The Best Winter Dog Coats
21.11.22 November 21, 2022 Seasonal

The Best Winter Dog Coats

We love festive films, pubs with roaring fires, and hot chocolate – but the best thing about winter is a brisk walk with your dog on a crisp morning with fairy-tale frost on the ground. For both you and your dog, an invigorating winter morning walk will kick start your day. But it’s important you both wrap up warmly to protect yourself from the elements. If you have a small breed dog or one with a short coat, then it’s imperative you buy them a warm dog coat for winter. Ageing dogs, and those with ailments, may not be able to regulate their own body temperature and a dog coat is an essential. Even if your dog is a bigger breed or a younger dog with a longer coat, there may be occasions when a dog puffer coat is needed to ensure they don’t get too cold on walks. Here, we look at the best dog coats for winter. Ones that will keep them snug and dry however cold and wet it gets.   Choosing the right outdoor coats for your dog There are loads of dog coats to choose from here at Lords & Labradors but finding the right one for your pooch can be tricky. You've got a list of things to consider, including material, terrain, ease of putting on, and size if you're going to find the perfect match to keep your dog comfortable. After all, that's the priority! Do your research beforehand. Some dog breeds won't benefit from a dog coat because their fur is sufficient to keep them warm. But breeds that are shorthair and have lower body fat are likely to need that extra bit of insulation. This might all sound confusing at first, but our guide explains the differences. From waterproof dog coats to dog puffer jackets, you'll find the one best suited to your furry friend. If it's still a mystery to you, don't hesitate to have a look at our FAQs or contact us and we'll be happy to advise you.   Waterproof dog coats Many pooches love nothing more than dashing around in the rain. But in winter, getting caught in the rain without a coat is no fun for puppies and older dogs who are vulnerable to the cold and wet. For those wet-weather adventures, a waterproof dog jacket is a perfect solution. Our raincoats for dogs are designed to protect your dog from the elements without restricting their play or movement. Made from breathable, water-resistant fabric, these coats will keep your pup safe and dry so they can focus on enjoying their outdoor excursions. The Hugo & Hudson Jacket is a great example of a premium dog rain jacket that ticks all the boxes. Double layered for warmth, this jacket is equipped with a water-resistant hood and comes in three colours, including a vibrant yellow that's easy to spot when they're exploring off the lead. It also comes in seven sizes with an adjustable buckle to fit different-sized breeds. Whether a Great Dane or Jack Russell, your pooch can stay dry playing in the rain!   Dog puffer jackets For us humans, puffer jackets are still all the rage, so getting one for your dog makes quite the fashion statement. A dog puffer coat is an excellent choice for bracing winter walks or cold, drizzly days when a little extra comfort and insulation is required. Built with a waterproof shell, you can be confident that our puffer jackets for dogs are both durable and practical! There are two things you want from a dog puffer coat and that's warmth and wearability. The Hugo & Hudson Reversible Puffer Jacket is a stylish blend of both, coming with high-quality stuffing to maximise cosiness and a reversible feature so you get two styles for the price of one. It also comes in four sizes, from small (to fit tiny toy breeds) up to size large (for breeds such as Border Collies and Dalmatians). Your pooch will look adorable in one of our dog puffer jackets, and they'll be ready for any kind of weather that winter throws at them. And if you have a puffer jacket of your own, you can be that dog owner who's stylishly coordinated with their dog!   