Does your dog dislike the cold weather? Do they want to run back inside when it rains or when it’s windy outside? A dog puffer jacket can provide your dog with all weather protection while keeping them stylish too.
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Related: Keep Your Dog Warm Using A Winter Coat With A Harness Hole
What Is A Dog Puffer Jacket?
A dog puffer jacket is similar in looks to a human puffer jacket. It is usually made of a nylon material that can withstand wet weather conditions. The inside is stuffed with a polyester material to provide warmth and it may or may not be lined with fleece or some other material for extra cold weather protection.
A puffer coat for your dog offers style, warmth, wind and weather resistance wrapped up in a lightweight jacket that allows your dog to move freely while walking or playing.
At What Temperature Does A Dog Need A Coat?
Dogs are more comfortable in temperatures above 40 degrees F.(4 degrees C.). Once the temperature falls below this, dogs start to feel uncomfortable.
If the temperature drops to under 32 degrees F. (0 degrees C.), then your dog will definitely need a jacket to be outdoors.
Do All Dogs Need To Wear A Coat?
Whether your dog needs to wear a jacket depends on the breed of dog you have and their coat type.
Dogs that will need to wear a jacket in cooler temperatures include:
- Small breed dogs.
- Dogs that are sick or are immune compromised.
- Puppies.
- Dogs with a single coat.
- Pregnant dogs.
If your dog has a double coat, they will be able to tolerate colder temperatures due to having an extra layer of fur to protect them.
Are Dog Jackets Worth It?
Dog jackets are worth it if:
- Your dog likes to be outdoors.
- You will be walking your dog in cooler temperatures.
- Your dog can’t tolerate being outside in cold weather.
- You want to keep your dog dry during wet weather conditions.
Do Dog Puffer Jackets Keep Dogs Warm?
Dog puffer jackets can keep dogs warm in cold weather conditions. It all depends on what the jacket is made of, what it is filled with, and if it is lined.
A dog jacket made from a durable, water resistant material will help keep your dog dry. A wet dog is a cold dog, so having a coat that can keep your dog dry in the rain and snow can help keep them warm.
The more filling a jacket has the more likely it will help keep your dog warm.
The lining of your dog’s puffer jacket can make a difference as well. Common materials used to line your dog’s coat include fleece or Sherpa lining. This additional lining will increase the warmth of your dog’s puffer jacket.
Should Dogs Sleep In Their Jackets?
This really depends on your dog and the style of the jacket.
For some dogs, wearing a jacket may provide them with a sense of safety and security. They may also like the warmth a jacket can give them during a cold night. In this case it is fine for your dog to sleep in the coat.
Other dogs may find wearing a jacket at night too much for them. It may be too restrictive for them to sleep in and if your dog happens to have a double coat, it may make them too hot to sleep with a jacket on.
If your dog does sleep with a jacket on, the jacket should not have anything that can cause harm to your dog,i.e. anything that can get stuck in a dog crate can be a choking hazard.
If your dog is a chewer, it is not a good idea for them to sleep with a dog jacket on in case they decide they would rather chew on it instead of wear it.
What Should I Look For When Buying A Dog Puffer Jacket?
If you are considering buying a dog puffer jacket, here are some things to keep in mind:
Outer Material
Look for a durable material that is also weather resistant. This will help keep your pup dry in rainy weather.
Filler
Check for filler material, like polyester, to provide warmth if your dog will be using the jacket in colder weather.
Lining
If your dog has a low tolerance for cold weather, look for a jacket with an extra warm lining, like fleece or Sherpa.
Closure
How does the jacket secure to your dog? The majority use Velcro. If your dog has long hair or is afraid of certain noises, you may want to look for a jacket without a Velcro closure. Where does the jacket secure onto your dog? Some dog jackets attach underneath the belly and some over the back. Choose whichever will be easier to get onto your dog. Other options include snaps and zippers.
Easy On/Off
Select a dog puffer jacket that is easy to get on and off your dog. The type of closure the jacket has can make a difference as to how easy it is to get onto your dog.
Harness/Leash Opening
If you walk your dog using a harness or collar, look for an opening at the neckline or the upper back that will allow you to use a harness or collar with the jacket.
Hood
Choose a dog jacket with a hood if your dog likes to have their ears covered from the cold. Some dog jackets also have a high collar or turtleneck to provide protection from the wind and cold if your dog is not fond of having a hood.
