog coat that doesn't compromise on quality, this Dogcheer jacket is an excellent choice, starting at under $30 for the smaller sizes.
The water-resistant fabric is ideal for light showers and also protects your pup from the wind. It’s lined with polar fleece – which is thicker, denser, and warmer than microfleece – and includes cotton padding for added comfort.
For extra protection around your dog's neck, you can lift the furry collar (or leave it down in warmer weather for a stylish look). Speaking of style, there are 11 different colors to choose from, so you're sure to find a design that suits both you and your dog’s preferences.
The jacket comes in a range of sizes, from S to XXXL, and the belly strap is fully adjustable for a snug fit. You can also adjust the tightness around the neck for optimal positioning and comfort.
If you use one of the best dog harnesses, you'll be pleased to know there is a zipper at the top, allowing you to clip on their leash. The reflective strips along the sides also help keep your dog visible when it gets dark outside.
Best fleece dog coat
If your dog doesn't like wearing a traditional coat, this lightweight fleece is a brilliant alternative.
You can really tell this fleece is designed with your dog's comfort as the top priority. Unlike other jackets, it doesn’t have any zippers, Velcro, or buttons that might make some dogs feel anxious and it slips over their head with ease. The chest seams are also on the outside to avoid irritation. The sleeveless design allows a full range of motion, helping your dog feel more relaxed and comfortable while wearing it.
The fabric is soft, stretchy, and breathable, and reviewers have noted how well it fits their dogs (unlike other models, which tend to fall off). Since this fleece is lightweight, it can be layered with other coats in colder weather or worn alone in milder conditions.
With 15 sizes and over 20 colors to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect fit and style for you and your pup. It’s also really easy to keep clean – just pop it in the washing machine when it gets dirty, and you can tumble dry it afterward.
Best waterproof dog coat
This is the best raincoat I've seen on the market and it's a great choice if you live somewhere with lots of wet weather.
It's made from a breathable, waterproof material that can withstand up to 100,000mm of rainfall and is extremely durable. The high-neck collar prevents water from getting inside the coat and can be adjusted with an elastic drawstring. It also features a wide belly strap that prevents it from falling off and gives ultimate protection all the way round. You can also adjust the back length to achieve the perfect fit for your dog.
Thanks to the closeable opening, your dog can wear this coat over their regular harness, making it ideal for walks and easy to attach their leash to. It also has reflective paw prints, which improve visibility in dark conditions and give you peace of mind when walking at night or during winter. When it gets dirty, you can put it in the washing machine, making it quick and easy to keep clean.
Our tester Chloe is currently trying this out on her Jack Russell/Maltese, Cody.
Best reflective dog coat
Walking your dog in the dark can be a little bit scary; especially if you have to cross roads or pass traffic where drivers might not see you. Having a reflective coat, like this one, can make you more visible in low light conditions, helping to keep you and your dog safe. This is particularly useful in the winter when the days are shorter and dark walks become more frequent.
While lots of dog coats offer some sort of reflective strip, this one goes the extra mile and the outer material is made from 100% reflective material, so no one can miss you. Proviz specializes in reflective sports gear for humans, and they use the same high-quality fabric for their pet wear too.
As well as being great for safety, the coat is also waterproof (5,000mm) to keep your pup warm and dry on their walks. There's a harness attachment hole where you can clip their leash, and the neck and chest strap is totally adjustable to make things more comfortable.
Our tester Emma is currently testing this out on her miniature schnauzer, Alfie.
Best towel dog coat
If you've got an adventurous pup on your hands who takes any chance to get wet and muddy, this towel coat could be a real game-changer. You won't have to worry about getting your car seats mucky again, and your dog will start drying off on the way home.
The coat is lined with soft micro-fiber, which does a great job at absorbing water quickly, helping your dog to dry off faster. It's made from 34% recycled materials, and can also soak up mud, sand, and grit. The outer shell has a waterproof finish and can withstand up to 4,000mm of rainfall, preventing your dog from getting even wetter. The neck gaiter offers extra protection and is made from stretch nylon.
