We have large dogs, but two of our three have very thin, short coats. This is wonderful for the hot summer months of Arizona, but in winter it proves to be a problem. Bree and Brock get cold very easily, especially in the early mornings when temps can drop below freezing.
Since this is also their favorite time to roughhouse, it’s necessary to dress them for the elements. But, it’s hard to find coats that hold up against the very rough play. Where there is a will, there is a way, and we have located the toughest, warmest coats for your big (and little) dogs…
Disclaimer: We have received product samples to review, however our opinions are our own and we are under no obligation to the vendor. We use affiliate links when possible, which means we may receive a small percentage of a sale. Thanks for using them to help us continue our ability to bring you quality content and keep our pets fed!
Ruffwear Climate Changer
Ruffwear has some of the best products on the market for dogs who like to play rough.
Our favorite coat is the Ruffwear Climate Changer Fleece Jacket . The soft fleece gives your pup an extra layer of fur, and the streamlined fit and heavy duty zipper along the side ensures that they won’t be pulling it off one another during playtime. The fleece has lasted through two winters of play and is still going strong, despite frequent washings.
We strongly recommend this coat! Our only complaint is that in our area, where it’s dryer than a bone, you do occasionally “shock” your pet when you take it on and off (our trick for avoiding “shocky” jackets is to use DERMagic’s Conditioner Bar after each bath, which is great for your pet AND their fur)!
KumfyTailz Coat
The makers of one of our favorite harnesses has just come out with their new Dual-Action Kumfy Tailz Coat. We are super excited about this coat because it allows us to use a warmer pack on those long morning walks. The heat is dispersed against the dog’s chest, which keeps them nice and warm during walks. It’s a very gentle heat, so you don’t have to worry about your pet getting too warm. The new coat is not only adorable, but it’s “manly” enough for a pit bull to wear.
The Kumfy Pax pouch covers the dog’s chest and abdominal area or the “core.” The core is where most of the dog’s vasculature and major organs are. It is also where they have the least amount of fur. By addressing the core, the heart is better able to pump blood to the extremities (paws and ears) helping to regulate the dog’s body temperature, which should ideally be between 101°-103° F.
ThunderSweater from ThunderWorks
This is a brand new product from ThunderWorks, the makers of ThunderShirt and ThunderSpray. As you know, we’re long-time fans of this product line and we are even bigger fans of the new ThunderSweater. The nicest part of this coat is the fact that it’s removable. So now you can leave your ThunderShirt on when a storm is brewing, then place your ThunderSweater over the top to help keep out the cold when you run out for a potty break. It fits incredibly well because you’re merely attaching it to the ThunderShirt. This is going to be a big seller this holiday season.
They have also introduced the ThunderCoat, which we haven’t tried, but we’re sure it’s going to be another great product line!
Duck Dynasty Coats from QPG
These are just as fun as the television show! It’s also a great option for the Southern and Western parts of the country where it doesn’t get quite as cold as up north. We love how easily these coats fit and how they cover the majority of the body, but still leave some “breathing room.” They are a great option for early morning/late evening events and the occasional pajama party.
If you are feeling adventurous, check out the Duck Dynasty Dog hat and Beards from Quaker Pet Group, as well! The entire line is available at your local Petco store.
Fido Fleece from Premier Pet
These are adorable coats from Premier Pet that come with lots of matching apparel. This is the “go to” clothing line for those who have the more stylish pets.
Constructed of 280 gram anti-pilling fleece, these coats are adorable and easy to clean. Best of all, they are available in 15 sizes for the perfect fit, so be sure to use the handy chart on their site to ensure you get the correct fitting. And don’t forget to order your fleece boots and matching collar and leash – you’ll want to make sure your pets are fully coordinated!