Does My Dog Need a Coat in Winter? Temperature Guide

Quick answer: Many dogs need a coat in winter, but not all. Small, short-haired, thin, senior and puppy dogs often feel the chill around 45°F (7°C) and should wear a coat at 32°F (0°C) or below. Thick double-coated breeds like Huskies rarely need one. Wind, rain and time outside make it feel colder.

Does my dog need a coat in winter, and at what temperature?

Your dog likely needs a coat in winter if they are small, short-haired, thin, older or a young puppy. As a general guide, these dogs start to feel cold around 45°F (7°C) and usually need a coat at 32°F (0°C) and below.

Body size, fur type and body fat all affect how a dog handles cold. Breeds with thick double coats, like Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes and Bernese Mountain Dogs, are built for winter. A Chihuahua or Italian Greyhound is not.

Small dogs lose body heat faster, and short-legged dogs walk with their bellies close to cold snow. Seniors, puppies and dogs with health conditions can also have a harder time staying warm.

Cold weather guide by dog type

Use this table as a general guide, not a rule. Wind, rain, wet snow and time outside can make it feel colder than the thermometer says, and a wet or still dog gets cold faster than a dry dog on the move.

Wet fur loses warmth fast. On rainy or slushy days, even mild ones, dog raincoats help short-coated dogs stay dry and warm.

Signs your dog is too cold

Watch your dog, not just the forecast. Head inside if you notice:

• Shivering or trembling
• A hunched back or tucked tail
• Lifting or holding up paws
• Whining, slowing down or refusing to walk
• Pulling back toward home or looking for shelter
• Ears, paws or body that feel cold to the touch

Dry your dog off and let them warm up indoors. Contact a veterinarian if shivering won’t stop, your dog seems weak or very sleepy, or you see pale, gray or blistered skin on the ears, tail or paws, which can be signs of frostbite.

What is the best winter coat for a short-haired dog like a Chihuahua?

The best winter coat for a short-haired dog like a Chihuahua is warm but lightweight, covers the chest and belly, and fits snugly without limiting movement. A water-resistant outer layer is a big plus for snow and slush.

Tiny, short-coated dogs have little fur or body fat to hold in heat, so they cool down fast, even on short potty breaks.

What to look for in a small dog’s winter coat

• Chest and belly coverage: the underside sits close to the cold ground.
• Water-resistant shell: keeps wet snow from soaking through.
• Soft, warm lining: fleece or quilted linings help trap body heat.
• High collar: helps protect the neck from wind.
• Leash opening: lets you clip the leash to a harness worn underneath.
• Easy fasteners: snaps or hook-and-loop closures make dressing a wiggly dog simpler.
• Reflective trim: helps drivers see you on dark winter evenings.

Once you have your dog’s measurements, compare styles in our dog coats and jackets section.

Fit tips for tiny dogs

A good coat is snug but not tight. You should be able to slide two fingers under it at the neck and chest, and it should end around the base of the tail.

On male dogs, the belly panel should stop short of where he pees. Check the armpits after the first few walks, since redness or rubbing means the fit is off.

What is the best dog hoodie for a small dog that is always cold?

For a small dog that is always cold, the best dog hoodie is soft, stretchy and close-fitting, so it holds in body heat without bunching up. Hoodies work best indoors and on cool, dry days. When it’s freezing or wet, switch to a coat.

A hoodie is like a sweatshirt for your dog: an easy extra layer for a drafty house or early-morning potty trips. Thin-coated breeds like Chihuahuas, Italian Greyhounds and Miniature Pinschers often appreciate one when the heat is turned down.

What makes a good hoodie for a chilly small dog

• Stretchy fabric that moves with your dog
• Full chest coverage and a belly cut that suits your dog
• A hood that never covers the eyes
• Roomy armholes so the front legs move freely

Browse dog hoodies if your little one needs a cozy layer around the house.

Hoodie safety tips

Take the hoodie off if your dog pants, seems restless or feels warm. Skip clothes when your dog is home alone or crated, since fabric can get caught.

If your dog seems cold all the time, mention it to your veterinarian, because it can sometimes point to a health issue.

How to measure your dog for a coat or sweater

Use a soft measuring tape to take three measurements: neck, chest girth and back length. Chest girth is usually the most important one.

1. Have your dog stand. Measure on a flat floor with your dog standing straight, not sitting. Treats help.
2. Measure the neck. Wrap the tape around the neck where a collar sits, then add two fingers of room.
3. Measure the chest girth. Wrap the tape around the widest part of the ribcage, just behind the front legs.
4. Measure the back length. Go from the base of the neck to the base of the tail.
5. Compare your numbers. Check them against our size guide and the size chart for the item you like, since sizes can vary by style.

No soft tape? Use a piece of string, mark it, then measure the string with a ruler. If your dog falls between two sizes, choose the larger one.

