Some dogs really look forward to their walks regardless of the weather, but rainy weather poses a risk of catching a cold that should not be underestimated. The well-being of our dogs is particularly important to us and so they should of course be protected in all weather conditions. For this reason, a dog raincoat should be part of every dog owner's repertoire. In addition to functionality, it is also about comfort and style.
Which dog breeds need a raincoat?
Some dog breeds, such as the dachshund, are particularly at risk because water splashes against their largely hairless backs with every step. This means that the four-legged friend is hit by rainwater from all sides, quickly becomes soaked to the skin and begins to freeze. The following dogs and dog breeds are particularly affected:
- Dogs with short fur without undercoat
- dogs with little body fat
- Older dogs
- dogs with health problems
- Small dog breeds such as dachshunds, chihuahuas, pugs, Jack Russell terriers, pinschers, Bolognese
- Short-legged dog breeds
- puppies
A raincoat can also be useful for dog breeds with long fur , because long fur takes longer to dry.
Another argument for a dog raincoat, especially for dachshunds, is that they often suffer from back problems . These can be made worse by cold and wet weather, which is why weather protection in this part of the body is all the more important. Pain can be reduced with a dog coat, especially in the cold season . The coat also protects the fur from dirt caused by moisture, mud and other dirt .
A dog raincoat offers your dog comprehensive weather protection , because this piece of clothing not only protects against the cool water , but also against the wind and the cold .
Wetness – Do dogs need a coat when it rains?
Dogs that have short fur without an undercoat or little body fat benefit from a raincoat because it prevents the dog from getting wet. Without a coat, they can get cold and freeze more quickly. If your dog does get wet, use a dog towel or a dog bathrobe to dry him properly.
Cold – Do dogs need a coat in the cold?
Even in cold weather, it is a good idea to put a coat on dogs so that they don't freeze. A long stay in the cold air in winter can cause dogs to freeze or get cold. If it gets very icy, you can put a winter coat on your dog to provide additional warmth.
Wind – Do dogs need a coat when it’s windy?
Especially on a rainy day, dogs can quickly cool down due to the wind, making them more susceptible to illness. Therefore, dogs without an undercoat or small breeds with little body fat should wear a coat. Some coats have an integrated hood so that the head and ears are also protected from the wind.
At what temperature does my dog need a coat?
At cooler temperatures of 5-7°C, it can be too cold for dogs without an undercoat or little body fat. We therefore recommend putting a coat on your dog so that it stays nice and warm in the fresh air. You should always think about a coat, especially if you plan to stay out in the cold air for a longer period of time. Short-legged dogs like dachshunds are more quickly exposed to the ground temperature , which can be very cold in winter.
However, this question cannot be answered in general terms, as every dog reacts differently to temperatures.
How do I know if my dog is too cold?
Some signs your dog may show that he is too cold:
- Your dog refuses to go outside
- Your dog does not show a relaxed posture
- Your dog trembles after a while in the fresh air
- Your dog wants to turn around quickly during longer walks
In these cases, put a coat on your dog. Otherwise, opt for shorter walks in winter.
How do I know if my dog is too warm?
There are a few signs that can help you determine if dogs are too warm. The following signs may indicate this:
- Excessive drooling
- Fast and heavy panting
- Purple gums and tongue
- Rapid heartbeat
- restlessness
- uncertainty
If dogs overheat, they may collapse or experience cramps .
How do I teach my dog to wear a raincoat?
Every dog reacts differently to a coat. Some dogs are easy to put on, while others are reluctant to put on a coat. To get your dog used to the coat , it is important that he is familiar with the coat . For example, you can put it next to him and see how he reacts. Slowly he will get used to the raincoat. When you put the dog coat on your dog, praise him. You can also try giving him a treat so that he associates something positive with the coat.
Cleaning a dog raincoat - our tips
Most water-repellent fabrics are best cleaned gently by hand in lukewarm water or using the gentle cycle on your washing machine. Use environmentally friendly, low-odor detergents that you should rinse thoroughly. It is best to avoid using fabric softener and let the garment air dry.
How do you find the perfect raincoat for your dog?
Pay attention to the fit , lining and other features such as collar, hood or Velcro fasteners for easier dressing . Furthermore, choose a dog raincoat that appeals to you in terms of fashion and matches the coat color of your four-legged friend.
Determine the correct size by measuring the dog's neck , back and chest circumference . To measure the chest circumference, place the measuring tape neither too tightly nor too loosely around the chest, directly behind the front legs. Have your four-legged friend stand in as relaxed a position as possible.
Leopold's is your expert for high-quality dog accessories
At Leopold's, we have made it our mission to combine functionality with elegant, high-quality design . Your four-legged friend deserves only the best, which is why you will find an exclusive selection of special products tailored specifically to small dogs in our online shop. With our dog raincoats, you can bring home a feel-good accessory for bad weather. This way, even rainy walks become a lovely outing together.
What makes our dog raincoats so special?
When you buy dog clothing from Leopold's, you benefit from a well-thought-out cut for maximum comfort and excellent material quality . The entire collection is made by hand with great attention to detail, and we place great value on the sustainability factor. With us you will find a first-class dog raincoat for your darling:
1. Fit
To ensure that your four-legged friend feels comfortable in the rain, the garment should fit comfortably without being too tight or rubbing. Our designers create raincoats for smaller dog breeds and primarily for dachshunds, so all the peculiarities of the body structure of these animals are meticulously taken into account when designing the coat. To ensure optimal protection from the weather, the dog raincoat should fit close to the body without restricting freedom of movement. However, the garment should not be too loose so that it doesn't slip when walking.
2. Easy handling
The pleasant feeling of wearing the garment begins with putting the garment on. A comfortable dog raincoat can be put on over the back in just a few easy steps and secured with a Velcro fastener to ensure a perfect fit. Many four-legged friends find it annoying to put it on over the head. Many dogs, however, can get used to a hood.
3. Waterproof fabric
A water-repellent textile fabric combined with waterproof welded seams is another important feature of the dog raincoats. The rain rolls off the surface of the material and protects your dog from moisture.
4. Breathable structure
It is also important that the skin and fur are ventilated under the coat. Otherwise, heat build-up and overheating can occur. To avoid this and to protect your darling, we use a breathable material for our dog raincoats.
5. Stylish
We not only pay attention to comfort of the highest quality, but also to modern cuts, colors and patterns. With our raincoats, your dog is always an absolute eye-catcher.
6. Additional features of our high-quality dog raincoats
Some models have a warm lining made of cuddly faux fur or fleece to provide even better protection against the cold. Depending on the season, you can remove the lining to transform the raincoat into a light wind and rain protection jacket for your dog.
For better visibility in cloudy rainy weather or at dusk, some models are equipped with bright colors or reflectors.
Other useful coats for the cold season:
A dog raincoat protects your dog from wetness, cold and wind. Ideal for small, short-haired or older dogs who are particularly sensitive to the weather.