Lightweight dog coats While finding a warm dog coat that keeps your furry friend protected against the weather is a priority, you don't want to compromise their mobility. In this case, a lightweight coat is the best option and by 'lightweight' we mean an insulating layer that's cosy yet doesn’t restrict your dog's movement and play. Lightweight dog coats for winter have the benefit of being a simple but effective way to keep warm. The Barbour Monmouth Waterproof Dog Coat is a designer premium dog coat, with breathable material and soft cotton lining, that's both water-repellent and wind-proof. The harness hole for a lead attachment is ideal for control of your pooch and in rougher terrains. Though not appropriate for extreme conditions, this style is perfect for everyday walkies and exploring in the colder months. The lightweight padding also means that this coat can be used in less chilly weather so they can stay warm on those fresh, drizzly days in spring.   Quilted dog coats Though easily confused with dog puffer jackets, the quilted style is one of the best dog coats for winter. The thick quilting makes for maximised insulation and keeps your pooch wrapped up snug and warm on your daily walks, especially those on a chilly winter night. A quilted jacket is a warm dog coat that makes both practical sense and a style statement. The Barbour Quilted Dog Coat has a waterproof outer shell made from quilted nylon with the classic Barbour tartan lining on the inside for warmth. Available in four sizes, there is a Velcro underbody strap that is fully adjustable to keep your furry friend safe and secure on their outdoor adventures. This style of quilted coat is easy to slip on and off so it's perfect for our four-legged friends who can't sit still long enough for fussy buttons and zips. Instead, they're free to nip outside quickly in their quilted waterproof dog jacket, without the ordeal of chasing them and trying to get it on! A great budget option for a quilted dog coat is the Joules Quilted Dog Coat. It comes in three colours with a luxury fleece lining for extra warmth. Available in four sizes, this coat is perfect for both small and large dogs.    Wax dog coats Sometimes you can't avoid taking your pooch for a walk in the rain, so how do you keep them dry when you do? Wax raincoats for dogs are the answer! Whether going for a stroll in the countryside or running around the back garden, this versatile style of outdoor coats for dogs will keep them comfortable. The Barbour Shiny Wax Dog Coat will keep the wintery elements away from your dog, be it rain, snow or sleet. This coat is expertly crafted as you'd expect from the renowned brand. It uses 100% waxed cotton and has a classic tartan lining with wadding for warmth. Its cord collar detail gives it a stylish, extra soft, secure fit. Our wax dog jackets are designed to keep your dogs warm and toasty during their outdoor exploration. A lightweight premium dog coat option, this type of jacket can be worn throughout the year. Your dog can enjoy it on chilly spring mornings or snowy winter days, so you get value for money and your four-legged friend stays warm all year round.   Dog drying coats It's not possible to stay dry all the time, especially with furry friends that can't resist rolling in snow or splashing in puddles. You've just got to make sure, after the walk, that you're equipped, especially if your dog is travelling home on the back seat of your car! Dog drying coats are the best solution for mischievous pooches who like getting wet. Dog drying coats are designed with thick cotton towelling that is super-absorbent and will dry your dog quicker than you can. No more shivering in the back of the car for them or running around after them with a towel for you! One of the best dog-drying coats is our Bamboo Drying Coat. We designed and tested the coat here in our Lincolnshire workshop, with both practicality and style in mind. They dry your dog in minutes while keeping them comfortable. The double-layered coat draws moisture out of your dog's fur while the adjustable Velcro means the fit can be changed to fit your breed's size. And you'll be pleased to know it's machine washable!   Miniature Dachshund Fleeces Here at Lords & Labradors we're Miniature Dachshund lovers and understand the struggle of finding the perfect wintercoat to fit, that's why we designed our own range of Miniature Dachshund fleeces! Our office sausage dogs have tried and tested them so we can confirm they're a hit, they make the perfect winter coat for keeping your Sausage dogs warm! They come in five different patterns of fleece so there's sure to be one you will love! We can even personalise them with your Daxies name. 

