Are Dog Raincoats Worth It? The Surprising Benefits You Didn’t Know About
Your dog hates rain and let’s admit it, most of us aren’t a fan of wet weather, either. So, you are thinking of investing in a good dog raincoat, but wondering are dog raincoats worth it? Or are they a mere fashion accessory?
Dog raincoat has several benefits but whether your dog needs one depends on a number of factors like your dog’s breed, age, health, and climate.
If you want to buy good rain-resistant clothing for your dog, check out our recommendations below and our guide on how to buy the best dog raincoat.
Table of Contents
Does My Dog Need a Raincoat?
If you’re unsure about investing in a dog raincoat, let’s determine if your dog truly needs one by considering the key factors that influence this decision.
Age: Puppies and senior dogs can benefit from a dog raincoat since they have a weaker immune system and can easily catch a cold. A raincoat provides an added layer of protection against harsh weather conditions.
Breed: Double-coated breeds like Samoyeds and Collies are naturally insulated against cold and rain, while single-coated dogs such as Maltese and Terriers lack this protection. Short-legged breeds like Corgis are closer to the ground, so they easily get wet and muddy. This makes a raincoat very important for them.
Health: Dogs with medical conditions, such as joint pain or inflammation, may benefit from a raincoat to protect them from the elements and prevent their symptoms from worsening.
Climate: If you live in a climate where it rains a lot like a tropical zone, you should definitely get a dog raincoat.
Are Dog Raincoats Worth It? 10 Benefits You Should Know
Dog raincoats have several benefits. Here are some:
- Keeps Your Dog Dry: Let’s discuss the obvious benefit first. Dog raincoat comes with a waterproof coating that protects your single-coated dogs from rain and snow. According to the American Kennel Club, even your thick-coated breeds benefit from wearing a raincoat to shield them from harsh elements.
- Protection against Hypothermia: A dog raincoat not only protects your dog from catching a cold but also helps retain body heat, preventing a drop in core temperature and effectively guarding against hypothermia.
- Keeps House Clean: If you’re not a fan of muddy water splashed across your hallway or car, a dog raincoat is a smart investment. Rain-resistant clothing keeps your pup dry, saving you the hassle of extra cleaning
- Reduces Grooming Time and Prevents Matting: While you might question if dog raincoats are worth it, think of the long-term savings in time and cleaning. Wet fur, especially in long-haired dogs, can be a grooming nightmare—leading to tangles, mats, and excessive shedding. A raincoat helps keep your dog dry, reducing the time spent brushing and detangling, and preventing painful mats.
- Minimizes the Need for Frequent Baths: Wet fur also tends to mat more easily and can cause irritation when washed multiple times. By protecting your dog from rain and mud, a raincoat reduces the frequency of baths, saving you both time and effort while keeping your dog’s skin healthy and irritation-free.
- Skin Protection: Wet fur breeds fleas, bacteria, and fungi. Exposure to muddy or contaminated water can worsen existing skin conditions and cause further damage. A raincoat acts as a protective barrier, helping to keep parasites and harmful elements away from your dog’s skin and coat.
- Protection Against Infections: Dogs with large ears tend to trap water, which can lead to severe ear infections. A dog raincoat with hood would prevent the rainwater from sliding inside the ears. Raincoats can help keep a wounded area covered and protected for dogs who have undergone surgery.
- Eases Anxiety: Some dogs get anxious in the rain or feel uncomfortable when wet. Wearing a raincoat may help reduce their discomfort, allowing them to feel more at ease outdoors during rainy weather.
- Enhances Visibility: Most dog raincoats come with wide reflective piping that glows in low-light conditions, making your dog more visible to passersby and helping to protect them from accidents.
- Comfortable Potty Breaks: Some dogs actively avoid going outside in rainy weather, which can disrupt their bathroom routine. A raincoat can help them stay dry and encourage them to go out without hesitation, making sure potty breaks stay on schedule.
7 Best Dog Raincoats
Best Overall–Ruffwear Sunshower All-Weather Jacket
If you are looking for an all-weather rain jacket that ticks most of the boxes, get your hands on this dog raincoat by Ruffwear. The lightweight, breathable material won’t let your dog overheat, allowing you to put it on your dog all year round or layer it over a dog sweater or fleece jacket in colder months.
Aside from the material, the design is equally impressive. What we liked the most is the split at the back towards the tail, which helps your dog move freely and do his business without any problem.
The reflective trims keep your pup highly visible during low-light conditions. An oversized storm collar provides added protection against a downpour. The leash portal helps you attach the leash to the harness while the buckles on either side of the body make it a cinch to put on your dog.
The strap in the middle allows for a snug fit, especially useful in windy weather. However, we wouldn’t recommend this rain jacket to dogs with longer necks as it doesn’t have a hood, which leaves much of the neck and head exposed to the harsh weather.
Best for Torrential Rain–Canada Pooch Waterproof Dog Raincoat
This poncho-style dog raincoat by Canada Pooch is best for downpours. The water-resistant exterior shell keeps the water away while ample belly coverage protects your dog from puddles and mud splashes.
