Dog Clothing Guide: Which Dogs Need Clothes and What to Choose

Some dogs need clothes. The American Kennel Club (AKC) says, "Generally, large breed dogs with thick coats will be protected from the cold." Small and toy breeds, hairless breeds, clipped coats, short dogs, high energy short-coated sporting dogs, and lean-bodied dogs are the groups the AKC says may need a jacket.

This page covers which dogs get cold first, how to choose rain and winter gear, what the research says about anxiety wraps, which recovery garments vets describe, and how to check the fit.

Dogs That Get Cold First

The AKC says, "Smaller breeds of dogs often benefit from wearing coats in cold weather." It adds, "Because of their small size, these dogs can’t maintain their body heat in cold weather."

The AKC names American Hairless Terriers, Xoloitzcuintlis, and Chinese Cresteds as hairless breeds that "can all struggle to regulate their temperatures in cold weather." It says clipped Poodles of all three sizes, and any dog that has been shaved or clipped, "won’t have the natural insulation and protection that a longer coat normally provides."

Short dogs are on the AKC list too: "Basset Hounds and Dachshunds are among the short dog breeds most likely to struggle." For active short-coated dogs, the AKC says, "Short-coated dog breeds with high energy, such as Vizslas and German Shorthaired Pointers, can quickly become cold while walking or playing in the snow and other cold weather." Of lean dogs such as Greyhounds, Whippets, and Azawakhs, it says they "can quickly become cold and need extra protection from winter weather."

Age counts as well. The AKC says, "Young puppies and senior dogs of all breeds and sizes are more susceptible to the cold than healthy adult dogs." The AKC quotes Dr. Jolee Stegemoller, DVM, who explains "there isn’t an exact temperature that’s too cold for all dogs." If you are not sure a coat would help your dog, she encourages you to talk with your veterinarian about your dog’s specific needs. Read more about cold weather dog gear.

Essential Clothing for Weather Protection

Rain Jackets

The AKC says, "Even dogs who don’t get cold easily can benefit from wearing rain jackets in wet climates." It gives two reasons: "Some dogs dislike the feeling of the rain, and wearing a jacket can make walks and potty breaks more enjoyable," and "Rain jackets protect a dog’s coat from mud and dirty water."

The AKC also names a feature to look for: reflective trim, "which can help drivers see you and your dog while walking in the dark winter mornings and evenings."

Winter Coats and Sweaters

The AKC describes lightweight jackets for "dogs who get cold easily" when the weather starts to cool, and says, "Insulated jackets are a common winter coat option for dogs." For short-haired dogs, the AKC says to "Make sure that small, delicate, and short-haired dogs (even large ones like Greyhounds), have an appropriate winter wardrobe, including a sturdy winter coat and a fitted sweater."

The ASPCA says, "If your dog is short-haired, consider getting them a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly."

Booties

The ASPCA says to massage petroleum jelly or other vet-approved paw protectants into paw pads before going outside. It adds, "Booties can provide even more coverage and can also prevent sand and salt from getting lodged between bare toes and causing irritation." The AKC says, "Different retailers offer dog boots or paw protectors that work well to keep your dog’s feet safe."

Hot Weather

Heat is a risk for dogs too. VCA Animal Hospitals says, "dogs cannot control their body temperature by sweating, as humans do, because dogs have a relatively small number of sweat glands located in their footpads." It adds, "Panting is their primary way of regulating body temperature." VCA says brachycephalic breeds, "flat-faced dogs such as pugs, boxers, and bulldogs," are "at even greater risk."

The AKC says, "Pay attention to weather conditions, including temperature, humidity, and sun exposure," and "Never leave your dog in a parked car, even for a short time." If a dog does overheat, VCA says, "Do not cover the dog with wet cloths, as this can prevent evaporative or radiative cooling." Read more about how to keep a dog cool in summer.

Stylish Clothing for Special Occasions

Consider a stylish upper garment like a trendy hoodie to make your dog the center of attention at any event. For a playful seasonal look, a custom pet holiday basketball jersey can give your dog a sporty, personalized outfit for photos, parties, or family gatherings.

Practical Daily-Wear Solutions

Anxiety Wraps

Anxiety wraps are also called pressure wraps or compression wraps. A 2024 systematic review in the journal Animals, by authors including researchers at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, asked whether pressure wraps decrease clinical signs of anxiety in dogs. Four of the 229 studies it found met the inclusion criteria. Three of the four exposed dogs briefly to recorded firecracker or thunderstorm sounds or to separation, and one followed dogs with thunderstorm phobia at home during natural thunderstorms.

The authors write, "Our review suggests there is weak and limited evidence to support the beneficial effect of pressure wraps in reducing physiological or behavioral signs of anxiety." They also write, "Most studies reported minimal benefits on behavior or heart rate in the absence of adverse side effects," and "Confidence in the available literature is low due to the moderate-to-high risks of bias and inconsistent findings."