Once you're finished with it, you can easily chuck it in the washing machine and clean it on a cold wash, then pop it in the mesh stow bag it comes with.
Our tester Paul is currently testing this on his Labrador, Hugo.
How we tested the best dog coats
Before writing this buying guide, I consulted expert vet Dr. Hannah Godfrey to find out whether dogs really need a coat, as no one likes a pointless purchase.
Next, I spent hours researching the best dog coats on the market and rounded up my top picks, taking the reviews, comfort, style, materials and price into careful consideration. I asked our testers the following questions:
- Material: Does the fabric feel durable and high-quality? Is it comfortable to wear? Is it warm enough for your dog? Is it breathable?
- Fit: Does the coat fit your dog well? Are there any seams that dig in or feel uncomfortable? Could you find the right size for your dog? Does the coat fall off?
- Durability: Does it withstand rough play? How does the fabric look and feel after it has been washed?
- Fit for purpose: Is the coat fit for purpose? (For example, is a raincoat waterproof?)
- Value for money: Is it worth the price, based on the quality and wearability?
Here's more information about how we test.
How to choose the best dog coat
Although it can be tempting to go for a dog coat that has some kind of novelty factor, these kinds of garments rarely offer any real kind of protection from the cold and wet. If you’re looking for a dog coat to keep your pooch warm and dry during the winter months, it’s best to avoid them.
You should consider the type of material that the coat is made from. Nylon and polyester are great for providing a completely water-resistant outer layer. Fleece – or fleece lining – is nice and snuggly, and can also prove to be water-resistant depending on the type of design you go for. Foil lining is excellent for very cold weather wear, reflecting your dog’s own heat to help stimulate blood flow.
Dogs – especially in the cold and wet weather – are generally drawn towards dirt. Look for a coat that is washable and you’ll be able to chuck the coat in the washing machine to get it looking like new again.
Lastly, you’ll want to think about size. Most company websites offer sizing guides, while retailers will generally give you measurements, and/or tell you the type of dog it’s likely to fit. If you can, carefully measure your dog before buying to avoid having to buy twice. You should also consider whether a coat is made from flexible material – if it’s a snugger, tighter fit, consider going a size up if your dog is on the larger size for its breed.
Should dogs wear coats?
Do dogs need coats? We asked Dr. Godfrey to find out!
She says: "It’s okay for dogs to wear coats as long as they fit well, are comfortable, and don’t restrict normal movement. However, most dogs don’t need a coat, especially if they’re medium-sized or bigger.
"Certain breeds that are particularly lean, like greyhounds, whippets, and Italian Greyhounds might appreciate the warmth of a coat in cold weather because they don’t have much fat to keep them warm. Similarly, very small breeds and puppies struggle to maintain their body heat, so they might need a coat when the weather is cold."
Is it OK to leave a coat on a dog?
Dr. Godfrey says: "It’s not a good idea to leave a coat on a dog once you’re inside out of the cold. Coats can restrict movement and might prevent your dog from carrying out their normal behaviors. They can also rub, especially if they’re muddy or damp. Therefore, it’s best to remove the coat and give your dog some freedom once they’re warm inside."
You might also want to read: What temperature is too cold to walk a dog? and learn more about frostbite in dogs.
Megan is Staff Writer at PetsRadar and has a passion for animal happiness. That's why she's committed to finding your dog the most comfortable and snuggly coat to keep them warm and content during winter. Before writing this guide, she consulted expert vet Dr. Hannah Godfrey, and spent hours researching the different models on the market. She grew up with a terrier/collie named Issy and loves hanging out with her friends' dogs Alfie, Cody, and Bailey who often help out with testing products.
Hannah graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011 and began work straight away at a busy mixed practice. Initially, she treated all species but focused on small animals from 2014. She has a passion for soft tissue surgery, ultrasound, and canine and feline dentistry, having completed additional training in these areas.
