Reddit mentions: The best dog cold weather coats

Lots of big dog stuff here! Here's some nice things for the little guys (~25 lbs and under). Many of these items are good for big dogs, too; will note them with a * sign and list them first in each section.

Treats

• Himalayan Dog Cheese Chew*: Long-lasting hard cheese chews; can be microwaved to make "cheesy popcorn" for your dog when it gets small enough to pose a swallowing hazard. Comes in a variety of sizes.
  
  
• Brushless Toothpaste*: Our dog LOVES this stuff, and it keeps his breath smelling awesome. Also helps keep his teeth clean. May want to introduce these into the dog's diet slowly, as some are sensitive to the ingredients but acclimate over time. Comes in an even smaller size for the really tiny dogs, and bigger sizes for the big dogs :)
  
  
• Freeze-dried chicken*: Easy to break into small pieces and sprinkle over your dog's kibble or regular food.
  
  
• Stella & Chewy Meal Mixers*: Great to sprinkle over your dog's regular food for both nutrition and novel taste.
  
  
• Fruitables Minis: Small and low-calorie; great for clicker-training your dog. Comes in a wide variety of flavors.
  
  
• Crazy Dog Bacon Treats*: Also small and very-low calorie; another good clicker-training tool.
  
  Toys
  
  
• KONG Mini Squeaky Tennis Balls*: Great for dogs who like either balls, squeaky toys, or both! My dog had zero interest in balls before these, and they're still the only ones he'll play with. Come in lots of sizes; not good for strong dogs who like to chew up their balls.
  
  
• Dog Tornado*: Easy introductory puzzle toy that's not too big for little dogs. Good for kibble, wet food, and treats. May be too big for dogs under 7 lbs.
  
  
• Dog Tower: Another great introductory puzzle toy suitable for small dogs. Good for kibble and small treats. Not sure how this'll hold up to big dogs, although I think it'd be fine with the gentler ones.
  
  
• JW Treat Pod: Kind of like the Kong, but better suited for gentler, 'licking'-type dogs. Easier to clean out as well, IMO; the small Kongs are so hard to get completely clean even with a brush.
  
  
• Outward Hound Flirt Pole: Fun and easy exercise, the Outward Hound version is more lightweight and suited for small dogs.
  
  Harnesses, Collars, & Safety
  
  
• Pet Stairs*: Large collection of pet stairs. Some on this page are suitable for large dogs as well.
  
  
• Hurtta Active Dog Harness*: High-quality dog harness for dogs that love to run around the outdoors in all kinds of weather and elements. Comes in a variety of sizes; for dogs 7+ lbs.
  
  
• Ruffwear Swamp Cooler*: Comes in XXS, XS, and S. Great for keeping your dog cool in the summer if you don't live in a humid area.
  
  
• Hurtta Pet Overall*: Great for rain and snow; comes in a variety of small sizes. Fit perfectly on our Pom mix and very high quality.
  
  
• Musher's Secret*: Protect your dog's paws in cold weather.
  
  
• Sleepypod Clickit*: Crash-tested car harness, comes in a variety of sizes.
  
  
• Sleepypod Mobile Carrier/Car Seat/Pet Bed: Crash-tested dog bed/car seat/carrier!
  
  
• Lil Pals Step-in Mesh Harness: For the seriously small dogs.
  
  
• Ollydog Marin Collar: Completely waterproof, rustproof, extremely durable, easy to put on...the perfect collar!
  
  Grooming
  
  
• The Stuff Detangler and Conditioner*: Keeps your dog's coat looking clean and glossy; easy to apply and doesn't have a strong odor.
  
  
• Lil Pals Grooming Kit: Miniature grooming tools for your miniature dog at a very affordable price.
  
  Edited to add more+formatting!

If you want gear to keep your pup warm while you are out hunting you'll have to make a bit of an investment, but if you're just trying to keep him more comfortable for an hour at a time in winter, these are some options that have worked for me:


Gooby Stretch Fleece Pull Over Cold Weather Dog Vest, Black, 4X-Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F38Q87M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_us8zyb2R27JP1

Kurgo Chilli Red Outdoor Coat Loft Dog Jacket, X-Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QL4DQQE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Dr8zyb018P3XG


Zack & Zoey Polyester Fleece Lined Dog Hoodie, XX-Large, Green https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0062H9F9W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_eu8zybM6TZSS7


The fleece vest is very stretchy/forgiving and he will wear it for a day or two straight without issue (it's pretty light). The puffy vest is great for colder weather and adjusts well to different sizes, and if it's bitter cold I might even put it on over the fleece. I wouldn't leave that one on all day though unless you need it. The hoodie is cute but the chest is more restricting than the others so I would try the other options first.

