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Does your dog need a coat?

Coat type, size, and temperature, not the calendar, decide it.

By Olivia Marsh, Editor. Fact checked by Dr. Priya Raman, DVM.

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A short-haired dog in an insulated jacket standing in light snow

Huskies do not need coats. Greyhounds do. Most dogs sit between, and the answer changes with the weather and the dog's age.

Who needs one

Short or single coats, small bodies, thin dogs, puppies, and seniors. Anything below about 45 degrees for these dogs, and below freezing for medium-coated dogs on long walks.

What kind

Insulated for cold and dry. A shell for rain. A fleece for a chilly walk. Cover the chest and belly, and leave the legs free to move.

Fit

Measure back length from collar to base of tail. The coat should end before the tail so the dog can go to the bathroom without wetting it.

Olivia Marsh

Editor

Olivia leads the Eva Journal. She has raised three golden retrievers and fostered more puppies than she can count.

This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not veterinary or professional advice. Eva is not responsible for any loss, injury, or risk arising from reliance on the information here. Eva may earn a commission from affiliate links on this page.

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