Newbies to the world of dog clothing might be wondering what on earth pet owners are doing buying their four-legged friends protective outerwear for a minimal British downpour. But they don’t yet understand the pain of having your pup shake out their muddy fur all over your expensive sofa.
Contrary to popular belief, dressing your precious pooch in sumptuous fabrics doesn’t necessarily mean clothing them in a ‘Poochie Couture’ matching tracksuit set, or a monogrammed Gucci rollneck. Rather, pup-ready outwear is an incredibly practical piece of pet care to add to your growing arsenal.
As much as we love to imagine the ferocious origins of our precious beasts, sometimes we have to remind ourselves that our domesticated creatures are millennia away from those beastly lupine origins. That fluffball cavapoo, or your tiny teacup pug aren’t exactly built to withstand the elements.
As such, you’d be doing them a disservice in allowing them to brave that ghastly, capricious British weather without the proper gear. After all, would you walk through torrential downpour without wearing a waterproof jacket?
What are the benefits of dog jackets and coats?
Lean-bodied dogs such as greyhounds and whippets especially need extra protection during the winter, while senior dogs might also suffer from conditions that require some additional warmth year-round to prevent a nasty case of the shakes.
From auto-immune diseases to arthritis, a warm fleece-lined coat can help alleviate the symptoms and help with a deteriorating ability to regulate their own body temperature. Even thick-coated dogs may become uncomfortable in colder temperatures, as senior dogs can have trouble with heat regulation.
Aside from providing much-needed warmth and protection during the colder months, cosy dog jackets can also help to soothe anxious pups who sometimes have trouble braving the outdoors. Plus, high-visibility jackets can help soothe the anxious minds of owners during those night-time winter walks.
What should I look for when purchasing a dog jacket or coat?
- Waterproofness: Ensure your dog’s jacket has a proper waterproof finish, or else you’ll end up with a soggy and cold pup.
- Visibility: Purchasing a coat with reflective, hi-vis elements will reassure you during dark winter walks, making your dog easier to spot.
- Lining: Fleece-lined waterproofs are a fantastic option for senior dogs and pups who struggle to regulate their body temperature on their own.
- Coverage: Lean-bodied dogs with slender legs and long necks might require maximum coverage, while smaller fluffy dogs may prefer minimal protection focused on their core.
Keep scrolling for a round-up of the best waterproof dog jackets to keep your pup pawtected during ruff weather conditions.
Shop now.
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Barbour Tartan Waterproof Dog Coat
Is there anything more classically British than a Barbour jacket? Fit for royalty, waxed tartan is a go-to when it comes to outerwear for animals and humans alike. This timeless design is even complete with Barbour’s characteristic corduroy collar.
Though it may not look like it at first glance, this design has a highly reflective binding which will help them be visible to traffic on dull days and late evening walkies.
Buy now £49.95, Cotswolds Outdoor
Reflective All-weather Waterproof Dog Rain Coat
For the utmost protection, look no further than the all-weather waterproof raincoat from Funny Fuzzy. A bestseller for a reason with almost 300 positive reviews, this fully waterproof piece of kit is as reflective as it gets, so you’ll never lose sight of your doggo again. The full leg coverage and extendable high-neck are ideal for lean-bodied dogs, while the zip along the back makes it easy to get on and take off.
Buy now £35.99, Funny Fuzzy
Ralph Lauren Reversible Spring Puffer Dog Jacket, Blue, Large
A brilliant solution for a pup who struggles to stay warm, yet finds traditional full-coverage waterproofs restrictive – this luxurious reversible gilet from Ralph Lauren is filled with poly fibre for extra warmth on those chilly winter mornings.
Buy now £180.00, John Lewis
Pets At Home Flecta Vizlite Reflective Dog Jacket Medium
Those vibrant yellow reflective jackets you often see cyclists donning at night? Meet your dog’s own version: the Flecta Vizlite Reflective Dog Jacket.
Perfect for night-time strolls when you need a little extra visibility, this dashing dog jacket provides high visibility in all light conditions and even comes with its own set of lights.
Those only take 10 minutes to charge, too, without electricity or wires included. One charge lasts for eight hours, which should be almost enough time to wear your dog out.
Buy now £25.00, Pets At Home
Leeshshopp The North Face warm puff dog coat
Trouble getting your dog out for walkies this winter? This independent Etsy shop has got you covered, quite literally. The spin on the classic The North Face puffer will have your pup bounding straight towards that frost-covered grass in the early hours of the morning.
Buy now £22.00, Etsy
Kerbl Raincoat Manchester
What’s the closest thing you can find to a doggy snowsuit? Perhaps this dog rain jacket from Kerbl. The Raincoat Manchester is a little larger than most dog coats and is perfect for walkies when you’ve already ticked off “bath time” for the week.
Great for keeping clean in bad weather, this waterproof and windproof jacket is a top hit for a race around the neighbourhood when the wind is howling. If you really have to head out during bad weather, this essential coat makes the experience a bit less awful.
Buy now £19.33, Amazon
Danish Design Black Harness 2 In 1 Ultimate Rainproof Windproof Machine Washable Dog/Puppy Coat
Suitable for all life stages, this two-in-one waterproof jacket system also functions as a harness for fuss-free walks no matter the weather. With a removable fleece lining for extra warmth depending on just how low the temperatures get, this machine-washable piece is complete with a velcro adjustment buckle for the perfect fit.
Buy now £21.94, Amazon
Barc London Dog Raincoat
Undeniably chic and wonderfully practical, this darling raincoat is available in a variety of pastel hues to suit any aesthetic. Complete with front-fastening poppers along the belly for easy changing, a protective mesh lining, and a water-repellent finish, this machine-washable piece of kit is going straight in our basket.
Buy now £35.00, Barc London
Breatheshield Dog Raincoat
Delivering on ultimate coverage without hindering the use of your pup’s limbs, the Breatheshield dog raincoat by Spark Paws scores high on style and practicality. Available from size S to 4XL, you’ll struggle to find a pooch that doesn’t fit into one of these fashion-forward pieces.
The water and windproof jacket has been fabricated from lightweight materials to keep your dog cool while staying protected, and the inner mesh lining will prevent the jacket from sticking to your dog’s fur when wet. What’s more, the adjustable neck wrap can be extended to protect your dog’s head and ears without restricting their vision, while the reflective strips on the side of the jacket truly make this piece an all-rounder.
Buy now £39.00, Spark Paws