By Zac Girdlestone

Read more

We love festive films, pubs with roaring fires, and hot chocolate – but the best thing about winter is a brisk walk with your dog on a crisp morning with fairy-tale frost on the ground.

For both you and your dog, an invigorating winter morning walk will kick start your day. But it’s important you both wrap up warmly to protect yourself from the elements. If you have a small breed dog or one with a short coat, then it’s imperative you buy them a warm dog coat for winter.

Ageing dogs, and those with ailments, may not be able to regulate their own body temperature and a dog coat is an essential. Even if your dog is a bigger breed or a younger dog with a longer coat, there may be occasions when a dog puffer coat is needed to ensure they don’t get too cold on walks.

Here, we look at the best dog coats for winter. Ones that will keep them snug and dry however cold and wet it gets.

 

Choosing the right outdoor coats for your dog

There are loads of dog coats to choose from here at Lords & Labradors but finding the right one for your pooch can be tricky. You've got a list of things to consider, including material, terrain, ease of putting on, and size if you're going to find the perfect match to keep your dog comfortable. After all, that's the priority!

Do your research beforehand. Some dog breeds won't benefit from a dog coat because their fur is sufficient to keep them warm. But breeds that are shorthair and have lower body fat are likely to need that extra bit of insulation.

This might all sound confusing at first, but our guide explains the differences. From waterproof dog coats to dog puffer jackets, you'll find the one best suited to your furry friend. If it's still a mystery to you, don't hesitate to have a look at our FAQs or contact us and we'll be happy to advise you.

 

Waterproof dog coats

Many pooches love nothing more than dashing around in the rain. But in winter, getting caught in the rain without a coat is no fun for puppies and older dogs who are vulnerable to the cold and wet. For those wet-weather adventures, a waterproof dog jacket is a perfect solution.

Our raincoats for dogs are designed to protect your dog from the elements without restricting their play or movement. Made from breathable, water-resistant fabric, these coats will keep your pup safe and dry so they can focus on enjoying their outdoor excursions.

The Hugo & Hudson Jacket is a great example of a premium dog rain jacket that ticks all the boxes. Double layered for warmth, this jacket is equipped with a water-resistant hood and comes in three colours, including a vibrant yellow that's easy to spot when they're exploring off the lead. It also comes in seven sizes with an adjustable buckle to fit different-sized breeds.

Whether a Great Dane or Jack Russell, your pooch can stay dry playing in the rain!

 

Dog puffer jackets

For us humans, puffer jackets are still all the rage, so getting one for your dog makes quite the fashion statement. A dog puffer coat is an excellent choice for bracing winter walks or cold, drizzly days when a little extra comfort and insulation is required. Built with a waterproof shell, you can be confident that our puffer jackets for dogs are both durable and practical!

There are two things you want from a dog puffer coat and that's warmth and wearability. The Hugo & Hudson Reversible Puffer Jacket is a stylish blend of both, coming with high-quality stuffing to maximise cosiness and a reversible feature so you get two styles for the price of one. It also comes in four sizes, from small (to fit tiny toy breeds) up to size large (for breeds such as Border Collies and Dalmatians).

Your pooch will look adorable in one of our dog puffer jackets, and they'll be ready for any kind of weather that winter throws at them. And if you have a puffer jacket of your own, you can be that dog owner who's stylishly coordinated with their dog!

 

Lightweight dog coats

While finding a warm dog coat that keeps your furry friend protected against the weather is a priority, you don't want to compromise their mobility. In this case, a lightweight coat is the best option and by 'lightweight' we mean an insulating layer that's cosy yet doesn’t restrict your dog's movement and play.

Lightweight dog coats for winter have the benefit of being a simple but effective way to keep warm. The Barbour Monmouth Waterproof Dog Coat is a designer premium dog coat, with breathable material and soft cotton lining, that's both water-repellent and wind-proof. The harness hole for a lead attachment is ideal for control of your pooch and in rougher terrains.

Though not appropriate for extreme conditions, this style is perfect for everyday walkies and exploring in the colder months. The lightweight padding also means that this coat can be used in less chilly weather so they can stay warm on those fresh, drizzly days in spring.

 

Quilted dog coats

Though easily confused with dog puffer jackets, the quilted style is one of the best dog coats for winter. The thick quilting makes for maximised insulation and keeps your pooch wrapped up snug and warm on your daily walks, especially those on a chilly winter night.

A quilted jacket is a warm dog coat that makes both practical sense and a style statement. The Barbour Quilted Dog Coat has a waterproof outer shell made from quilted nylon with the classic Barbour tartan lining on the inside for warmth. Available in four sizes, there is a Velcro underbody strap that is fully adjustable to keep your furry friend safe and secure on their outdoor adventures.

