How to Choose a Dog Coat

With so many outerwear options to choose from, it can feel overwhelming to identify which coat(s) is best for your dog. When shopping for a coat, ask yourself the following questions to help make

selecting a coat an easier process:

Why Buy My Dog a Coat?

Are you buying your dog a coat for fashion or function? Many “fashionable” coats are made

to serve the purpose of making your dog look cute. Because of this, they do not always offer complete coverage or features to keep them secure as your dog runs and plays (like leg straps

or belly straps). If you are looking for a functional coat, you will want to look for a coat that

has ample coverage, adjustable straps, and includes important features like breathability

and water resistance.

What Type of Fur Does My Dog Have?

Double coated breeds like Huskies, Shepherds and Malamutes often don’t need much added warmth from their outerwear, even in colder temperatures. A lightweight, waterproof coat like Shedrow K9’s Cloudburst are great for these dogs, as it keeps them dry without adding warmth.

Dogs with short hair typically benefit from an insulated coat, like Shedrow K9’s Glacier, Chinook or Tundra. The insulation from the jacket will help to keep them warm, while the water resistant outer shell will help keep them dry. Dogs with medium length hair are often suited to an in-between coat, like Shedrow K9’s Aspen, Newmarket, or Beacon. Heavier than a raincoat, but thinner than a filled coat, these in-between coats are great for adding just a bit of additional warmth.

What Will My Dog be Doing in Their Coat?

If your dog is going on a leisurely walk, they will feel much colder than they would feel running around at a dog park in the same temperature. Consider buying your dog a few coats in different weights so that they have a coat that suits the weather and planned activities for any given day.

What Season am I Buying a Coat For?

Canada experiences a wide range of temperatures, and it is important to remember this when

shopping for coats. A coat that you might wear on a 10 degree day would be very different from

a coat you would wear in a snow storm. Since you will need to walk your dog in all weather conditions, they will need a variety of coats.

Does My Dog Typically Feel Hot or Cold?

Whether it feels hot or cold is a very subjective matter. Some people may feel comfortable in 20 degree weather, while others may think that feels very cold. If you notice your dog shivering in

a temperature that does not feel very cold to you, or vice versa, you will need to take this into

consideration when selecting your dog’s coats. If you are still having trouble narrowing down

what to include in your dog’s wardrobe, the knowledgeable Groomers and Pet Specialists

at Bark & Fitz would be happy to help.