Do Dogs Need to Wear a Raincoat?
In This Post:
- Does my dog need to wear a raincoat?
- Is a dog raincoat a waste of money?
- Why is a dog raincoat useful?
- What breeds of dogs need to use a raincoat?
- What to look for when purchasing a raincoat for your dog. What raincoat to get your dog.
Does your dog need a raincoat?
After many years of walking many dogs, for many, many, hours in the rain (today included), I will admit that a key part of my fondness for a dog wearing a raincoast is self serving, even just downright selfish: it keeps the house free of dirt, mud and wet-dog smell. I’m not the best housekeeper and I really don’t like when there is dirt all over my apartment floor. A raincoat catches and prevents a lot of the dirt and mud that a naked dog would bring inside with them.
But of course, a raincoat benefits your dog too! Even on bad weather days, a raincoast gets your dog out and about on adventures, while keeping them healthier, warmer, more comfortable.
Even if your dog doesn’t give two hoots about the rain, you might care about the mud, water, and dirt that they bring into your home. Purchasing a raincoat for your dog is both practical and useful, for both you and your dog.
While most dogs adorably strut around town sporting their stylish rain gear, factors including your dog’s age, breed, and size, and expected weather conditions will help you choose the best coat for your dog. There are also some exceptions that may make a raincoat unnecessary for your dog.
Does your dog have curly hair?
A raincoat can help prevent matting (but be sure to brush out any fur that does get wet!).
Does your dog have short hair?
A raincoat can help them stay warm
Does your dog have thick fur?
A raincoat helps them dry more quickly
When does my dog NOT need a raincoat?
Some dogs will find the raincoat more annoying than the rain itself. And unfortunately, they’re much less concerned about the cleanliness of your home than you probably are.
5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Rain Coat for Your Dog
1. How the raincoat fits
Does it impact their movement? Your dog should be able to move freely when wearing their raincoat.
2. Warmth Factor
Lined
A lined raincoat can double as a winter jacket for those of you who live in a colder climate. There is also no need to purchase an additional jacket or sweater to use as an extra layer.
Unlined
Unlined allows you to add a layer on cold days and keep your dog from getting too hot on warmer rainy days.
3. Waterproof or water-resistant?
Unless planning on very occasional use, a waterproof jacket is the way to go. Double check the manufacturer’s instructions, and online reviews, before purchasing a jacket. Not all raincoats are truly waterproof.
4. Coverage
Coverage: Belly
Look for a jacket that protects your dog’s belly.
Coverage: Legs/ Sleeves
Before buying a jacket with legs, consider if your dog can walk properly with the sleeves. Some shorter dogs, older dogs, or dogs who are less comfortable wearing a jacket might not tolerate a raincoat with leg sleeves.
Coverage: Hood
For most dogs, a raincoat’s hood is not too functional. They often do not stay on their head and even when they don’t, many dogs do not enjoy having their head covered. The benefit of a hooded raincoat is keeping their neck warm and protected. And of course, they add a stylish pizzazz, even when not pulled up.
5. Safety
Safety: Will they wear it?
Jackets can be put on over your dog’s head, or by resting on their back and closing on the chest. Before investing in a raincoat, consider whether your dog will allow you to put the jacket on them. I personally find the ones that go over their head the easiest, and I don’t always like the way you have to manipulate their legs to get them into some of the jackets that close on their chest, but, if there is absolutely no way to get your dog to put something on over their head, opt for another style that they will tolerate.
Safety: reflective strips
Safety first is the first rule of dog training. So I recommend looking for a raincoat that features reflective strips. They provide extra visibility on dark, dreary, days.
We Recommend:
Best: Full Coverage Raincoats
- Unlined
- Water-resistant
- Side zipper closure
- Full Coverage (Belly, Legs, Neck)
- Reflective Strips
- Adjustable: neck
- Lined
- Waterproof
- Side zipper closure
- Full Coverage (Belly, Legs, Neck)
- Adjustable: back, waist, neckline, leg openings
- Reflective Strips
- Mesh lining
- Waterproof
- Put on overhead
- Side buckles, rear-leg straps
- Partial Coverage (Belly, neck, hips, chest)
- Adjustable: neck, torso, back, legs
- Reflective Strips
Best: Partial Coverage Raincoats
- Unlined
- Water-resistant
- Velcro closure on belly
- Partial Coverage (Belly)
- Reflective Strips
- Lined
- Waterproof
- Put on Over the Head,
- Partial coverage (Belly, Hips, Neck)
- Side buckle, rear-leg straps
- Adjustable: back, waist, neckline
- Reflective Strips
- Unlined
- Waterproof
- Put on overhead
- Side buckles, rear-leg straps
- Partial Coverage (Belly, neck, hips)
- Reflective Strips
The Bottom Line:
- Purchasing your dog a raincoat for your dog is both practical and useful.
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Does Your Dog Really Need to Wear Winter Boots?
To everyone who thinks dog boots are just a fashion statement, I’m sorry, but I have bad news. Dogs DO need to wear paw protection when there is rock salt on the streets. It is dangerous for your dog. Rock salt is the mineral form of sodium chloride, halite. When applied to roads and sidewalks, it lowers the freezing point of water. This works great to reduce ice, but the chemical reaction will cause burns to your dog’s paws. It is also toxic if ingested.
