When winter hits, it’s time to gear up Bear for the chilly months ahead. ❄️
Puppies, seniors, small and short-haired dogs feel the cold much more, so it’s important to keep them cosy, warm, and protected during your winter walkies.
For general welfare guidance on when dogs might benefit from wearing a coat, I recommend PDSA’s vet-approved winter coat advice.
Best Winter Dog Gear and Apparel: Trainer Picks
In this guide to the best winter dog gear and apparel, I’ve pulled together my favourite coats, cosy layers and winter essentials to keep your dog comfortable, dry, and stylish on those frosty walks.
Ruffwear Rain Coat
For those delightful rainy days when you question all your life choices, the Ruffwear Rain Coat is a must. It’s like a stylish doggie poncho that’s fully waterproof, easy to fit, and actually stays on — perfect for soggy strolls and drizzly winter walkies.
Ruffwear Quilted Jacket
When it’s so cold and wet that even your coffee needs a scarf, I reach for the Ruffwear Quilted Jacket. Lined, insulated, and weather-resistant — it’s basically a puffer jacket for dogs.
It’s also reflective, helping your dog stay visible on dark mornings and evenings. The design includes a harness hole so you can attach the lead easily. Comfort, warmth, and safety — all in one piece of winter dog apparel.
Lelepet Quilted Jacket
If your dog feels the cold or you’re battling through wet, windy winter walks, the Lelepet Quilted Jacket is a brilliant little lifesaver. It’s fully waterproof and windproof, with cosy padding to keep your dog warm without restricting movement. The reversible design gives you two looks in one, and the easy Velcro fastenings make it simple to get on and off — even with wriggly dogs.
Available in a wide range of sizes, it’s a great option for keeping your dog comfortable, dry, and happy on those freezing morning walkies. Perfect for puppies, seniors, and any dog who needs a bit of extra winter protection.
Ruffwear Fleece
On dry but chilly days, the Ruffwear Fleece is a game-changer. It provides full coverage for your dog’s chest, back, and tummy — keeping them warm without restricting movement, and ideal as a lighter layer of winter dog apparel.
Lelepet Waterproof Winter Dog Coat
When the weather turns cold, wet and windy, the Lelepet Waterproof Winter Dog Coat is a smart choice to keep your dog cosy and seen. Crafted from waterproof and wind-proof polyester with a plush fleece lining and a furry collar to shield the neck, it helps protect your dog during chillier outdoor walks while reflective details support safer low-light outings.
Drying Coat
When your winter walk ends with your dog looking like a muddy mop, the Drying Coat is a lifesaver. Super-absorbent, soft, and made in the UK by a small family business — it turns your pup into a cosy burrito while protecting your home from wet-dog chaos.
Indoor PJ’s
Our dog Blue feels the cold — he’s slim and short-coated, so we use these indoor PJ’s as an extra layer on frosty nights. They say Greyhound, but they fit other breeds too (yes, Bear has one too). Easy to pop on and off, and seriously cute.
Bonus Winter Dog Gear for Extra TLC
Because winter walkies aren’t just about coats and apparel — here are a few essentials to keep your dog’s paws, coat, and comfort in top shape:
Musher’s Secret Paw Balm
This is the original and best paw balm — made from 100% natural ingredients to protect, condition, and soothe paws. It forms a protective barrier against ice, grit, and salt on pavements, without the faff of booties.
Heat Pad
Whether your dog is recovering from illness, injury, or just feeling the chill after a frosty walk, this heat pad offers gentle warmth and comfort — ideal for young pups, senior dogs, or any chilly pooch.
Mud Daddy
Bear’s favourite hobby? Rolling in anything questionable. The Mud Daddy is our go-to for washing off the muck — a portable dog washer that’s ideal for cleaning paws, legs, or full-body mud makeovers before heading home.
Winter Dog Gear & Apparel – FAQs
Does my dog really need a coat in winter?
It depends on the dog. Puppies, seniors, thin-coated breeds (like Greyhounds and Whippets), underweight dogs and those with health issues are more likely to benefit from a well-fitting winter coat. Many healthy, medium–large dogs with thicker coats cope fine with short walks in mild cold, but always watch for signs like shivering, slowing down or trying to head home — your dog’s behaviour is your best guide.
How do I choose the right size winter dog coat?
Measure your dog from the base of the neck (collar) to the base of the tail for length, and around the deepest part of the chest for girth. Compare this to the size guide on each product page. A good winter coat or fleece should allow your dog to walk, sit, lie down and sniff comfortably without rubbing under the armpits or restricting shoulder movement.
What if my dog doesn’t like wearing clothes?
Some dogs need time to get used to wearing winter gear. Introduce coats and fleeces gradually using positive reinforcement — show the coat, feed treats, then drape it briefly, treat again, and build up in small steps. Make sure the fit is comfortable and avoid forcing it on; the goal is that your dog chooses to wear it because it predicts comfort and good things, not stress.
Don’t forget to check out our best products for Evening Walkies too 🌙
