You look outside the window, and it's raining cats and dogs outside. It is important that we keep our pets warm and dry on rainy days. So when we reach for our rain gear and umbrella, we shouldn't forget about our furry friends. If you are a dog parent, putting them in an adorable raincoat and matching boot set before you go on a walk isn't just about the perfect Instagram photo #dogsinraincoats
Sure, a dog CAN get wet, but just like us, they can get cold and start to shiver. Getting drenched and sitting in cold water can weaken their immune systems, just like us. However, unlike humans, dogs like to shake off excess water when they come in from the rain. A raincoat is practical for both humans and dogs, and dog rain gear can actually save you the trouble of cleaning up a wet dog and house.
The Top Dog Raincoats and Rain Jackets
If it looks like possible clouds, rain, and colder temperatures, here are the top best dog raincoats, rain jackets, and hoodies trending this year that you and your dog will go barking mad for.
RIFRUF Stormhunter Dog Raincoat
The Stormhunter Rain Coat is one of the best all-around raincoats on the market. It provides a great level of weather protection for your animal while also adding a few bonus features on top of this.
The primary reason to pick this raincoat is that it does what every raincoat should, but few actually do: protect your dog from the elements. The jacket's shell is made from a 100% waterproof material that has been tested with heavy water flow yet has no leakage.
So, you're covered whether you're worried about winter blizzards, spring showers, or anything in between. The coat also has a liner that provides insulation to keep your pet warm on colder days. This means that your dog will be comfortable on a cold winter day, whether it ends up snowing or not. The liner in this coat is also better than liners in other coats because it can be removed, which means you can take it out and keep using the coat in the summer months.
This raincoat also goes beyond the ordinary by offering extra features. It has customizable features that allow you to change the coat to suit your pet. Once you do so, the coat is easy to get on and off your pet, so you won't have to worry about dealing with it each time you want to take your pet outside. Plus, the coat's reflective pops make your pet visible in low light, a necessity when it comes to keeping your dog safe.
Blueberry Pet's Two-Legged Reflective Dog Raincoat
This dog raincoat sticks out of the crowd with its waterproof polyester that offers protection during light rainy days for your pets. Blueberry Pet's Two-legged reflective dog raincoat is constructed with durable waterproof fabric. In extreme weather such as rainstorms or snow, water will typically seep through after time, and your pet might get wet.
This product is unique because there is a leash hole and reflective stripes on the back and around the hood and hem areas to ensure safety and visibility during the night. This raincoat features adhesive tape underneath the dog's belly for a close fit.
Related: How to Choose the Best Leash for Your Dog
Kurgo Halifax Rain Shell
For pet owners looking for a sturdy and tough raincoat, the Kurgo Halifax Rain Shell is a great choice. This particular raincoat offers much of the same weather resistance as other coats. However, it does so with a specific focus on durability. This means it will stand the test of time, as it is made from heavy-duty material and ripstop fabric.
Despite being focused on toughness, the Kurgo Halifax Rain Shell is still practical. It has a moderately comfortable lining and is designed to be easy to take on and off. It also has reflective elements to ensure your pet stays safe.
RC Pet Products Packable Dog Rain Poncho
The RC Pet Products Packable Dog Rain Poncho can weather any storm. Your pup can stay dry outside, and it won't interfere with potty or playtime. Dogs love wearing this lightweight poncho, and it can keep them dry all year round.
No one likes getting drenched in unexpected showers! This easily Packable Rain Poncho makes it simple for you to be prepared when the first drop hits the ground. The bright, colorful, water-resistant poncho comes in a convenient carrying pouch that can be clipped to a leash or tucked away into a pocket.
RUFFWEAR Sun Shower Dog Raincoat
Ruff the weather with Ruffwear Sun Shower Dog Raincoat. This adventure vest-type waterproof dog coat is perfect for even larger canine breeds. This raincoat is made for hiking, running, and even tough enough for mountain climbing.
Choose your favorite color of Ruffwear Sun Shower, which is known for its lightweight waterproof design that can keep dogs comfortable and dry during wet weather adventures. Side-release buckles allow for easy on/off, while reflective trim enhances your dog's visibility in the wilderness.
Voyager Lightweight Dogs Raincoat Rain Jacket Poncho
This is more of a classic design take on dog raincoats and ponchos. Pick from classic solid colors like yellow and red and stick out on your walk with your best friend. Voyager's Lightweight Dog Poncho is ready to wear rainy-day apparel that helps keep out wind and water. The classic design allows proper ventilation and circulation, and the adjustable chest and belly Velcro straps make for a secure and comfy fit.
