Best Overall Dog Raincoat
Best Budget Dog Raincoat
Most Durable Dog Raincoat
Our Other Favorites
What is a Dog Raincoat?
Like humans, dogs want to stay dry in rainy weather. Not only will it make life easier for you (you won't have to dry them off afterward), but it could also help a skittish dog do their business in torrential weather. Many dog raincoats are lightweight, so they can be used for wet weather, even when it isn't particularly cold. That said, you can also find well-padded raincoats for dogs that are suited to cold, wet weather.
Some dog raincoats have hoods, which is great if your dog hates getting was,ter in their ears or on their head, while others are more adjustable for a better fit. Here are some things to consider before buying one.
Waterproof
Before ordering a raincoat for your dog, you should note that there's a difference between "waterproof" and "water-resistant." Dog raincoats that are waterproof keep moisture out completely, even when it's raining heavily, while water-resistant coats might keep your dog dry during a light shower but won't stand up to downpours and some water may get through. A quality dog raincoat should be fully waterproof, but you may only need some resistance, depending on your needs.
Size
Dog raincoats come in a range of sizes from extra-small to extra-extra-extra large, and to get the best fit, you may need to measure your dog and not just rely on their typical size. Check the sizing chart of the coat you're considering for exact measurements, but you'll usually need to measure your dog's girth just behind the front legs and length along the back from the base of the neck to the base of the tail to get the best fit possible. Otherwise, the raincoat could fall short.
Safety
A raincoat can help keep your dog safe in wet weather, as prolonged exposure to cold, wet weather can lead to conditions such as pneumonia or acute caudal myopathy, also known as swimmer's tail or limber tail. Keeping your dog warm and dry when out in the rain is a step in the right direction, but you still need to look out for other hazards, such as the dangers of low visibility or drinking from puddles.
This depends on your dog and the weather conditions. If your dog will happily wear a raincoat, you should put one on them in wet weather, though it may not be necessary for light drizzle. Avoid putting raincoats on dogs who hate wearing clothes or are visibly uncomfortable in them. Instead, keep their walks relatively short in heavy rain or find a covered area for them to do their business.
Dogs don't necessarily like hoods but some are happy to tolerate them to keep their heads dry. Other dogs actively dislike wearing hoods. If your dog seems bothered by the hood on their raincoat, don't force them to wear it up.
Dogs certainly can get cold in wet weather, assuming that it's a cold day and not a warm or mild day with rain. Unless your dog is warming themself up by running around, you can assume that if you're cold, your dog is too.
