Does My Dog Need a Jacket?

Picture this: It’s a sunny winter day and you and your pup are ready to take on the great outdoors for a long hike. You zip up your jacket, put on your dog’s harness, clip in the leash, and reach for the door. The second the door opens, a chilly gust of wind hits you right in the face. Your dog gives you the side eye and starts to turn back into the house, clearly longing for the warmth of the indoors. So much for adventure, right?

Now imagine that after you zipped up your own jacket, you zipped up your dog’s. And after you opened that door, your pup leapt off the steps and into the unknown of the day’s escapades. What a different (and better) outcome!

The moral of the story here: A dog jacket can make all the difference. Let’s dive into how to know when your dog needs a jacket, the benefits of having a dog coat, and how to choose the right one for your pup.

How to Know If Your Dog Needs a Jacket

Knowing whether or not your pup needs a jacket depends on a few factors. The first thing to consider is the type of dog — different dogs have different needs. Short-haired dogs and small dogs, for example, often need a little help staying warm in cool to cold conditions. Long-haired dogs can also benefit from a coat if they’re prone to snowballs forming on their underside. Some breeds, however, are less likely to need a jacket given their double coats — think Siberian huskies and Alaskan malamutes — although having one on hand is always a good idea should you notice signs your dog is cold. These include shivering, a hunched posture, tucked tail, whining or barking, or seeking out warmth.

The second factor is the weather. Everyone’s definition of cold is different, but depending on your dog’s fur type and their comfort in cold and wet conditions, cold-weather gear like a jacket or raincoat can be the difference between getting outside for an adventure and staying home.

Ultimately, if you need a jacket, your dog probably does, too. And at the end of the day, having one at the ready is always a good idea.

Benefits of Jackets for Dogs

The advantages of outfitting your dog with a jacket go far beyond keeping them warm — although that's a major perk. They protect them from the elements like rain, snow, and wind, making more outdoor adventures possible and extending the amount of time you can explore together. Plus, all of our jackets have reflective trim to enhance visibility during low-light conditions, keeping your pup protected during early morning and nighttime excursions.

How to Choose a Dog Jacket

Now that you know all the ways a dog jacket can enhance your daily adventures, how do you choose the right one? Consider three things: The weather, what activity you’re getting into, and your dog’s size.

Weather

A 50-degree rainy day will warrant a different jacket than a 35-degree sunny day. For mild temperatures and light rain, a lightweight, water-resistant shell jacket will suffice — something like the Sun Shower™ Dog Raincoat would be perfect. However, if you're facing freezing temperatures or heavy snowfall, you'll want to opt for a well-insulated jacket with a waterproof outer layer — think the Vert™ Winter Dog Coat.

The weather can also dictate if you’ll need to bring multiple layers and how many you’ll need. When it comes to Ruffwear dog jackets, we split our products into three layer categories: Insulated, Midlayer, and Shell.

• Insulated jackets are designed for cold weather and provide warmth and protection from the elements.
• Midlayer jackets add an extra layer of insulation and can be worn on their own or under a shell jacket (for example, wearing the Climate Changer™ Fleece underneath the Sun Shower™ Dog Raincoat).
• Shell jackets are waterproof and windproof, making them ideal for wet or windy conditions.

Need a little more guidance? Check out this handy chart to choose the right jacket for your pup based on what conditions you’ll encounter:

Activity

A brisk, 20-minute walk will require a different jacket than a snowboarding excursion. For low-impact activities like walking or hiking, a lightweight jacket may be sufficient, like the Climate Changer™ Dog Fleece. Outside of activities, you might also want a jacket for the campsite when the temperature starts to drop. However, if you're planning on engaging in more strenuous activities or spending extended periods of time outdoors in cold weather, you'll need a warmer jacket — the Quinzee™ Dog Puffer Jacket would be a good choice here.

Size & Fit

Lastly, you’ll want to consider your dog’s size when choosing the right jacket. To get the most accurate jacket fit, we recommend measuring your dog's girth. Find the widest part of their rib cage and take a measurement with a soft tape measure. Our size chart translates the girth measurement into the corresponding jacket size (XXS-XL), length, and neck size. Learn more about how to measure a dog for a jacket.

When it comes to fit, we categorize our apparel into three categories — Formfitting, Regular Fit, and Relaxed Fit. Formfitting is snug and conforms to the body, Regular Fit is tailored with a bit of wiggle room, and Relaxed Fit is looser and drapes the body. Refer to the chart below for more information about each fit. Pro tip? Bring multiple options for layering, then you’ll have all your bases covered.

So there you have it. Ultimately, if you find yourself asking, “Does my dog need a jacket?”, the answer is almost always a resounding yes. Now it’s time to gear up and get out there.