Should Dogs Wear Clothes? When a Coat or Sweater Helps

Which dogs benefit from clothes

According to the American Kennel Club, small dogs, especially toy breeds, and dogs without thick fur most frequently struggle in cold weather. Lean, short-coated breeds such as Whippets and Greyhounds have little fur or body fat for insulation, and hairless breeds such as the Chinese Crested can chill quickly.

The AKC adds that shaved dogs, young puppies and senior dogs are also candidates for a sweater. The ASPCA gives similar advice for short-haired dogs: consider a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck, with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. If your dog shivers, lifts its paws or wants to turn back on a winter walk, that is a sign to cut the outing short or add a layer.

Which dogs usually do not need clothes

The AKC says healthy large dogs with a thick coat generally do not need a sweater and could even overheat in one. A Husky, Newfoundland or Bernese Mountain Dog already carries built-in insulation. Putting a coat over it adds heat they cannot easily lose.

The ASPCA also warns against shaving a dog down to the skin in winter, since a longer coat provides more warmth. If a dog is comfortable outdoors, enjoys the cold and has a full coat, leave the clothes in the drawer and focus on limiting time on ice and snow.

Fit matters more than style

The AKC points out that a sweater that is too big can tangle a dog and cause tripping, while one that is too tight restricts movement. Measure the back length, chest and neck with a soft tape, and check the size chart for the brand, because sizes vary. A well-fitted garment lets the dog walk, run and play normally.

Look for a snug, stretchy fit with leg holes that do not pinch. A pullover like this dog sweater suits a dry, cold day, while a lined, wind-resistant fleece-lined dog coat suits damp or windy weather. For small dogs that need a thin layer under a coat, a four-leg base layer is one option.

Safety rules for dogs in clothes

The AKC says not to leave a dog unattended in a sweater, because entanglement can cause injury, and that even dogs that like sweaters can get tangled. Remove clothing before leaving a dog alone at home or in a crate. Watch for overheating, especially in dogs that do not need extra warmth.

Check under the garment after each outing for rubbing, damp fur or irritated skin, and wash clothes regularly following the care label. If your dog freezes, scratches at the garment or will not walk, remove it. Not every dog accepts clothes, and forcing it is not kind.

Beyond the coat: paws and time outdoors

The ASPCA suggests a rule of thumb that if it is too cold for you, it is probably too cold for your pet. Wipe or wash paws and the belly after walks to remove ice, salt and chemicals, and check for cracks in the pads or redness between the toes. Booties can give extra coverage.

Keep dogs on a leash on snow and ice, since they can lose their scent and become lost. A coat is only one tool; shorter walks and a warm indoor space matter just as much for the dogs that feel the cold most.

Getting your dog used to clothes

Introduce a garment slowly. Let your dog sniff it, put it on for a few seconds, give a treat and take it off. Build up over several days until the dog walks calmly while wearing it. Choose soft fabrics without scratchy trims, and avoid anything with loose strings or buttons that could be chewed.

If your dog still looks stressed after a few tries, skip the clothes and keep walks short. If you notice skin irritation, hair loss or constant shivering indoors, talk to your vet, since these can have medical causes.

Browse our dog clothes or dog sweaters when you are ready, and read our guide to choosing dog clothes for the main types.

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