The first freezes of the season have arrived across New England, and the weeks between now and Thanksgiving are when most owners decide what their dog needs for winter. Most of that decision depends on the dog, not the weather.
Who needs a coat
- Short-coated and lean dogs (whippets, greyhounds, pit bull types, boxers, Dobermans) lose heat fast. A fitted coat below about 40°F is worth it.
- Small dogs under about 20 pounds are closer to the cold ground and have less body mass. Most benefit from a sweater or coat below 45°F.
- Seniors, puppies and dogs with thin or clipped coats feel cold sooner than their breed suggests.
- Double-coated dogs (huskies, malamutes, Bernese, most retrievers) are usually fine without a coat and can overheat in one.
What to buy first
- A coat that covers the belly. Most of the heat loss is underneath. Look for a chest panel, not just a back blanket.
- Paw protection. Salt and ice melt crack pads and burn when licked. Balm works for short walks; booties for long ones. Introduce booties indoors for a few days first.
- Reflective gear. Sunset is before 5 p.m. by early November. A reflective collar, leash or coat trim is the cheapest safety upgrade you can make.
- A towel by the door. Wipe paws and belly after every walk to remove salt before the dog does it with its tongue.
What can wait
Heated beds, insulated water bowls and snow goggles are for dogs that spend real time outdoors. For a city dog on three walks a day, skip them.
Fit matters more than brand
Measure from the base of the neck to the base of the tail for length, and around the widest part of the chest for girth. A coat that slides sideways or rides up on the neck will be ignored after a week. If you are between sizes, size up on the chest and down on the length.
Boston Made dogs
Pupwear’s collars, tags and cold-weather gear are stocked for exactly these conditions.
Written by the Ecosystem Intelligence Desk for Pupwear.
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