What size sweater should I get for a French Bulldog?

Pick a French Bulldog sweater size by chest girth, not back length or weight. Frenchies have a deep, broad chest and a fairly short back, so the chest is the measurement most likely to make a sweater too tight.

A sweater chosen by back length may fit along the back but squeeze the chest and shoulders. Breed-based sizes are only a starting point, since French Bulldogs vary a lot in build.

Tips for a comfortable Frenchie fit

• Size by the chest. Match the chest measurement first, then check the neck and back.
• Size up if you’re between sizes. A slightly long back is better than a tight chest, as long as it stays clear when your dog pees.
• Check the neck opening. Frenchies have thick necks, and a sweater should never press on the throat.
• Choose stretch. Stretchy knits and roomy armholes let the front legs move freely.
• Watch their breathing. Frenchies are flat-faced, so tight or overly warm clothing can make breathing harder. If you notice noisy breathing, heavy panting or labored breathing, remove the sweater and contact a veterinarian.

With the chest measurement in hand, browse dog sweaters and compare it with the size chart before you order. Sweaters suit cool, dry days. In snow or freezing weather, a warmer, weather-resistant coat is a better match for a Frenchie’s short fur.

Do dogs need boots for snow and road salt?

Not every dog needs boots, but they help a lot when sidewalks are covered in road salt, ice melt or rough ice. Small dogs, seniors, dogs with sensitive paws and dogs who walk on salted city streets benefit most.

Road salt and ice melt can dry out and irritate paw pads and sting small cuts. Dogs may also lick their paws after a walk and swallow the residue, which can upset their stomach. And snow can pack into ice balls between the toes.

Wiping paws after walks: a simple alternative

If your dog won’t wear boots, wiping paws after every walk is a good alternative:

• Keep a towel and a bowl of lukewarm water by the door.
• Wipe or dip each paw, including between the toes and pads.
• Dry each paw well.
• Check for redness, cracks or packed ice.
• Keep the fur between the pads trimmed in winter.

Contact a veterinarian if paws are cracked or bleeding, your dog is limping, or they keep licking one paw.

To protect paws before they touch salt, browse dog boots. Look for a grippy sole, secure straps and room for the toes to spread. For sizing, have your dog stand on paper, trace a front paw and measure the widest part.

How do I get my dog to wear boots?

Introduce boots slowly: start indoors, keep sessions short, and use plenty of treats and praise. Many dogs high-step at first, which is normal and usually fades with practice.

1. Let your dog sniff. Set the boots on the floor and reward calm interest.
2. Practice paw handling. Gently hold each paw for a second, then give a treat.
3. Try one boot. Put it on, reward right away, then take it off after a few seconds.
4. Add boots gradually. Work up to all four over several short sessions.
5. Walk indoors. Lure a few steps with a treat, and keep sessions to a few minutes.
6. Go outside. Once your dog moves comfortably indoors, try a short walk on a familiar route, adding a few minutes each day.

Common boot problems

• Boots fall off: Recheck the size and tighten straps snugly, without pinching.
• Your dog freezes: Go back a step and make sessions shorter.
• Rubbing or redness: Check paws after each walk and recheck the fit.

Never force boots on a stressed dog.

FAQ

Can my dog wear a coat all day?

Most dogs should wear a coat only outside and take it off once they’re back indoors. Leaving it on too long can cause overheating or rubbing. In a chilly home, a light sweater or hoodie is a better choice.

Is 40°F too cold to walk my dog?

For most healthy dogs, no. Small, short-haired, senior and puppy dogs may need a sweater or coat and a shorter walk at 40°F (4°C), especially when it’s windy or wet.

Do dogs with thick fur ever need a coat?

Usually not for normal winter walks. A coat may help if a thick-coated dog has been shaved, is a senior or has a health condition that makes staying warm harder. Ask your veterinarian if you’re unsure.

What’s the difference between a dog sweater and a coat?

A sweater is a soft knit layer for cool, dry days and chilly homes. A coat is made for colder weather and often has a wind- or water-resistant outer layer. Many small-dog owners use both.

How do I know if my dog’s coat fits?

You should fit two fingers under the coat at the neck and chest. Your dog should walk, sit and lie down easily, and the coat should end near the base of the tail without rubbing the armpits.

Key takeaways

• Small, short-haired, senior and puppy dogs often need a coat around 45°F (7°C) and should wear one at 32°F (0°C) or below.
• Thick double-coated breeds rarely need coats, but keep every dog’s time outside short below 20°F (-7°C).
• Size coats and sweaters by chest girth first, especially for French Bulldogs.
• Road salt and ice melt can irritate paws, so use boots or wipe paws after every walk.
• Teach boots slowly with treats, and contact a veterinarian about frostbite signs, cracked or bleeding paws, limping or breathing trouble.