Bonus: The polyester material used in these raincoats tends to be easy to clean and wipe dry!
Related: How To Keep a Dog Warm In Winter
Backcountry x Petco: the Dog Rain Coat
This Backcountry x Petco collaboration offers some serious water protection. It gets the job done by enveloping your pet in a comfortable, waterproof material. The snug fit and optional hood keep water from having a chance at sneaking in. The only problem is that this protection comes with a price, as the coat is more challenging to put on and take off than other options.
This coat also features arms in the front capped with elastic arm loops. This is great for pet owners who want to keep their pet's legs from getting as wet. If you add boots to the mix, your pet's legs will be almost entirely protected from water!
L.L. Bean Trail Model Rain Jacket for Dogs
L.L. Bean's Trail Model Rain Jacket feels like a quality softshell jacket and performs in a similar way. The material it is made from is waterproof enough to hold up in most rain showers and is sturdy enough to cut through the wind. Wind and rain often come hand-in-hand and come at the most unexpected moments. So, a jacket like this provides a lot of utility in places that often see blustery rain showers.
The only downside is that the velcro closures don't fit the durable vibe set by the rest of the jacket. Velcro is easy to remove but may not stand the test of time as well as other materials would have.
Why We Chose These Dog Raincoats as the Best
When compiling this list of dog raincoats, we took a lot of factors into consideration. Primarily, we were looking for quality coats that would perform well at protecting your dog from the rain. We only included coats made by trustworthy companies and had a reputation for quality, as a coat that tears apart after a few uses isn't a good coat at all. We also only chose coats that provided a decent level of rain protection.
However, there are many quality coats out there that work well. If we included every coat that met these criteria, we would have too long of a list. Because of this, we also looked at what else these coats could provide.
Things like wind protection, comfort, reflective material, and ease of use greatly impact how well a coat performs. After all, a coat focused entirely on rain protection is only good in the rain. Meanwhile, a coat that offers insulation will keep your pet warm even if it doesn't end up raining that day. With a coat like this, you get more use out of it, and it ends up being a better coat. In the end, this list is composed of quality coats that push beyond basic rain protection.
What to Look for in a Dog Coat
When shopping for a dog coat, the first thing you need to consider is whether or not it will work for your dog. Some coats are only good for bigger dogs; some are better for smaller ones. If the coat is too big or too small for your pet, it won't be a good choice, no matter how nice it is otherwise.
After determining this, consider the features you are looking for. If your area deals with a lot of rain but not a lot of wind, then waterproofing will be more important than windproofing for your situation. In a similar way, if you live in a warmer climate, you don't need to worry about looking for a coat with plenty of insulation and may even want to avoid coats with unremovable insulation. Make a list of the features you want and keep them in mind as you shop.
From there, the most important thing to watch out for is quality. There are a lot of lackluster products out there. Many of these lower-quality products will fail to provide the weatherproofing they need to provide and will not last as long as they should. Make sure to look into the company and see what others are saying about them before making a final decision.
Want to keep your pup warm on those brisk but not freezing days? Check out our Essential Dog Hoodies too!
How to Fit Your Dog for a Raincoat
First, check the company selling the raincoat to see the measurements they are looking for. Many companies will have resources that indicate exactly how you should measure your dog to fit the raincoats they sell. Since the company itself is designing these measurement systems, they will be able to provide you with accurate information.
If the company does not have a method, you should measure your dog yourself. Specifically, measure the distance between a few different points:
- From the base of their head, where their collar sits, to the base of their tail.
- Around their entire body, going around their chest and behind their front legs.
- Around their neck; this measurement should be almost the same as the length of their collar.
Write all these down as you go so you will remember them as you start shopping.
With these measurements, you can find a raincoat for your dog. The first measurement will tell you how long of a coat you are looking for. The second will show how wide the coat needs to be. The final measurement will tell how big the hole for the neck needs to be. Look for a coat that will fit these dimensions, and once you find one, you will know it will fit your dog.
Dog Raincoat FAQ
Despite their utility, many people do not have dog raincoats. Because of this, many people do not know and understand them.
Before getting a raincoat for your pet, you will probably want to know more about them. Read on to discover some frequently asked questions and see the answers behind them.
How Do I Keep My Dog Dry in the Rain?
The best way to keep a dog dry in the rain is with a raincoat. A good raincoat is designed to keep your dog dry as its most basic function. Raincoats come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, but one that covers more of your dog's body will generally be better when it comes to keeping your dog dry. Just make sure that the coat is actually waterproof.
