Dog Coats: How to Get The Perfect Fit

Coats will keep your pooch warm, improve visibility and help reduce mud and dirt build up on their fur.

How to Measure for a Coat

Much like us, our canines come in all different shapes and sizes. For most accurate sizing you will need: a tape measure and some tasty treats.

1. Measure from the base of the pet’s neck to the base of their tail. This will give you the length in inches, the size to shop for.
2. From the top of their shoulders and around their rib cage. This will give you a measurement that you can use to ensure the belly straps of the coat will fit snuggly and reach around their belly.
3. The belly strap needs to have a 3-finger gap to ensure that it is comfortable yet secure.When fitting a coat, make sure that the coat sits flush along their back.

Make sure the coat allows space and room across the chest. This will reduce rubbing and friction and allow your pet plenty of room to move and play. Don’t forget to reward your pooch with a tasty treat after you have measured. It is always best to try before you buy to make sure your pet is comfortable not restricted.

Considerations for choosing a Coat

The key question to keep in mind is ‘why does my pet need a coat?’.

Does it need to be water resistant? Look for coats made with a water-resistant and water-repellent material outer. Teflon is a great addition to any coat because it is water repellent AND breathable.

Does it need to be warm? Not all pets will feel the cold in the same way we do, so it’s important to listen to your pet. Their furry coats help support their thermoregulation and keep them warm without the extra layers. Start with a thin breathable material such as fleece and build the weight of the coat as the weather changes.

Remember to check your pet for overheating – excessive panting, lethargy and reluctance to play – they can get hot quickly when having fun on a walk.

Does it need to be reflective? Keeping pets safe is important when considering a coat. Visibility is key so during the darker months it is essential to choose a coat that allows you to easily see your pooch.

Does it need to be fashionable? This is personal preference– there are lots of patterns, colours, and styles on the market. Functionality and purpose should always be the first thought in purchasing a pet coat but of course its always nice to see your pooch in a stylish coat.