At my back door, the coat rack displays three hooks, designated for myself, my wife, and our canine companion, Dave. Even though Dave is naturally covered in wiry fur, as soon as the temperatures dip, he shakes and refuses to venture outside unless he’s snugly wrapped up.
While Dave may seem pampered, many dogs may require an additional layer to stay comfortable in harsh weather conditions, depending on factors like breed, age, health, and overall fitness. In damp weather, a lightweight raincoat can help keep most of a dog’s body dry and reduce that unpleasant wet-dog smell after a stroll, much to the relief of everyone at home.
After evaluating and testing numerous coats for dogs of all sizes and shapes, we have identified six well-crafted options to assist any dog in facing the elements.
Our top choice
This waterproof coat, although not insulated, will keep your dog’s torso dry. It is available in six sizes to accommodate dogs with a chest girth ranging from 13 to 42 inches.
The Ruffwear Sun Shower Dog Raincoat, durable and lightweight, effectively keeps a dog dry on rainy days. However, it is not recommended for temperatures below 40 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit due to its lack of insulation, depending on your dog’s requirements and preferences.
Another excellent option
The Hurtta Mudventure ECO Raincoat, which is lightweight and durable, provides more coverage compared to our other raincoat selection. It incorporates recycled materials and comes in nine sizes.
The Hurtta Mudventure ECO, an unlined raincoat, effectively repels water during a spring shower, ensuring your dog stays dry from neck to rump. It features a single fastener buckle and a handy cinch-cord adjustment system. Although it contains recycled materials, it comes at a higher price than our alternative raincoat choice.
Our top pick
Crafted with an exterior akin to horse blanket material, this coat is sturdy enough to keep your dog warm and intact during vigorous activities. It’s effortless to don, simple to clean, and available in 12 sizes to accommodate various body shapes.
The WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Premier Free Parka Deluxe Dog Coat Medium is designed to keep your dog cozy and dry when the temperature plummets. Constructed from the sturdy material used in the company’s horse blankets, the 1,200-denier exterior is robust enough to withstand playful activities and bites of all sizes. Its snug front panel provides a secure fit while allowing your furry friend to move freely, and its hook-and-loop fasteners are user-friendly.
Another great choice
This coat’s reflective silver exterior enhances nighttime visibility, giving your dog the appearance of a miniature astronaut. It’s water-resistant, provides warmth, and is available in a range of sizes, albeit in just one color.
If you’re worried about visibility after dark, the WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Reflective Dog Coat Medium enhances your dog’s visibility under headlights, flashlights, and streetlights. It features the same tailored fit as our primary warm-coat choice, the company’s Premier Free Parka, and is easier to clean compared to most other options.
Premium selection
Featuring multiple adjustment points on the collar, shoulders, and rear, this coat can be tailored to fit various dog shapes and sizes. It offers more coverage than our other winter coat picks and is the most straightforward to put on and take off, albeit at a higher cost and not as ideal for spot cleaning.
The Hurtta Expedition Parka is available in a wider range of sizes compared to our other winter coat recommendations. It offers extensive body coverage, extending from the dog’s neck to the tail base while allowing flexibility for tail movements. With several adjustment points, it ensures a secure and comfortable fit.
Premium choice
This stylish lightweight winter coat is easy to put on and features a convenient hanging loop, a rarity among the coats we tested. It includes buckles to securely lock the straps in place. However, like our other high-end option, it comes at a premium price.
The Ruffwear Vert Dog Jacket offers numerous impressive attributes, such as a hanging loop and a lightweight waterproof material, but its standout feature is the secure fastening system. The two side buckles are engineered to prevent straps from coming loose and are cleverly concealed under a protective “shingle,” safeguarding them from playful dog antics.
