Autumn and winter are the most magical seasons, with the sound of leaves crunching beneath our feet and the sight of bright blue sky swirling up above. Getting outside to play is a great way to connect with our dogs, but as the cold weather sets in and we start to wrap up, it is time to be thinking about getting your Cavapoo dog a winter coat too.
Dogs feel the cold, just like we do, so it is important that we make sure that our Cavapoos are protected from the elements with a nice warm winter coat. Below we list our top recommendations for this season’s best winter coats for dogs.
Whether it’s a crisp morning jog, a paddle in the surf or a stroll at sunrise through your local park, we can recommend a dog coat to suit each occasion. Here are our top 4 best winter dog coats:
Our Cavapoo Rosie loves running around in a fleece lined coat and we prefer this option too, as it not only keeps her warm and dry, but less muddy too.
Below is a selection of best winter dog coats which we believe are ideal for most breeds of dog including puppies. All of the recommendations below are not only based on value for money but on firsthand knowledge and reviews. Included are a selection of products available to buy on Amazon either in the UK or America.
Gooby Stretch Fleece – Best Value for Money
Your pooch is unlikely to set any fashion trends whilst out wearing the Gooby but trust me they won’t care what they look like as they will be lovely and warm. This cozy, soft fleece coat is guaranteed to keep your dog safe from extremely cold temperatures and comes in a variety of sizes and colors.
It’s lightweight with a water-resistant material that won’t get soggy with snow and rain yet has the ability to keep moisture out. Easy to pull on and off, it is machine washable so can be thrown in the wash basket the minute you walk through the door. Plus, its thin material allows for a harness to effortless slide on top.
Hotter Dog Fleece – Best Overall
This winter dog fleece is made by Equafleece, the renowned manufacturers of outdoor horse wear. These warm winter coats are 100% rainproof, breathable, warm, and washable, but also incredibly comfortable – as attested by the animals themselves. In fact, this is the exact coat that we purchased for Rosie.
The Hotterdog Jumper covers the torso embracing the chest, underbelly and front legs, and extends to the base of the tail to give maximum warmth and incredible freedom of movement for your dog. It is strap-free, and the fleece fabric is expressly designed to wick moisture away from the body into the atmosphere, while retaining body heat.
Didog Reflective winter jacket – Best reflective dog coat with harness hole or lead
The Didog winter coat is not only fashionable but functional as it is splashproof, windproof and snowproof, and has a reflective strip to keep your dog safe in the dark. Unlike the fleeces which you need to pull over your dog’s head, this winter coat uses a Velcro strap beneath the chest and neck, making it easy to put on.
The Didog winter coat is an all-round winner as it is available in a couple of colors, has a soft fleece lining, hole for a harness and is made from machine washable materials too.
Kuoser Waterproof Coat – Best for Warmth
Available in both the UK and America this padded winter coat has a British vintage style about it. Reversible depending on your dog’s mood, it has a water resistant outer layer and soft inner lining to keep your furry friend nice and toasty.
This coat has an easy hook and loop closure which makes putting on and taking off easy and comes with a buttonhole design for the collar and harness. It is elasticated at the chest so can expand to allow for plenty of movement.
Do Cavapoos need a winter coat?
While not all dog breeds need an added coat to help them get through the winter months, many will certainly benefit from an extra layer of protection.
Cavapoos are deceptive as their coats may look all toasty and snug but they don’t necessarily keep them that warm. A Cavapoo is a hybrid breed between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle so their coats range from long and thin to soft and curly, depending on the mix of genetics.
Rosie is now over 7 months old, so her puppy fur is falling out to make way for her adult coat. This transitional stage can take up to 6 months to complete, so it is important that we keep her warm with extra layers of clothing.
Like most dogs, if your Cavapoo gets wet whilst out on a walk and it penetrates right down to the skin, then they will start to lose body heat really quickly. And in particularly cold weather they can soon catch a chill if not wrapped up in a warm winter coat.
Like us, a cold dog will show signs that they are chilly such as shivering, acting anxious, whining, or even slowing down their usual jaunty pace. If you notice this happening to your Cavapoo then it is really important that warm them up as soon as you get home.
How cold is too cold for a dog?
You never know from one day to the next what the weather might throw at you, so it is best to ensure that your dog is prepared for every eventuality.
As a general rule of thumb, if temperatures are at or above 45°F, then this is considered mild enough to enjoy a walk with your dog without a winter coat. When temperatures start to fall below 45°F, however, some dogs may start to feel uncomfortable and require a thin layer of extra protection.
If you own a smaller breed of dog (such as a Cavapoo), puppy, senior dog, or fine haired breed, then as soon as the weather turns cool (32°F or below), we recommend pulling on a winter fleece or coat. At 20°F, all responsible dog owners should be considering their dog’s well-being and be on the lookout for signs that your dog is too cold.
Dogs can experience hypothermia, frostbite, and other dangers posed by colder temperatures and moisture, and smaller dogs, like Cavapoos, are particularly at risk.
What type of winter coat should I get my Cavapoo?
The are many different coats available to buy online (see on Amazon), from raincoats which offer little more than a weatherproof solution, to full on body fleeces that help to protect your dog from wind, rain and snow.
One of the most important considerations when buying your dog a winter coat, is to get one that is snug but not too tight as you do not want to restrict their movements. Especially during a play at the park.
You should also ensure that you choose a dog coat that is comfortable and free from hanging zippers, snaps or parts that are likely to rub or irritate your dog’s skin. You should also consider how easy the coat is to put on and take off, as some over the head coats can be cumbersome.
How to measure your dog for a winter coat
It is really important that you purchase a winter coat that fits correctly. Therefore this will involve some mathematics and measuring up on your part.
To measure your Cavapoo for their winter coat you need to ensure that your dog is standing up straight. Once in position you will need to measure the overall circumference of their chest and neck. Using a tape measure you will need to record the measurement from the base of their neck (where the collar sits), right down to the base of their tail.
You may also need to measure the length of your Cavapoos chest too. If so, you should wrap the tape measure around their chest at the widest point possible to record the circumference.
Conclusion
Weather is always a hot topic of conversation, but whether it is scorching or freezing, we need to make sure that our dogs are well prepared. As the winter months set in, don’t let a bit of rain, wind or snow slow down your walk, by investing in a warm winter dog coat instead.