This style of quilted coat is easy to slip on and off so it's perfect for our four-legged friends who can't sit still long enough for fussy buttons and zips. Instead, they're free to nip outside quickly in their quilted waterproof dog jacket, without the ordeal of chasing them and trying to get it on!

A great budget option for a quilted dog coat is the Joules Quilted Dog Coat. It comes in three colours with a luxury fleece lining for extra warmth. Available in four sizes, this coat is perfect for both small and large dogs. 

 

Wax dog coats

Sometimes you can't avoid taking your pooch for a walk in the rain, so how do you keep them dry when you do? Wax raincoats for dogs are the answer! Whether going for a stroll in the countryside or running around the back garden, this versatile style of outdoor coats for dogs will keep them comfortable.

The Barbour Shiny Wax Dog Coat will keep the wintery elements away from your dog, be it rain, snow or sleet. This coat is expertly crafted as you'd expect from the renowned brand. It uses 100% waxed cotton and has a classic tartan lining with wadding for warmth. Its cord collar detail gives it a stylish, extra soft, secure fit.

Our wax dog jackets are designed to keep your dogs warm and toasty during their outdoor exploration. A lightweight premium dog coat option, this type of jacket can be worn throughout the year. Your dog can enjoy it on chilly spring mornings or snowy winter days, so you get value for money and your four-legged friend stays warm all year round.

 

Dog drying coats

It's not possible to stay dry all the time, especially with furry friends that can't resist rolling in snow or splashing in puddles. You've just got to make sure, after the walk, that you're equipped, especially if your dog is travelling home on the back seat of your car! Dog drying coats are the best solution for mischievous pooches who like getting wet.

Dog drying coats are designed with thick cotton towelling that is super-absorbent and will dry your dog quicker than you can. No more shivering in the back of the car for them or running around after them with a towel for you!

One of the best dog-drying coats is our Bamboo Drying Coat. We designed and tested the coat here in our Lincolnshire workshop, with both practicality and style in mind. They dry your dog in minutes while keeping them comfortable. The double-layered coat draws moisture out of your dog's fur while the adjustable Velcro means the fit can be changed to fit your breed's size. And you'll be pleased to know it's machine washable!

 

Miniature Dachshund Fleeces

Here at Lords & Labradors we're Miniature Dachshund lovers and understand the struggle of finding the perfect wintercoat to fit, that's why we designed our own range of Miniature Dachshund fleeces! Our office sausage dogs have tried and tested them so we can confirm they're a hit, they make the perfect winter coat for keeping your Sausage dogs warm! They come in five different patterns of fleece so there's sure to be one you will love! We can even personalise them with your Daxies name. 

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As you can see from the chart above -4℃ is either potentially unsafe or dangerous depending on what size dog you have. If you have a small or medium sized dog, or a puppy we recommend staying home and using enrichment activities to keep them busy. However, if you have a large dog, walk them with caution or stay home. If you do decide to walk a larger dog, we recommend keeping their walk shorter and properly dry them off once you're home.    How Long Should You Walk Your Dog In Cold Weather?  Generally, it’s best to cut your walks short when it’s really cold outside. The longer your pup is outside, the lower their body temperature will go, so it’s best to give them a few shorter walks instead of giving them one long walk.  For temperatures above -4℃, medium to large dogs can walk for around half an hour, whereas smaller dogs should be limited to around 20 minutes. However, do keep in mind that other factors can make it feel colder outside than it actually is. For instance, a strong wind can take a relatively mild day to a freezing cold one. Walking in the snow can be fun too, when it’s a lovely sunny day, but if you’re walking in wet sleet or through sludgy snow, your dog’s body temperature can drop quite quickly, even when they’re moving. You should stop your dog from eating snow, as this can bring their temperature down too.  You should be able to walk your dog in winter, when it’s perfectly sunny or when it’s a little bit rainy. Just do take into account other weather factors and how long you’re outside for.      Do Dog's Paws Get Cold? Just like our hands and feet, your dog's paws can get cold too! However, over time their paws have adapted to help them from freezing. Their arteries bring warm blood from their body to their paws and back up their legs, rather than loosing the heat through their skin, this is known as a countercurrent heat exchange. To help keep your dog's paws warm, make sure to dry in between their paw pads after a walk and wash off any salt and grit they may have walked through. You can even use some paw balm after to help stop their paw pads from cracking. 