On top of a raincoat, you can also add other accessories. Many owners choose to give their dogs boots or other waterproof footwear. These accessories protect your dog's feet from the rain. They are also particularly helpful when it comes to preventing your dog from tracking water and mud around the house, as long as you take off the shoes before they get in. If the raincoat you choose doesn't come with a hood, you could also choose to give your dog a waterproof hat.
This protects their head and, if the hat has a brim, will help keep water out of their eyes. The best thing is that these accessories can be used in conjunction with one another. So, a dog with a jacket, boots, and a hat will be dryer than a dog with only one of the three.
How Do I Get My Dog to Wear a Raincoat?
While raincoats can be great accessories for dogs, getting your dog to understand this can be difficult. Many will simply refuse to wear a coat when you first put one on them. Luckily, they can be trained to appreciate their new clothes.
Start by simply showing your dog the coat. If they are fine with this, move on to the next step. If they aren't, reward them with a treat and plenty of praise when they are around the coat. Do this until they become more comfortable.
Next, have your dog touch the coat. Start small and only bring it into contact with them briefly. Build up gradually after that point. Make sure to reward them as they do well and move on once they are comfortable.
Now, you need to get your dog used to the idea of wearing the coat. Place it on their body but do not secure it into place. Have them "wear" it for a moment or two at first but make subsequent wearings longer and longer. Reward them as you go about this process.
Finally, you can put the coat on your dog. The first time you do this, make sure they are in a comfortable place and are relaxed. Once they get used to wearing the coat, you can also start having them wear it outside.
How Do You Walk Your Dog on a Rainy Day?
The process of walking your dog on a rainy day starts at home. Before you go anywhere, check the weather. Walking your dog in a light shower might be alright, but it is not alright to walk your dog in a dangerous storm. If the weather looks too rough, you should avoid it if possible.
Before you leave, make sure you are prepared for the weather. Put on your dog's raincoat and any other accessories they wear, such as boots or a rain hat. If they have anything reflective, put this on as well since it will keep them visible. In addition, make sure you are protected from the rain as well.
Consider bringing an umbrella, as it will protect you and your dog if needed.
Once you head outside, look for pathways that will avoid trouble. Grass and mud will get your dog wetter and dirtier than a paved path. However, some pavement is extremely slick when wet, so try to avoid this as well.
While walking, avoid puddles as well as you can. If your dog does manage to find a puddle, keep them from drinking out of it, as doing so could cause them to get sick.
At What Temperature Does a Dog Need a Coat?
The exact temperature at which a dog needs a coat will vary depending on the dog and the exact situation. However, most dogs generally need a coat when the temperature outside gets below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
The weather can have an impact on this number, with wind and precipitation having a negative impact. Check the wind chill to see how much of an impact it is having. Most weather reporting sources will tell you exactly how many degrees the wind chill is removing from the real feel. In addition, look at any precipitation. If it is raining and your dog gets wet, they will be impacted by the cold significantly more. In either of these situations, a weatherproof coat can help. One designed to cut wind will reduce wind chill, while a raincoat will keep your dog dry.
Different dogs also handle weather differently. Dogs with long hair will generally handle cold easier than dogs with short hair. So, if you have a dog with a lot of long hair, you might not need to worry until the temperature starts to approach 45 degrees. However, if you have a short-haired dog, you may want to put on a coat long before it reaches that point.
Should I Put a Raincoat on My Dog?
You are correct in thinking that most dogs don't need to wear a rain jacket when on walks, but some breeds benefit from wearing outdoor gear. Dogs can benefit from a raincoat, especially if they are a hairless or short-haired breed. Breeds like Chihuahua, Terriers, French Bulldogs, Boxers, and other breeds who don't have a thick undercoat to protect them from the elements would benefit from having a coat.
When rain and temperatures fall, just like humans, all dogs, even thicker coated breeds, need protection to remain comfortable outside. When the temperature dips below 45 degrees Fahrenheit or feels lower than 32 degrees, you should reach for your protective gear. Regardless of their breed, don't forget to protect your pup, especially senior dogs, and keep them extra warm and dry.
Related: Dog Refuses to Walk? Here’s What You’re Doing Wrong
Final Factors to Consider From Your Friends at RIFRUF
In general, most dogs benefit from between 30 to 120 minutes of physical activity per day, according to PetMD online. Many pet owners enjoy taking their pups outside to run about and take a few walks per day. Unfortunately, we never know exactly what the weather might bring.
Keeping you and your animal friend dry and safe frees up more time for time spent doing what really matters. Playtime with your dog! Shop RIFRUF today