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Apr 16, 2024

Best Dog Coats 2023

Peruse the pet aisle at your local department store, head past the dog leashes, beds and crates, and you’re likely to find all manner of clothing for your four-legged friend. Styles range from

Peruse the pet aisle at your local department store, head past the dog leashes, beds and crates, and you’re likely to find all manner of clothing for your four-legged friend. Styles range from t-shirts to tutus to hot dog costumes, but while they’re all cute, most don’t really serve a function. The best dog coats, on the other hand, are an essential accessory when the time comes to keep your pup warm, dry and healthy in inclement weather.

The best dog coats will keep your pooch warm and cozy, no matter what the weather is doing.

While it may seem counterintuitive—after all, dogs have a built-in coat of their own—there are plenty of good reasons to plop a coat on your pup. That simple layer of fabric keeps them dry, regulates their body temperature and some research suggests a coat or tight layer can reduce anxiety. Plus, short-haired breeds like Chihuahuas, Boston Terriers and Greyhounds (as well as dogs on the shorter side, like Bassett Hounds) actually need extra protection in winter—some struggle to stay warm, and others are too short to avoid the snow.

While dog coats come in any number of styles, the best ones are made with durable, water-resistant fabrics, and they feature a secure fastening system that prevents the coat from falling off. The best dog coats are also easy to clean, and some offer additional features like pockets for doggy bags or reflective accents to boost visibility. Bonus points go to coats that include a hole near the neck to feed a leash through, and a loop to hang the coat so it can dry.

Below you’ll find our list of the best dog coats, from insulative puffies to ultralight raincoats and even a coat fit for summer adventures. We’ve also added a couple cold-weather essentials that should serve them well through winter. Whether you’re letting them out to do their business or letting them run wild in the great outdoors, there’s a coat here for every canine.

Ruffwear

From soft, fluffy snowflakes to sleet and rain, the Vert Jacket from Ruffwear is appropriate for all manner of winter weather. Not only is it windproof and waterproof, but it’s made with lofted insulation for extra warmth, and a storm collar for additional protection. It’s also easy to get the jacket on and off thanks to a simple buckling system, and Ruffwear adds a leash portal through the back as well as optional leg loops should you need to create a really secure fit.

Ruffwear makes coats from sizes XXS to XL, and you’ll want to determine the right size for your dog by measuring the widest part of its ribcage. The Vert Jacket is designed to offer a relaxed fit that drapes over the body, making it good pick for hard-to-fit dogs like bulldogs, dachshunds and Great Danes. It can also be layered over more form-fitting apparel to provide extra warmth.

Amazon

While your dog might enjoy splashing around in puddles and swimming in lakes, there’s a good chance they don’t appreciate getting rained on (and who can blame them, really?).

That’s where the Nacoco Raincoat comes in handy. Not only does it have an adorable Morton Salt Girl aesthetic, but it genuinely does a good job keeping Fido dry, even on the rainiest of days. It’s made with 100 polyester, so it’s highly waterproof while still retaining breathability for those heated dog park escapades. There’s also a drawstring hood (a rare perk we don’t often see on doggie rain gear) and adjustable stomach and leg straps to keep it in place. The cherry on top? Reflective detailing to improve visibility in low-light conditions.

This raincoat is deigned for larger breeds, with sizes ranging from medium to 3XL and it comes in a variety of vibrant colors, from classic yellow to camouflage.

Chewy

While Hurtta’s Expedition Insulated Parka is designed specifically for breeds with short coats (or those that lack an undercoat), such as Greyhounds and Great Danes, it can serve any breed that isn’t built for the cold and snow. The laminated outer is both waterproof and breathable, and a buckle that secures about the stomach allows you to dial in the fit. Because the back, neckline and collar circumference are completely adjustable, you can seal in the heat to keep your pup warm on days when they’d otherwise be cold.

The Hurtta Expedition Insulated Dog Parka comes in sizes ranging from 8-inches to 32-inches long, so unless your dog is massive, there’s a good chance you can pick one up in your their size. It comes in four earthy colorways that include blackberry, beetroot, bilberry and buckthorn.