I definitely recommend measuring your dog to make sure you are selecting the right size. Ours will happily play outside in the snow for 40 mins with a vest on, but only 10 mins without. If there is no snow he will stay outside over an hour easily with a vest.

Good luck!

We have a 55lb boxer and got this one in a large for when it downpours, and this one in xxl for cold days inside/quick trips outside. Neither has a hood but both are washable and have been durable with multiple years of use - especially the plaid/reversible one. She wears that jacket pretty much daily 6 months of the year and is a big baby about rain drops hitting her body so she loves wearing it 😁

If neither of these look interesting try searching amazon for “dog jacket with hood” and then check out the questions and reviews for folks with boxers commenting. That’s how I found mine. Since my boxer is smaller she has odd sizing with a huge chest width and shorter body length. I always make sure to order from sellers with free returns so if the fit doesn’t work out I’m able to return hassle free. Good luck!

I use suits from Hurtta. They’re pricey as heck, but they are absolutely 150% worth it, and they last too.

I have the Sun & Bug Blocker for hot days and she’s barely breaking into a pant in it at even +30 (though we don’t stay out long when it’s that hot), and it protects her against sunburn and ticks as well — it’s almost a thin tent like fabric that has a slight stretch to it.

Here’s the link to look it up (sorry it’s a Canadian link but Amazon.com would also have it): Sun & Bug Blocker

And for winter I use the Hurtta Body Warmer and Recovery suit. It’s got a reflective inside that redirects their body heat back to them, it’s soft and somewhat stretchy and both suits are very adjustable. When it gets cold you’ll still have to top it off with a coat just for good measure, but it keeps her warm all winter long.

Here’s the link for the Body Warmer (also a Canadian link, but available on Amazon.com as well): Body Warmer

They’re absolutely worth their price, but you’ve definitely got to measure your dog well because despite their adjustability, you don’t want a suit that comes up to short or too long at the tail and the legs. I got it right the first try but I made the decision for a snugger fit by trading off the leg length, which works because she doesn’t mind wearing socks and booties :-)

I’m in Ohio, and we get a fair amount of snow & cold winters here. I also have a mini schnauzer.

She doesn’t love the cold, or the snow. But I try to let her coat grow a bit longer to help her stay warm, and I try to do a bit more exercise with her inside in the winters. Tug-o-war sessions & such. I also have a treadmill that she will run on, which helps.

I have a sweater that she wears sometimes, as well as a heavier coat. A rain coat doesn’t hurt in the wet months either. Mine hates the boots, but if you’re going to do a lot of outside walking in the winter, they can be really helpful to keep their feet in good shape.

DogBooties.com has been suggested to me for boots. The basic cordura ones are where it’s at.

I have this coat, it’s very easy to get off and on.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0132KGYE0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_HTlLBb40ANZD1

This rain coat is expensive, but provides excellent fit and protection from wind & rain.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HE4XW0A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fWlLBbYMA9A4X

But it’s hard telling how your pup will react to the snow & cold. Just like people, some find they love it and can’t get enough, and some very much the opposite!

I got my gear at Petsmart for the most part. Fortunately my dog loves clothes so getting him acclimated was no problem. He was a stray and survived all last winter running the streets so he was super excited about all his new loot when we adopted him last February. He felt like a king and was so proud he pranced around the house and didn’t want to take them off. I guess because he knew what it was like to be truly cold and he was grateful.

This is his brand of coat

https://www.amazon.com/Kuoser-Waterproof-Windproof-Reversible-Sweaters/dp/B01LE9S6S8

His booties

https://www.amazon.com/Didog-Waterproof-Reflective-Anti-Slip-Labrador/dp/B07GGRXNBY

I just ordered this hat

https://www.amazon.com/Lifeunion-Classical-Aviator-Leather-Trapper/dp/B07KYMJL67

And for good measure I bought him a heated bed from 1-800-petmeds. It was like $120 but he loves it. The heater is removable as well. Tonight it’s going to be single digits so I’m sure he’s really going to be happy

Edit to add this is his actual coat but I bought it at Five below for $5 instead of on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Kuoser-Waterproof-Windproof-Reversible-Sweaters/dp/B07G5WPX6W

Hurtta Extreme Warmer, Dog Winter Jacket, Granite, 18 in https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IYGE5NY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_XYlODbQ3BYNHS

Yeah it’s pretty expensive but I decided to try it due to good reviews since my dogs don’t handle cold weather to well. It’s warmer than any other jacket I have tried alone such as kurgo, ruffwear, ultrapaws, etc. it’s also super high quality pretty much the same materials used for human gear so it’s durable as well.

