Buying guides

Best Dog Snowsuit: How to Choose One That Fits

The best dog snowsuit fits snugly without restricting movement, covers the chest and belly, is insulated and water-resistant, and has a leash opening on the back. A snowsuit that also covers the legs helps lean, short-coated and hairless dogs most. Many dogs with thick double coats do not need one, so check your dog first.

By Matt GarnettUpdated November 14, 20264 min read2 sources

Does your dog actually need a snowsuit?

Not every dog does. The AKC says small and toy breeds cannot maintain body heat in cold weather, as can hairless breeds, clipped or shaved dogs, short low-to-the-ground dogs such as Basset Hounds and Dachshunds, lean short-coated dogs like Greyhounds and Whippets, high-energy short-coated sporting dogs, and puppies, seniors and dogs with conditions like arthritis. Thick-coated breeds such as Huskies, Malamutes and Saint Bernards are generally protected.

The AKC gives no fixed too-cold temperature, but veterinarian Dr. Stegemoller advises keeping playtime short, around 15 to 20 minutes, when the windchill is below 20 degrees, followed by time to warm up indoors. If you are unsure whether your dog needs a coat, ask your vet. Browse our dog snowsuits if yours is one that chills easily.

Snowsuit, jacket or coat?

A snowsuit is not the same as a jacket. The AKC explains that lightweight jackets suit cooler weather, insulated jackets are for snow and extreme cold, and snowsuits and bodysuits cover the legs as well as the body, which helps lean-bodied or hairless dogs. If your dog only needs a layer on the trunk, a winter coat may be enough, and our guide to the best winter coat for dogs compares them.

Choose a snowsuit when your dog's legs and belly get cold or soaked, such as a short-legged breed wading through deep snow. Choose a jacket if your dog hates wearing leg sleeves. A garment that your dog fights is worse than none.

Fit: how to measure

The AKC says to measure the length of your dog's body and the widest part of the chest, then follow the manufacturer's sizing instructions, since each brand fits slightly differently. The dog should be able to walk, run and play comfortably, and the suit should not be loose enough to risk entanglement.

Check the leg openings and the neck. Cuffs that are too tight rub or restrict movement, and a loose crotch or belly panel can snag. If your dog is between sizes, check the maker's chart for chest girth first and take the size that fits the chest, since body length is easier to forgive than a tight chest.

Insulation, waterproofing and fabric

For snow, look for a water-resistant outer layer and an insulated lining. A padded suit holds heat, such as a padded hooded snowsuit or a padded full-body jumpsuit, while a four-leg winter suit covers all four legs. A hood adds warmth for ears but can block vision, so check that your dog can see.

Fabric details matter. A smooth outer shell sheds snow instead of collecting snowballs, and machine-washable fabric is easier to keep clean, which the AKC recommends. Check that zippers and fasteners are covered so they do not rub against skin or catch fur.

Features that make walks easier

The AKC lists reflective trim for dark mornings and evenings, a built-in leash hole for back-clip harnesses, and sanitary cut-outs as useful features. Winter walks happen in low light, so reflective panels are worth having. If your dog wears a harness, make sure the leash opening lines up with the clip and that the harness does not bunch under the suit.

Easy on and off helps too. A suit that closes with a few fasteners along the back is faster than one you must pull over the head on a squirming dog. Introduce it positively, which the AKC recommends, and let the dog wear it for short indoor sessions first.

Paws, care and warning signs

A snowsuit does not protect paws unless it has boots built in. The ASPCA advises washing and drying the feet after each walk, checking for cracks in the pads or redness between toes, and removing snowballs from between the foot pads. See our dog boots for snow and dog paw balm for paw protection.

Wash the suit regularly. The AKC notes that coats collect hair and dander, and damp coats put away after snow can become breeding grounds for bacteria. Hang it to dry before storing. If your dog shivers, lifts its paws, seems lethargic or refuses to walk, head indoors and call your vet if it does not warm up.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.

Common questions

Do dogs really need snowsuits?

Some do. The AKC says small, hairless, clipped, short-coated, lean dogs, puppies, seniors and dogs with arthritis may need protection, while thick-coated breeds like Huskies are generally protected. If unsure, ask your vet.

How do I measure my dog for a snowsuit?

Measure the length of the body and the widest part of the chest, then follow the maker's size chart, since brands fit differently. The AKC says the dog should be able to walk, run and play comfortably.

What is the difference between a dog snowsuit and a jacket?

A jacket covers the trunk. The AKC says snowsuits and bodysuits cover the legs as well, which helps lean-bodied or hairless dogs, while insulated jackets suit snow and extreme cold for dogs that tolerate leg sleeves poorly.

How long can my dog stay out in the cold?

There is no single number. Dr. Stegemoller suggests keeping playtime to about 15 to 20 minutes when the windchill is below 20 degrees, then warming up indoors. Watch your dog and head in if it shivers or lifts its paws.

Do I still need boots with a snowsuit?

Usually, yes, unless the suit has built-in boots. The ASPCA advises washing and drying paws after each walk and checking for cracks or redness, and booties give more coverage against salt and sand.