Dog coats for the Summer versus the Winter
What type of dog coat do I need in the summer versus the winter?
As we head out of the winter season into spring, the question of what dog coat will I need is regularly asked. A summer dog coat has different requirements than some you would use in the winter months. Below we share which work for the different times of the year.
Waterproof Dog Coats
These dog coats are your most versatile and can be worn across all the seasons. These are more focused on keeping your dog dry in the rain. In the UK this is probably the number one reason your dog would need a dog coat; making it easier for you after a walk and stop their coat getting matted and their body getting cold.
Our wide range of colours in the All Seasons Waterproof Dog Coat is out most popular choice amongst the Treat Your Dog community of dog owners. These coats are fully waterproof on the outside and have a lighted padded inside. These keep the wind and chill out, but not too warm to overheat your dog. On all but hot days these coats are prefect for wet weather walks whatever the time of year.
Dog Raincoats
These coats are also versatile and used across all months of the year. These tend to be a single layer of water resistant fabric, that covers as much of your dog as possible to keep the wet weather off the dog’s coat. Some raincoats, like this gorgeous dog coat from Joules, have a mesh lining which offers a small heat trap for warm air in the winter, and a breathable lining for warmer days. This raincoat on a Cockerpoo is lightweight and is handy for being out and about.
Dog Coats with 4 legs
Our most popular dog coat with 4 legs comes in 2 choices of colours. This is ideal for anytime of the year when you want to keep your dog clean and dry. They are also a popular choice for beach visits and for keeping your dog clean before a dog show. These coats keep as much of a dog’s coat covered as is practically possible!
Dog Coats with 2 legs
Another great option for different times of the year is a dog coat that covers the front legs and chest area. These coats work well where a dog may be a size that cannot fit easily into a coat with 4 legs. They are also great for dogs that like to get into the mud. The front legs and front chest areas are where much of the dirt is collected! This grey dog raincoat is our most popular due to the choice of sizes.
Fleece Dog Coats
Fleecy dog coats are definitely more suited to the winter, but do get lots of use in the autumn and spring months. You would not use these on a warm day due to the risk of your dog overheating. But as a warm and protective later from the rain and mud, they offer a great solution for dogs for many months of the year.
Dogs can wear these for hours at a time as they have no straps that chafe or clasps to dig into their body if they lay down in them. Great if they like to spend time outdoors on a cooler day.
Thermal Dog Coats
The clue is in the name with these coats… Perfect for a cold day to keep those dogs that struggle to regulate their body temperature along with the young and the old. Our thermal coats are all lined with a thermal fleecy lining. This along with padding in the quilted layer keeps your dog warm and toasty. These coats are not recommended for summer months as your dog could overheat.
Body warmers
Often known as dog puffa jackets, these are ideal for cooler days but again not a summer dog coat. They help your dog stay warm and dry. They also have underbelly coverage for those that want to keep their dog clean-er. The padding is light but warm and as the coat cuts away at the top of each leg it allows free movement for your dog. Ours are available in different colours and 10 different sizes to fit most breeds of dogs.
Dog Cooling Coats
As the name suggests these coats are designed to keep your dog cool on warmer days. These are useful for a dog that is prone to overheating in other months. I had often wondered if this would be a useful addition, bearing in mind how little warmer weather we get in the UK!
I got a cooling coat for my Labrador before going to the beach one warm day. Normally we have to set up shade and not stay too long (much to the horror of the kids!). But this allowed us a whole afternoon in the blazing sunshine without our dog so much as panting. As you wet these before popping on, the coat then goes though a process of keeping your dog cool refreshing it as it starts to dry. At the beach is easy, but elsewhere a bottle of water did the job. It meant our elderly Labrador and young kids all enjoyed the beach and no one suffered.
Keeping cool at the beach & on holiday
Other dog owners swear by these when away on holiday, camping and in caravans. Lodges would be similar. You’ve no means of keeping the tent/caravan cool, so these coats ensure your dog can stay cool and not overheat. And again by wetting over and over they can wear these for hours on end. You may not use this as often as a raincoat, but when they are needed they are a lifesaver. And well worth every penny.
There are different styles of cooling coats. A more vest like style, or a more traditional coat style with adjustable straps around the chest.
So as you can see many dog coats can be used in summer and winter. There are some that can be used in the autumn and winter only, and some that are just for summer.
If you want to keep your dog from the worst of the elements a waterproof dog coat is your most cost effective option.
Do you have a dog that cannot control their body temperature? Then a thermal winter coat is best for the winter and a cooling coat for the summer. This was you will protect their health and make your life easier too.
Still unsure of what style of summer dog coat would be best for your dog? Whether it be summer or winter we will have the coat for your dog. Please get in touch with us on the contact us button and we will happily help.