Coverage
If your dog’s belly is low to the ground or they have scarce hair in the belly area, look for a jacket with increased coverage to the belly. You will find more coverage with jackets that secure on the back, rather than jackets that secure on the belly.
Machine Washable
A dog puffer that is machine washable is great, especially for dogs that like to play in their jackets. Keep in mind, most dog puffer jackets are line/air dry.
How Do I Measure My Dog For A Puffer Jacket?
To measure your dog to find the perfect sized puffer jacket, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to select the best size for your dog.
Generally speaking, you may need to take three measurements of your dog: neck, chest, and back length.
To get started, you will need a paper tape measure. If you do not have a paper tape measure, use a piece of string to go around each area and then measure the string.
Neck: To measure your dog’s neck size, bring the tape measure around the area where the neck meets the shoulders.
Chest: When measuring your dog’s chest size, bring the tape measure around the largest area of your dog’s chest, just behind the front legs.
Body Length: To measure your dog’s body length, bring the tape measure from the base of your dog’s neck to the start of their tail.
Best Dog Puffer Jackets
These are our top 5 dog puffer jackets. We selected ones with different available features to give you an idea of the types of jackets that are available. Product information is according to the manufacturer.
Best Overall Dog Puffer Jacket
GF Pet Alpine Puffer Dog Coat
This jacket comes in a variety of sizes and can accommodate dogs up to 140 lbs. It employs elastic fit technology to be sure the jacket fits your dog properly.
- Available in multiple sizes.
- Comes in various colors.
- Faux pockets.
- Elastic-fit technology allows the jacket to hug your dog’s shape.
- Sherpa lining.
- Water repellent.
- Can fit dogs up to 140 lbs.
- Machine washable.
Pros/Cons:
- Easy on/off.
- No leg holes.
- Keeps dogs warm.
- Hair can get caught in the Velcro.
Check Price At: Chewy, Amazon, Petco
Best Hooded Dog Puffer Jacket
HDE Dog Puffer Jacket
This jacket not only has a hood, but is fleece lined and has a harness opening on the back.
- Available in various sizes.
- Comes in multiple colors.
- Fleece lined.
- Faux fur trimmed hood.
- Water resistant.
- Leash hole on the back.
Pros/Cons:
- Easy on/off.
- Keeps dogs warm.
- Velcro is strong.
Check Price At: Amazon
Best Bottom Snap Closure Jacket
Blueberry Pet Glossy Dog Puffer Jacket
This dog puffer jacket can fit dogs up to 95 lbs. and snap closes on the belly. It also has a harness opening on the back.
- Available in multiple sizes.
- Comes in various colors.
- Zippered harness hole.
- Nylon surface.
- Polyester filling.
- Fleece lined.
- Snap closure.
- Turtle neck design.
- For dogs up to 95 lbs.
Pros/Cons:
- Good quality.
- Colors are not accurate in the pictures.
Check Price At: Amazon, Blueberry Pet
Best Top Snap Closure Puffer Jacket
Kuoser Dog Puffer Jacket
This jacket is made for small to medium sized dogs. To use this jacket, your dog steps onto it and it snaps closed on your dog’s back.
- For small and medium dogs.
- Comes in a variety of sizes.
- Available in multiple colors.
- Foldable stand collar.
- Snaps along the back to close.
- Windproof.
- Machine washable.
Pros/Cons:
- Easy on/off.
- Lightweight.
- Cannot be used with a harness underneath.
- Can be hard to snap closed if your dog moves around a lot.
Check Price At: Amazon
Best Zipper Closure Jacket
Gooby Padded Dog Jacket
This jacket for small dogs (up to 32 lbs.) is secured with a zipper along the back. It also has built in D rings so there is no need to use a harness or collar to walk your dog.
- Comes in various sizes.
- Available in a variety of colors.
- Zipper closure.
- Thick, padded layer.
- Outer layer made of nylon.
- Water resistant.
- Fleece lined.
- Built in D rings.
- For small dogs up to 32 lbs.
- Lightweight.
- Zipper guard to avoid getting your dog’s hair caught in the zipper.
- Machine washable.
Pros/Cons:
- Easy on/off.
- Good quality.
- Able to use without a harness.
- Takes time to find the right size.
Check Price At: Amazon
There is no need to sacrifice style and functionality when choosing a coat for your pup. A dog puffer jacket is lightweight, provides warmth, protects against the elements, and allows your dog to move freely, all while being stylish.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.