Post-Surgery Protection

VCA describes a recovery suit for dogs as "A snug suit, similar to a baby onesie, with loops for a collar and a flap that can be snapped up to allow your dog to urinate when on walks." VCA says, "Depending on the location of a wound or surgery, a T-shirt may provide enough coverage," and the AKC says, "Putting a T-shirt on your dog to cover a wound provides loose protection that also lets air reach the spot."

VCA says, "wounds and surgery sites need oxygen to heal, so bandages, a surgical/recovery suit or any other type of wrap should not be too tight." The American College of Veterinary Surgeons says, "Surgical sleeves or recovery body suits may be recommended in select cases based on the incision location and individual patient. These should only be used if specifically advised by your veterinary team." VCA tells pet parents, "Ask your veterinarian if any of these alternatives are suitable for your pet." Read more about alternatives to the cone of shame.

Dog Pajamas

Dog pajamas aren’t just adorable; they're also highly practical:

• Provide warmth: Ideal for breeds that easily become cold at night, such as Whippets or Chihuahuas.

• Reduce shedding: Keep your bedding clean by minimizing loose fur.

• Create routine: Signal bedtime to your dog, helping them relax and settle.

• Protect skin: Prevent dogs with skin sensitivities from scratching themselves during sleep.

From cotton tees to plush fleece jumpsuits, dog pajamas can be a delightful and functional addition to your nighttime routine.

Attire for Working and Active Dogs

Service Dog Vests

Clearly marked service vests identify your dog’s essential role, providing pockets for carrying medical supplies, IDs, or other necessities for small dogs. This helps distinguish your service dog in public spaces and provides easy access to essentials. If your service dog is registered, you can purchase an official service dog vest online.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, a vest is optional. The ADA service animal FAQ says, "The ADA does not require service animals to wear a vest, ID tag, or specific harness."

Outdoor and Hiking Gear

The AKC lists features that matter on a walk or a hike: reflective trim, "a built-in hole for the leash attachment of a harness to pass through," and, for dogs that wear a back-clip harness, a jacket that goes over it. The AKC also says, "Jackets with sanitary cut-outs are convenient as they reduce mess and make it comfortable for dogs to relieve themselves while wearing their jackets."

Choosing the Right Fit

The AKC says, "When wearing a jacket, dogs should be able to comfortably walk, run, and play." It also says jackets "shouldn’t be so loose as to present a hazard where a dog could become entangled in the coat while playing or walking."

For measuring, the AKC says, "Generally, you’ll need measurements of the length of your dog’s body and around the widest part of a dog’s chest." It adds, "Each jacket will fit slightly differently," so use the measurement instructions in the ordering information for the jacket you pick.

The AKC also says, "To prevent skin irritation, it’s important to regularly wash your dog’s winter coat, especially if your dog wears it regularly." Dr. Stegemoller says, "Coats do need to be laundered because they collect hair and dander and can be potential breeding grounds for bacteria, especially if put away damp after being in the snow."

Getting a Dog Used to Clothes

The AKC says, "it’s important to appropriately introduce the jacket to your dog instead of just putting it on and expecting your dog to accept it." It says introducing a jacket in advance and "making it a positive experience for your dog" helps the dog be comfortable wearing it.

FAQ

Do dogs need clothes?

It depends on the dog. The AKC says, "While some dogs can keep themselves warm in cold weather, that isn’t true for all breeds of dogs."

Can dogs wear clothes?

Yes. The AKC says, "Dog jackets are cute and stylish, but they also serve the practical purpose of keeping dogs warm while they’re out walking or playing in the snow and other cold weather."

What is the difference between a snowsuit and a jacket?

A snowsuit covers more of the dog. The AKC says, "Dogs can get the most all-over protection from cold weather with a snowsuit or bodysuit. These coats cover your dog’s entire body, including their legs."

What clothes work for small dogs?

The AKC says small breeds "can’t maintain their body heat in cold weather," and tells pet parents to make sure that small, delicate, and short-haired dogs have "a sturdy winter coat and a fitted sweater."

Sources

• ADA.gov: frequently asked questions about service animals and the ADA
• American Kennel Club: does my dog need a winter coat
• American Kennel Club: winter safety tips
• American Kennel Club: heatstroke in dogs
• American Kennel Club: should dogs lick wounds to heal them
• VCA Animal Hospitals: heat stroke in dogs
• VCA Animal Hospitals: alternatives to the Elizabethan collar
• ASPCA: cold weather safety tips
• American College of Veterinary Surgeons: postoperative care
• Animals, 2024: a systematic review of compression wraps as an anxiolytic in dogs