What Size Coat Should I get my Dog?

The evenings are starting to get darker and soon the temperature will start to fall, a sign that autumn and winter are fast approaching.

It is the perfect time to look into buying your dog a warm, water resistant coat, which will help to make winter walks a little more enjoyable. It will also help to regulate their body temperature on those particularly cold days. Like us humans, dogs come in all shapes and sizes, with one size certainly not fitting all. Here is a guide which will help you to measure your dog for the best fitting coat, just in time for the change in the season.

• Make sure that your dog is stood up when you measure them, if they are sat down then the measurements will not be accurate. You may need to ask someone to help you if your pooch likes to fidget!
• Take your tape measure from the nape of your dog’s neck (where their collar sits) and run it to the base of their tail (where the tail joins the body). There is no standard format of measurements for dog coats, so it is best to note the number down in both centimetres and inches.
• Once you have this measurement for your dog’s body, compare it against the sizing chart for the brand of coat you are looking to purchase. Most companies will have a sizing chart, as their sizes and fits may differ to other brands.
• If you are also asked for a chest measurement, simply run your tape measure around the circumference of your dog’s body, from just behind their front legs.

There are many different coats that you can choose from to fulfil your dog’s needs. Many are padded for extra warmth and most are adjustable to fit snugly around their legs. The Danish Design Sports Luxe Dog Coat for example, has a collar and fastening belts that are fully adjustable. There are reflective and Hi Vis coats too, like the Outhwaites Waterproof Padded Hi Vis Coat, which is perfect if you go for early morning or late night walks.

Your dog can also make a fashion statement with a brightly coloured, patterned coat such as the Cosipet Traditional Tartan Dog Coat, making them the envy of other dogs on your street!