One good feature is the addition of big pockets where you can store poop bags, dog treats, or keys. Other great features include sturdy stitching, adjustable Velcro, snap buttons for the hood, and a visor that keeps raindrops at bay.
Like other dog raincoats on this list, it has reflective piping along the coat for extra visibility. There’s also a dedicated hole to attach the leash to the harness. It lacks an internal lining, but it’s loose enough so you can slip a sweater inside on a colder day.
Best for Long Hikes–Hurrta Monsoon Coat
If you and your dog love outdoor adventures, this Hurtta Monsoon coat deserves a space in your pup’s closet. Though expensive, the high-quality outer shell keeps your dog protected from the elements.
The stand-up collar coated with waterproof tricot keeps the rain from seeping inside while the reflective patterns and the piping keep your dog visible in dark and dreary conditions. If added visibility is your priority, check out our review of the best LED collars and harnesses to make your dog shine wherever he goes.
Instead of Velcro, this raincoat comes with a belly strap that you can use to adjust the coat while the drawstrings help you get the right fit at the neck, shoulders, and hips. And when it’s a gusty day, you can use the back leg straps to keep the coat from blowing away!
Best Budget-VIVAGLORY Dog Raincoat
On a budget but still want to keep your pup protected from harsh weather? Try this durable raincoat by Vivaglory. The breathable mesh lining keeps your dog cool and comfortable while the water-repellent material outside makes sure no rain gets inside, and the raindrops roll off the coat.
The wide reflective accents keep your dog visible whether it’s a drizzle or a storm. The Velcro around the neck and belly helps in getting a snug fit while the two-way zipper lets you attach the leash to the harness and have a roomier fit. It’s a dog raincoat with hood but if your pup isn’t a fan of headgear, you can keep the hood out of the way using the snap buttons at the back.
Best Coverage–Dog Helios Full-Body Raincoat
If you need added coverage up to the legs, try this full-body dog raincoat by Helios. The waterproof outer shell protects your dog from the elements while the heat-reflective fleece lining holds warmth inside. To add to the warmth factor, it’s best to pair this coat with dog snow boots to protect his paws from stones, grime, and other harsh winter chemicals.
The 3M reflective tubing runs through the coat to keep your dog visible in dark conditions while the zippers are waterproof, so no water gets through the zipper seams. Also, the hook and loop straps at each leg make it wind-resistant while the drawstrings help adjust the coat without bothering your dog. Not for thick-coated breeds, as it may overheat them.
Best for Long-Bodied Dogs–Spark Paws Breatheshield Dog Raincoat
If you are looking for a dog raincoat, that’s both waterproof and windproof, pick Spark Paws raincoat. It comes with the breatheshield technology, which helps with temperature regulation, allowing excess heat to escape from the dog’s body.
The inner mesh lining keeps wicking the moisture away so your dog will not overheat. It’s great for long-bodied dogs like Corgis and Dachshunds as it’s long enough to cover them up to the tail.
The buckles on the sides make it easy to put the coat on your dog quickly, while the straps on the hind legs and the buckle under the belly help keep the coat fixed in place
Most Tear-Resistant–Kurgo Halifax Raincoat
This dog rain shell will keep your dog dry in light to medium rain. Made with ripstop fabric, it’s hard to tear, and the waterproof coating makes sure no raindrops penetrate the jacket. However, since the jacket is hoodless, some water CAN go inside from the sides of the jacket, so take a towel with you to dry him off.
The reflective piping makes him visible in dark and dreary areas while the buckles on the sides snap shut so you can get ready for a walk in a minute. There is a leash opening too, but it should be positioned well to prevent the raincoat from bunching up. May not cover very large dogs but overall, it’s good.
How to Buy the Best Dog Raincoat?
Dog raincoats are worth it for their ability to keep your dog protected come rain or shine. The best dog raincoat fits nicely and provides ample coverage for your dog. Dog raincoats come in different styles, including ponchos, hooded coats, and full-body suits. Choose the style based on the amount of coverage your dog needs. Long-bodied dogs, for example, would benefit from full-body suits, while a poncho might be ideal for shorter or medium-sized dogs.
Also, be careful with hoods as some dogs dislike wearing them. In such cases, opt for a coat with a hood that can be buttoned away at the back. Wide reflective patterns are another useful feature, especially since it can be difficult to spot your dog in dark, rainy conditions.
If your dog is noise-sensitive, look for a raincoat with buckle closures instead of Velcro, as the sound of Velcro can be irritating. Also, a drawstring along the coat is important for achieving the best fit and adjusting the coat on the go.
Conclusion
Are dog raincoats worth it? If you want to make sure your pup stays dry, comfortable, and clean during walks, the answer is a clear yes!
While thick-coated breeds often have natural waterproofing, lean dogs, and short-haired breeds may absorb water like a sponge due to the lack of insulation. So, these breeds can greatly benefit from the added protection of a raincoat.
Raincoats shield your dog from cold, rain, and muddy splashes. For pet owners, they’re a time-saver too! A good raincoat can cut down on post-walk cleanup—less drying your dog off, less mopping the floor, and fewer wet car rides.