Orvis

A fleece dog coat, like this one from Orvis, is another great choice for shoulder season when temperatures are cool but not exactly cold. Keeping your pup warm without restricting their movements, the Buffalo Check Jacket makes use of two hook-and-loop fasteners for a snug fit—one at the chest and another at the belly—so you won’t have to worry about it coming undone while your pooch romps around at the dog park. And because it’s made of fleece and corduroy (on the collar and trim), it’s easy to clean—just toss it in the wash if it gets too dirty. Find it in sizes ranging from small through extra large, and don’t forget to snap a few fall puppy pics when that buffalo plaid pattern is sure to stand out.

REI

While the weather protection on this jacket from Ruffwear is fairly minimal, it’s great for doggies who already boast a ton of fur and would sooner overheat inside a traditional insulated coat. Instead, the real value here is the Lumenglow High-Vis Jacket’s contrasting colors and reflective side panels that improve visibility in low light conditions. Making every aspect of their routine safer, from the pre-bedtime walk to the off-leash adventures, this coat comes in handy through winter when daylight hours decline..

The Lumenglow comes in a bright orange colorway, and sizes ranging from XXS-XL.

Carhartt

Dog coats can cost as much as your winter coat, which can be worrisome if you're not sure your dog will even tolerate wearing a coat. At $40, this coat from Carhartt costs significantly less than other options on this list, but it’s still warm, water-resistant, comfortable and sleek. The canvas interior boosts durability, and a quilted liner adds extra warmth. The straps for the chest and waist are easily adjustable, and there are two pockets for small trinkets or treats. It comes in Brown, Black, Hunter Orange and Camo, so it’s really suitable for working dogs or those that spend time in the woods through hunting season.

Ruffwear

We wouldn't be surprised if you raised an eyebrow after being told that you should put your dog in a coat on a scorching summer day. That is until you realzie this coat from Ruffwear is specifically made to help keep four-legged friends cool. The white fabric reflects the sun and provides some protection against UV light (it's UPF 50). But more importantly, after the coat is soaked in water, Ruffwear’s Swamp Cooler Tech is activated to turn the coat into a massive cooling agent.

Easy to get on and off thanks to side-release buckles, you won’t have to wrestle with your wet pup when the time comes to undress and head home. There's also a leash portal built into the top, so if your pooch is a harness wearer, it won't be a problem. Reflective trim boosts visibility in low-light conditions (like early mornings, late evenings or heavily-wooded forests), and sizes range from XXS to XL.

REI

Ever wonder what causes those pesky little ice balls to form between your dog’s paw pads? Here's the science: Dogs have sweat glands in their toes, so when they leave the warmth of the indoors and venture out into the cold, the sudden temperature change can cause little icicles to form between their paw pads. Not only are these uncomfortable, but they can actually hurt your dog’s paws if they occur frequently. One way to mitigate that problem is with booties.

The Ruffwear Polar Trex booties provide warmth, traction and protection thanks to their rubberized soles and soft upper shell. These boots have a hook-and-loop closure that cinches at the narrowest part of the dog’s leg for a secure fit, and a pullover stretch gaiter with a zippered closure helps keep snow out.

Amazon

If your four-legged friend doesn’t like the secure fit of booties, protect their paws from ice and snow with a paw balm like Musher’s Secret Dog Paw Wax. The recipe for this balm was originally developed for sled dogs, who work for hours in harsh conditions.

Made with natural food-grade waxes and oils (important if your dog likes to lick their paws), the cream helps condition and shield paw pads from the elements. Just apply it a few times a week during the winter (more often if your dog spends a lot of time in the snow), to keep their paws protected.

To choose the best dog coats, we spoke to dog owners and foster dog parents about their current favorite coats, as well as models they’ve used in the past. We pored over online reviews of top-rated coats and tested various best-selling options on our own dogs. Coats that earned high marks for quality, durability and comfort made the final cut, but we also review our top picks regularly to ensure we’re selecting the best dog coats on the market, so be sure to check back often for new additions, FAQs and more.