I have this jacket for our walks for my yorkie:

https://www.amazon.com/Zack-Zoey-Noreaster-Blanket-24/dp/B005J02SD8

​

It can be put on pretty quickly. There do seem to be a number of similar options if you scroll down to the "customers who viewed this item also viewed" section if you want something for indoors. I'd also try giving him lots of really good treats and praise as you're putting the clothes on so he views it more positively. Good luck.

Yay! What a sweet face. My dog has the same supershort hair of a pitbull and she seems to always seek out heat. She either lays by the heater if its on, or curls up in one of those microplush blankets like yours has. Those things are amazing haha. She also burrows into blankets if given the opportunity, and it makes her feel more secure.


Anyways, she shivers a lot outside and so I dress her in this stretch fleece vest that is really stretchy and soft, so it feels like you're wearing nothing because its not constricting at all, but hugs the body. She will wear it inside as well. I also bought her this non-stretch fleece vest and if I leave it on her for too long, she starts walking against walls trying to rub it off, because it is constricting to an extent. Obviously it will take her a little time to adjust to a new home, but if she still seems unsure you could try a Thundershirt which gives them a more secure feeling.

Also her bed legit looks cozier than my bed!!

I was going to say I have an awesome Pikachu dog hoodie that sadly appears to have gone up from under $10 to just over $11 shipped, so I'll instead suggest this $8 skull decanter (because everyone likes skulls, right /u/crinnie?) and this nifty $10 magnetic scrubber that lets you clean out the smallest of contaners with ease! Plus Harry Potter shot glasses galore (yes, each one of those is a separate link)!

I have all sorts of pricier neat stuff throughout my wishlists if you just feel like window shopping. :) Thanks for the contest!

The vest can be found here on amazon

Well we got the large and it will probably not fit her long. It has no tummy cover but is super soft and the reflective tape is wow shiny in the dark.

She really likes it and it’s effective in our cold in Chandler AZ at 58F so far.. so not too cold.

She noticeably was more willing to go outside and stayed out much longer with it on.

i got this exact one, http://www.amazon.com/Zack-Zoey-Tripper-Storage-Pouches/dp/B0040E0UMK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1343510911&sr=8-1&keywords=zack+and+zoey+dog+backpack
it is a good pack, except for the hook on top that you attach the leash to, it broke the first time he pulled really hard on it. but i just put the leash on his collar now so no big deal, other then that the back pack has held up. its got big pouches, i just took some ankle weights (the soft gel kind) and put them on both sides of the back pack. i put his little bags in there and a water bottle and off we go. i'm not a bag expert seeing as this is the only one i bought but other then the little hook on top its a great pack. oh yea it also has a handle on top so you can just unsnap and take it straight up and off, and it's easy putting it on you just slid it right onto his back and hook him up. i suppose thats it. i've had it a little over a year so it's held up so far.

I have a good amount of experience here. I work in the Backcountry year round across the western us and often take my dog along (80lb boxer). I have been using this and have had no issues. I've used it in rain and snow and it has heald up very well. It has not soaked through and has a collar that covers most of his neck.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DR4SVZQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Q07TCbPD4XHS6

296g or 10.44oz for a large. (On my scale)

It is a thicker material but hasn't snagged or torn when he decides to bush wack through Manzanita or other dense shrubbery. It also has reflective striping down the side which makes it easy to see him at night when I have my head lamp on and has micro fleece inner which keeps him a little bit warmer because of his short coat.

Overall roughwear it kinda pricey but it's basically the dog equivalent of Patagonia. I also use the Palisades pack as well because the removable feature is very nice for Long haul trips.

PS: are you having your dog carry that own gear?

I hate stupid people on the street.

• They come pet my dog without asking --> caused my dog aggression towards people
  
• They question me when I muzzle my dog - "it's unfair for her", "that's inhumane", etc.
  