    By Zac Girdlestone

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  • Fun Things To Do With Your Pets At Christmas
    12.12.24 December 12, 2024 Seasonal

    Fun Things To Do With Your Pets At Christmas

    If you’re anything like us, you will love this time of year. There’s nothing better than getting in the Christmas spirit by watching holiday movies, eating festive treats and preparing for Christmas Day with present wrapping and writing cards. But you might be wondering how you can get your pets involved with Christmas. Our dogs and cats are just as much a part of the family as our human relatives, so it’s important to keep them involved too. Here we suggest some fun things to do with your pets at Christmas.   Go For A Festive Dog Walk Going outside for a walk might sound like something you do all the time, but there’s no reason you can’t mix things up a little during the festive period and put a Christmassy spin on your dog walks. You could try a different route to your usual one and see how many Christmas decorations and lights you can see. Or why not take a trip to the woods and see if you can find any pine cones - great for making your own Christmas decorations. Your dog will enjoy the adventure and it’ll be fun to see what you can find to add to your table centrepiece or wreath!   Take Christmas Pictures of your Pets The festive season is a great time for making memories and for keeping them on film. Why not get your dog dressed up in a novelty jumper and bring your cat over for a cuddle too, then take some family photos together. They could be silly snaps or more formal ones, but whatever the set-up, have fun! They could make a great little addition to Christmas cards - why not take them on an instant camera if you have one and pop them inside the cards you send to relatives and friends. A really easy way to send something personal this Christmas.   Have a Movie Night in on The Sofa One thing we love to do with our pets is just chill out on the sofa. When it’s cold outside, there’s nothing better than curling up on the sofa with a hot chocolate and your pets by your side whilst you all watch a Christmas movie together. We talked about some of our favourite dog themed Christmas movies in a previous blog post; the perfect read for some festive film inspiration. We’d suggest getting some Christmas treats together - that means doggy popcorn and biscuits for the fur babies and a bottle of something bubbly for you! - and snuggling under a blanket for the perfect night in.   Buy Them Some Christmas Presents This is probably a given for most pet parents, but if you haven’t already considered it, think about buying your cat or dog some presents. It’s a tradition in most households to buy loved ones a gift at Christmas, so why not include your pets in the list and wrap them a present or two as well. You can include them in the gift opening on Christmas morning - they won’t only love the gift inside the paper, but will probably enjoy the fun of trying to unwrap it too!   Give Them a Christmas Themed Dinner Christmas dinner is an integral part of the holiday season. Spending quality time with loved ones around the dinner table is one of the things we look forward to the most. Whilst your pets shouldn’t really eat our human food, we stock a number of Christmas foods that are made especially for your pet, so they can share in the festivities on Christmas Day. There are some rather fancy Christmas themed treats that you can give them if they’ve been especially good this year!   Make Some Homemade Pet Treats Whilst we have a huge variety of Christmas treats for pets in our shop that are suitable to be served straight from the packet, you could also make some fresh pet treats of your own. There are a number of places to find recipes for Homemade Christmas Pet Treats online, so you can bake them something extra special. We rather like the look of the Peanut butter Biscuit Dog treats by The Cookie Rookie. Whichever recipe you decide to try, we’d suggest buying some Christmas shaped cookie cutters and making the treats look extra festive!   Have an Indoor Christmas Playdate Playtimes can easily be scuppered by winter weather but that shouldn’t mean that playtime should be stopped altogether. Why not bring the fun indoors and concoct some indoor activities for your pets. You could have some interactive fun with some stuff-able toys - pop some dog or cat treats inside their favourite toy and watch them have fun digging them out. We have a whole Elves’ Workshop full of Christmas goodies for cats and dogs which will add a festive twist to your pet’s toy box. Whatever you choose to do this year, we hope you have fun. This year has been a tough time for everyone and we hope you all manage to make Christmas as special as possible.

    By Zac Girdlestone

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