Famous cartoonist Charles Schulz hit the nail on the head with that one – indeed, happiness is a warm puppy.
After all, whoever said that Fido or Snoopy couldn’t join you out on the trail, the summit, or the campsite?
If you truly consider your dog to be your best friend, then you should consider one of the best waterproof dog coats or jackets for your furry little friends.
Although it varies by breed, your canine counterpart should never stay outside for extended periods in temperatures lower than approximately 40F (4.5C). However, there is no hard and fast number as to what temperature is too cold.
Does my Dog need a Winter Dog Coat?
After all, the thermometer may register one value, but a harsh, winter wind chill could drop the actual temperature below that of what the thermometer is actually reading, and just like us, dogs can suffer cold-weather complications such as frostbite, hypothermia, and dehydration. Chances are if you have to bundle up and get warm, so does your pooch.
Bear in mind there are some breeds that are bred to survive colder climates, for example, the Siberian Husky. However, dogs not used to frigid winter temperatures are likely to suffer because they don’t normally live in it – regardless of a heavy coat or not. It should be noted as well that some dogs simply feel colder quicker than others. So, the best course of action when taking your four-legged best friends outdoors in less than favorable temperatures is to equip them with the best waterproof dog coats for winter use with chest and belly protection.
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Here at All Things Waterproof, since you’re our best friends, then by default, your dogs are our best friends too. So, we’ve put our heads together, spent countless hours of research, and reviewed and compiled a list of the best waterproof dog coats and jackets the market has to offer. We looked at small dog coats and large dog coats that offer protection against cold and wet weather.
Waterproof Dog Coats 2019 – Side by Side Comparison of Our Top 3 Picks
Editor’s Pick: The Ongoing Dog Raincoat
Our Editor’s Pick in waterproof coats for dogs is the Ongoing Dog Raincoat Dog Slicker Rain Poncho. This is guaranteed to keep your tail-wagger warm and cozy in the outdoors, with a coral fleece design for comfort and waterproofing. It’s convenient to wear (for the dog, not you), easy to take off, and has reflective patches for those nighttime walks. This may be our favorite but it isn’t the only waterproof dog jacket, so let’s take a look at the others too.
Best Waterproof Dog Coats and Rain Jackets Reviewed
Ongoing Dog Raincoat Dog Slicker Rain Poncho
Pros:
- Breathable
- Comfortable
- Easy to wear and remove
- Reflective patches for night use
Cons:
- No slit for leash connection
Our Editors’ Pick waterproof dog coat with chest and belly protection is guaranteed to keep your fine, four-legged friend warm and cozy when he/she needs it most. Made of top-grade nylon fabric, this dog raincoat is both healthy and breathable. A high-quality coral fleece design makes it comfortable and waterproof, and buckles make it very easy to wear and remove. The reflective patches make it safe for nighttime use.
Once you measure your dog’s neck girth, chest girth, and length, choosing a size is easy. Although the dog raincoat itself has no slit for a leash to be attached, some folks have used it with their dog harness underneath, allowing them to still use the leash connector on the harness.
Weatherbeeta Reflective Parka w/ Belly Wrap Dog Blanket
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Full belly-wrap closure
- Large collar w/ leash hole
Cons:
- Elastic in hind legs can fit loosely
The Weatherbeeta waterproof coats for dogs feature a 300D outer shell – making it lightweight. A warm 220-gram polyfill keeps your dog warm, and reflect piping makes this warm dog coat great for nighttime use.
A full belly-wrap closure assists in keeping your dog’s vitals warm, and a large collar with a leash hole allows for leash attachment.
Fashion Pet Waterproof Dog Coat
Pros:
- Comfortable fit
- Metal buckles & belly straps
- Padded lining
- Machine washable
Cons:
- Sizes run small
Just as the company’s name suggests, this is a stylish waterproof dog coat for your canine’s needs. Constructed from waterproof and wind-resistant, ripstop fabric, it features metal buckles on the neck and belly straps for a comfortable fit. This waterproof dog jacket is fully lined with padding for extra warmth and is machine washable.
DJANGO City Slicker Dog Jacket and Raincoat
Pros:
- Full-back, chest, and belly protection
- Reflective piping for low-light adventures
- Easy access to harness and leash
- Lightweight and windproof
- Repels all water, snow, dirt, mud
- Machine washable
Cons:
- For small- and medium-sized dogs only
DJANGO’s City Slicker is a durable and comfortable rain jacket designed for the trail. Waterproof and lightweight, this all-weather coat makes a great summer rain jacket or winter windbreaker. The outer shell is made of high-grade nylon and repels water, snow, mud, and dirt. The inner lining is 100% sport mesh cotton, a soft, flexible and breathable material.
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Customers love that the City Slicker provides full coverage – your dog’s back, chest and upper belly are fully protected from the elements – and the fact that it holds up nicely after countless washes.
RC Pet Products Whistler Zip Line v2.0 Dog Coat
Pros:
- Great for hard-to-fit dogs
- Comfortable
- Easy to fit and adjust
Cons:
- Belly strap gets urinated on easily
This warm dog coat is ideal for barrel-chested and hard-to-fit dogs such as Great Danes, Dobermans, Boxers, Mastiffs, etc. A water-resistant treated nylon shell keeps your pooch dry, while fleece lining keeps him/her warm and comfy. It boasts generous haunch coverage for ultimate weather protection and has easy harness access, similar to the Ongoing Dog Raincoat.