  
  What I hate most is some people who have minature dogs with zero obedience teaching me how to train my border collie.
  
  
  Back to the topic, you can try these:
  
  
• Buy one of this
  
  
• If you have another person walk you dog with you, tell that person to record the session. It will be useful when you see vet or behaviorist. At the same time, video recording is a very strong people repellent
  
  
• If you really have to put muzzle on him, find the type that allow you to deliver treats.
  
  
• Only distract your dog away from stimulant as a last resort. Keep a good distance, e.g. some places people don't usually go to but your dog can still see the other dogs walking by. Let him notice the other dog and call his name, give him a treat. If your treat is good enough, eventually he will look back at you (without being called) when there's is stimulant. Start with lowest value treat possible first then gradually "upgrade" when it's no longer valuable enough. Decrease the distance over time, but don't rush it.

We just got this totally cheap one on Amazon. There are more expensive ones that presumably work better, but for our needs, this one is great. It's cool to the touch after a 30 minute walk.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FFJX783/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Yep, sure thing -- they were these in size small.

Reviews weren't the best but we were getting a wee desperate. They stay on with him running around, which has been tricky in the past since his feet are so tubular -- otherwise there were potentially better rated ones that were larger (also, being flexible on size since layer-position could vary meant I was able to pick up each piece for $10-$20). The boots being tall helps with protecting lower limbs, too (the insides are fleece). Velcro's a bit on the long side so we'll probably trim it (the picture on the right was from a test run; weather's been in the single digits C/30s-40s F lately so we just do the torso layers and toss some of this on, but need something more robust now that it's getting chillier). We're considering lining the booties with more fleece or wool, too.

Otherwise, he's wearing two layers of this, two layers of this, and one of these; we'll probably modify the last one so that the limb segments are lined. Layers get progressively larger in size the further out you go and the balaclava is a co-opted large men's wool sock from Costco (Kirkland brand). We also sewed him a coat out of older wool socks that can go in there somewhere as a mid-layer.

A few months ago we had to move quite suddenly from central CA to MN, and unfortunately the pup's much better suited to the weather in the former state than the latter. We've recently had to cut back outdoor walks by a few miles a day and focus more on indoor play/exercise. How do all y'all protect your Iggys from the cold?

Mosquitoes can only bite through clothing that sits directly against your skin. They have a harder time biting through things like nylon ripstop and can't bite through two layers of clothing or mosquito netting over clothing. Loose fitting clothes are similarly difficult for mosquitoes to bite through. Many quality garments will have a mesh layer around the shoulders that prevent mosquitoes from biting.

Treating your clothes with Permethrin will not kill a mosquito instantly on contact, so it's possible but not likely to get bit through the fabric if it rests directly against the skin. It does actually repel mosquitoes so they shouldn't be landing on Permethrin treated clothing.

If you want the ultimate in mosquito protection, get a bug suit and treat it with Permethrin. You'll be warmer than normal, but you won't get bit.

As for Permethrin being toxic - it's the same thing that goes in flea collars. There haven't been any studies that have suggested it has harmful short term or long term effects in normal exposure amounts for humans. You've got to balance the unlikely side effects of Permethrin use against the very real, proven effects of contacting a disease from a biting insect.

In order to dispose of Permethrin in a bucket, place it in the direct sunlight where animals can't access it for a couple of hours and it will be rendered harmless. Obviously you should minimize your contact with it when it is in liquid form. Once it's embedded in your clothes, the absorption from contact will be minimal.

There should be a subreddit dedicated to the ridiculous thing we buy for our pets, right? Rule: The link to buy it on amazon, or wherever else people buy stuff online, must be included in the comment.

Because things like this are now part of my 65lb hippo/amstaff’s wardrobe.

RC Pet Products Packable Dog Rain Poncho, Rubber Ducky, X-Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CHPSJTU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_xNMoDbM7N34JS

Bug shirt is my preferred method. No chemicals or sprays. Better than a head net where the blackflies always seem to get in around the collar. Wear a hat to keep it off your face and it's a game changer for me. Relax, don't swat and itch...

https://www.amazon.com/Coghlans-BUGJACKET-Bug-Jacket/dp/B002C3GXQ8

Heckin yeah! With rubber duckehs on it for maximum pupper style https://www.amazon.com/RC-Pet-Products-Packable-X-Large/dp/B00CHPSJTU