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If there’s one thing all pet owners can agree on, it’s that dogs hate rain. Good luck trying to coax them outdoors to pee when it’s lashing down – they’ll take one look and start backing up.
Rainy days are also a pain for owners – a wet, muddy dog running through the house is a nightmare for floors and upholstery That’s where the best dog coats come in. Waterproof, lightweight and cosy, they can be essential for getting your dog outside during those sudden downpours.
These are our favourite puffers, wax jackets and quick-drying house coats at a glance (many tried and tested by the Good Housekeeping Institute pet panel) but scroll on for everything you need to know before buying.
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Should dogs wear coats?
“Dogs have their own fur coats so will generally be perfectly happy in colder weather, and could even get too warm with extra layers,” says PDSA Veterinary Nurse Shauna Walsh. “However, in some situations, they can help keep them warm and dry in the winter weather. Whether your dog needs an extra layer will depend on their age, breed, health, and coat condition.
“Breeds that have very thick fur, such as huskies or malamutes, are unlikely to need a winter coat, but breeds with thinner or shorter fur, such as greyhounds, whippets, chihuahuas and great Danes, may benefit from the extra protection. Coat or not, if you notice your dog shivering or walking slowly on a cold day, bring them home to warm up and keep their outings a bit shorter until the weather improves.
“Pets that are young, old, or unwell may benefit from some extra winter warmth, as it can be harder for them to regulate their body temperature. Every pet is different, so make an individual choice for each one as to whether a winter coat is right for them. Monitor them during wear for signs they may be too warm – such as panting or drinking excessively.”
In short, most dogs generally won't need a coat for warmth. However, a suitably lightweight, waterproof coat will help keep your dog’s fur dry during downpours, which both they and you will be glad of.
All prices quoted are for a medium size unless otherwise specified.
3 Peaks 3M Thinsulate Bomber Dog Coat Black Marl (Medium)
This machine washable, shower-resistant and insulated bomber (modelled here by Bear) is a breeze to get on and comes with a cosy fleece lining for cooler days. It also has a reflective trim for evening walks.
“I popped it on after a brief dip in a filthy river and it stopped the usual shivering spell,” says Bear's owner, Callum. “During rain showers, the inside fleece layer mostly stayed dry, and we’re a big fan of the zip system, which means he can keep his harness on underneath and you can get the coat on him quickly during sudden downpours. Sadly, it didn’t do anything to reduce the wet dog smell but I suppose you can’t expect miracles from a coat.”
This is an affordable water-resistant option. It has a fleece lining for extra warmth and reflective edge taping so they’re visible on foggy mornings in the park.
It’s also washable and has a chest protector, plus an elastic neck and leg straps for a snug fit (just note that this may take slightly longer to put on vs. a coat you can slip over their neck and Velcro around their tummy).
Designed to be worn after wet walks, this stylish drying coat from Lords & Labradors is made from bamboo, making it super soft on sensitive skin. It's super absorbent and easy to pop on thanks to the Velcro strap under their tummy. It's also machine washable.
If you want a puffer that's easy to put on, this is our top recommendation. You just slip it over their head and then do up the Velcro strap under their belly. We also love the cord collar and the stylish tartan lining. It's also machine washable.
This one comes highly recommended by the GH dog owners. Note, Barbour dog coats tend to come up small so check the measurements carefully before buying.
Trespass Seadog Waterproof Dog Coat - Medium
“Dog coats can be quite hard to find for dachshunds due to their longer body shape, but this one from Trespass fits my dog Ronnie really well,” says dog owner Fiona Andrew. “It’s perfect for wet walks as it’s waterproof, wind-proof and wipes clean.
"The pic (above) is of Ronnie on a very wet day in the Lake District. Also, I like the hi-vis element and the hood is a fun accessory (which Ronnie refuses to wear!).”
Other benefits of this smart coat include reflective trims, a harness access point, hook and loop fastening and adjustable toggles.
This coat is available in six sizes including small.
Barc London Reversible Dog Puffer Jacket: Coral & Khaki Green - Large
We love the look of this colourful, reversible puffer, which comes in three different colour combinations. Lightweight and breathable, it also uses recycled padding.
A word of warning on this one though, it fastens with a zip along the belly and has leg holes, so it's strictly for patient pups and owners only! It does have zip protectors to avoid trapping fur. It's also wipe clean or hand wash-only and comes in seven sizes.
If it’s good enough for Alexa Chung…Introducing the doggy version of the classic Barbour wax jacket. Made from waxed cotton for tough water-resistance, it features a tartan lining, lightweight wadding for warmth and a brown corduroy collar to keep the rain off their neck.
Note, it does take a little longer to get on, with an underbody strap and a riptape fastening at the neck. It also isn’t washable but mud is easy to sponge off – and let’s be honest, have you ever needed to wash your own Barbour? Splatters tend to add to the aesthetic.
Again, Barbour sizing can come up quite small, so check the measurements closely and size up if you're unsure.
We couldn't resist including this dryrobe. A mini version of the ones that performed so well in our best dry robe roundup (often worn after a plunge in icy waters), it's the ultimate winter warmer for adventurous pups.