It’s easy to adjust and fit due to its long velcro straps and lack of a built-in chest panel. The right sizing can be found by measuring your dog’s girth and length while it is standing. It also has a reflective stripe for safe night use. The one complaint about this winter dog coat is that the belly strap is right in the urine line of fire.
Kurgo Loft Waterproof Dog Jacket
Pros:
- Reversible
- Rugged & Lightweight
- Easy access to harness and leash
- Comfortable fit
- Reflective piping
- Machine washable
Cons:
- Sizes run small
This reversible, quilted dog jacket is great for adventurous dogs. It’s made from rugged, waterproof ripstop nylon and is lightweight and comfortable. The water repellent shell features a zipper opening for ease of access to your dog’s harness and leash attachment.
Two side adjustment points offer a comfortable fit, and reflective piping provides great visibility in low visibility conditions. If it gets dirty, fear not, it’s machine washable.
Ruffwear Cloud Chaser Soft Shell Dog Jacket
Pros:
- Breathable & windproof
- 3-layer soft-shell fabric
- Repels debris and the elements
- Insulated interior
- 4-way stretch – comfortable fit
Cons:
- Sizes run small
This waterproof dog jacket by Ruffler is waterproof and windproof and features a breathable three-layer soft-shell upper fabric, designed to protect our best friends from the elements. Coated fabric on the lower panel repels and sheds dirt, snow, water, and other debris. The insulated interior of this dog coat maintains your dog’s core body heat. The four-way stretch design offers a comfortable and active fit.
PetCee Dog Jacket
Pros:
- Machine washable
- Leash attachment
- Full chest and belly protection
Cons:
- No reflective features
100% polyester, fleece-lined and waterproof are all features of the PetCee Dog Rain Jacket. This dog jacket is easy to put on with adjustable velcro straps and is best suited for small to medium breeds like Cocker Spaniels, Terriers, Bulldogs, etc.
The outer layer is water-resistant and keeps your dog dry on rainy days, it’s machine washable and has provisions for leash attachment. This waterproof dog coat offers full chest and belly protection but has no reflective features for night use.
Need a waterproof jacket for yourself? Check this: Best Waterproof Jackets of 2019 – The Top 14 Jackets Reviewed
What’s Best For Your Dog? – Buyer’s Guide for Dog Raincoats and Dog Jackets
Here are a few things to keep in mind when looking for the best dog coats for your canine counterpart.
It’s quite unpleasant having your pooch chase garbage trucks in the cold, frigid, unforgiving temperatures of winter, or chase the ice cream truck in the warm, torrential downpour of summer, and not at least offering him/her the best protection against the elements. So, in choosing the best dog jackets, be sure to pay attention to the type of waterproof design. Polyester outer shells and ripstop nylon fabric constructs – similar to those found in our waterproof hiking gear are always good features to look for in raincoats for dogs.
Keep Fido Nimble & Comfortable
Granted dogs are some of the most active, borderline hyperactive, creatures on this planet, it’s important to find a dog coat that is both lightweight and comfortable. The last thing you want to subject your dog to is a heavy, bulky jacket that will keep tripping him/her up and restricting their mobility. Likewise, your dog will appreciate a comfortable, easy-fitting, and adjustable dog jacket. Fleece-lined warm dog coats are great at keeping Fido comfy and cozy.
Keep Fido Warm & Safe
In frigid temperatures, your dog’s comfort relies heavily on the type of dog jacket you choose. More importantly, your dog’s safety also hangs in the balance of the jacket. Choosing a waterproof dog jacket that offers good insulation and safeguards your dog’s core temperature is the ideal choice. Again, fleece-lined dog jackets, and winter dog coats with insulated interiors, padded lining, and full belly and chest protection would be the best bet in keeping out the elements.
Additional Features of Waterproof Dog Jackets That Will Benefit Fido
1. Reflective Features
Any dog coat that features a reflective patch, or reflective lining is a great option. It offers both you and Fido added safety for night walks and nighttime activities.
2. Harness & Leash Access
Some waterproof dog coats don’t necessarily come with attachments for leashes, so it’s a good idea in a case like this, to find a dog jacket that offers easy access to your dog harness and leash, should you use both in conjunction with the dog jacket.
3. Machine Washable
Fido will inherently get up to mischief, and it’s inevitable that your waterproof dog jacket is going to get dirty. There are some machine washable products on the market that will make your life easier when it’s time for cleanup. Hey, there’s no machine-washable dog, so the least you can do is get a machine-washable dog jacket that saves you time and energy.
4. “Pee” Friendly
Some models of waterproof dog coats and dog jackets with chest and belly protection tend to have the belly straps right in the line of fire – if you get what we mean. So, it may be a good idea to look for a model that this isn’t an issue.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it, the very best in dog apparel. After reading this article and getting the best waterproof dog coat, you and Fido should be more than prepared to take on the elements and all that outside has to offer. Always remember, if it’s too cold or uncomfortable for you, then it’s probably too cold and uncomfortable for Fido.