If they also like a spot of wild water swimming (aka jumping in puddles and ponds), this will keep them warm, dry and visible. It's wind and waterproof with a lambswool lining, reflective piping and adjustable Velcro body strap. This is a well-made, stylish coat.
With a striped lining, button trims and cord and leather toggles, this stylish, lightweight raincoat will be the talk of the park. It's water-resistant with a soft, inner lining and the Velcro fastenings make it easy to put on. Now all they need is the matching wellies...
The equivalent of a body warmer for your pup, an Equafleece tankie can provide a warm, rainproof, breathable layer for chilly mornings. It doesn’t have any buckles or straps – it’s worn like a jumper – so offers good freedom of movement. It’s also washable, so it's good for mucky pups.
Pets at Home Ripstop Reflective Dog Coat
“It’s hard to find nice coats for larger dogs, but this one is perfect for Bella,” says owner Georgia Green. “We needed one with an opening on the back so we could still clip a lead onto her harness underneath, and this one zips open and closed, which is a nice touch. We didn’t want to spend a lot of money on something that is inevitably going to get very dirty (she’s a roller), so this is a great budget-friendly option, but so far it has proved hard-wearing, too.
"It’s fleece-lined for warmth and the reflective panels and piping are a comfort on dark evening walks. The chest and belly straps are both Velcro so you can adjust the sizing for the perfect fit. And, as you can see, she looks heckin’ adorable in it.” We couldn’t agree more!
The benefit of this rain jacket is that you can pack it away into a small carry case that can be popped in your pocket, so it's easy to take on walks and pull out if when the rain starts.
It also has a hood to keep their head dry, although we're not sure how easy it is to keep up (despite the toggles). Some found the Velcro strap a little long but it's easy to customise if needed.
Ruff and Tumble drying coats are hugely popular with dog owners and it’s no surprise. They’re designed to be worn indoors and use high-quality, super absorbent, double thick towelling material to dry your dog in no time when they’re caught without a coat in a surprise downpour.
A little hood helps dry their neck and head while the Velcro fastening makes it easy to slip on and off. It’s also super cosy – cocker spaniel Monty is a fan (although admittedly, he may not look it here, but that's spaniels for you). Say goodbye to damp dogs on the furniture!
If you need something hi-vis for early morning park walks or late night strolls around the houses, this is the coat for you and your pet.
As well as its reflective qualities, it features Flectalon thermal insulation to reduce body heat loss in colder weather, and the outer fabric is certified as shower-proof, keeping them dry for longer if you’re caught in a shower. It also has adjustable clasps at the neck and chest so should be relatively straightforward to put on. For owners and pets that like to be seen!
What features should you look for when buying a dog coat?
Waterproofing: On rainy days, many dogs will appreciate a waterproof coat to keep their fur dry, and it will also mean no soggy patches on your carpet or furniture. Look for something lightweight that won't cause them to overheat.
Fit and coverage: “When selecting a dog coat, it’s really important that it’s well-fitted and purpose made,” says Walsh. "It should cover the whole of your dog’s back from the base of their neck to the bottom of their tail. A well-fitted coat should be snug around their neck and waist, but not so tight that it causes discomfort.
“Measure your dog (from the nape of the neck to the base of the tail) to make sure you get the correct fit. The coat should not restrict their natural movement or behaviour – for example, they should be able to go to the toilet, wag their tail and run easily.”
Thickness: “Make sure you choose the right thickness for your dog – some may only need a thinner coat to keep them dry, while others may benefit from more padding to help them keep in warmth,” says Walsh.
Ease of access: Dogs rarely stand still to get their coat on, especially if they’re impatient to go on a W-A-L-K. If you’ve got a fidgeter, look for a style that’s super easy to put on - you can get ones that can be slipped over their head and then secured with a Velcro strap around their belly. Simple.
Cleaning: If they like to roll in muddy puddles, a waterproof coat can help to keep them (mostly) clean and dry. But you want to ensure it’s fully washable so you’re not left sponge cleaning mud every morning.
Lining: A waterproof coat with a warm fleece lining is a great option for pups or senior dogs that struggle to regulate their body temperature.
Hi-vis features: A coat with high-vis, reflective elements is handy for spotting your pup on dark, foggy mornings, and can provide reassurance on nighttime walks.
Walsh also recommends trying the coat out before taking it for a walk. “Let them wear it around the garden first, so they get used to it and keep a close eye on them for the first few weeks, to make sure it isn’t rubbing the wrong way or causing them any discomfort,” she advises. “If your dog doesn’t like the coat then it’s best to return it and try a different one. Never force a dog to wear a coat or jacket if they are uncomfortable doing so.”
Alison is head of content for the Good Housekeeping Institute, responsible for product reviews across homes, beauty, wellness, family and food & drink. She lives by the William Morris quote that you should “have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”
Alison has over 15 years' experience as a lifestyle editor and has written features on everything from misophonia to how to dress like Claudia on The Traitors. She has also interviewed everyone from Dame Joanna Lumley to the Kardashians.
In her spare time, you'll find her hanging out with Monty the cocker spaniel and refreshing the Sezane website every five seconds.
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