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A raincoat for your dog

Written by Anne | September 11, 2026

Rain, wind and a dog that still needs to go outside: as a dog owner, there is no escaping it. While we put on our raincoat or take an umbrella, your dog usually just walks through the rain. Fortunately, their coat can cope perfectly well with a shower. Even so, a raincoat for your dog can sometimes be very useful. Not only to protect them from rain and wind, but also to keep their coat much cleaner and drier. That means much less drying off after your walk! But when should you use a raincoat for your dog and which one should you choose? We will help you get started.

When should you use a raincoat for your dog?

Not every dog needs a coat as soon as it starts raining. A healthy dog’s coat naturally provides protection against different weather conditions. However, there are situations in which a raincoat can be beneficial. Dogs with a short or thin coat, for example, can be more sensitive to wet and cold weather. Puppies, older dogs and dogs whose coat offers less protection due to illness or skin problems can also benefit from extra protection.

A raincoat can also simply be very practical. Do you have a dog with a long or thick coat? Then you probably know how much water and mud can come into the house after a wet walk. With a raincoat, a larger part of the coat stays dry and clean. That means less drying and less mud in the house.

Make sure your dog does not get too warm. A raincoat does not always need to have a warm lining. Are you mainly looking for protection against water and dirt? Then a lightweight raincoat is often enough.

Raincoats for your dog

Which raincoat suits your dog?

From a simple coat for a short walk to a more extensive raincoat for long adventures: there are different types of dog raincoats. The best choice depends on your dog and what you enjoy doing together.

A lightweight raincoat for daily walks

Do you mainly want to prevent your dog from getting completely soaked during walks? Then a simple, lightweight raincoat is a good choice. The Ruffwear Sun Shower Rain Jacket, for example, is waterproof and very lightweight. The coat is easy to put on thanks to the buckles at the sides and features reflective details. Handy for a rainy walk in the dark.

A raincoat for wind and rain

Do you also head outside in heavy rain and strong winds? Then you can choose a raincoat that offers a little more protection. The Trixie Raincoat Vimy is windproof and has an extra-high collar. Thanks to the adjustable belly strap and leg loops, you can ensure a good fit. The reflective details help your dog stand out better when it is dark outside. The coat also has openings that allow you to attach the lead to a collar or harness underneath the coat.

A raincoat for long walks and adventures

For dogs that enjoy long walks, a more extensive raincoat can be a good option. Think of a coat that protects a larger part of the body while still offering plenty of freedom of movement. The Hurtta Monsoon Coat is designed for wet weather conditions and provides plenty of protection around the body and neck. The coat can be adjusted in several places and features reflective details. A great option for dogs that are not put off by a heavy rain shower.

Would you like to see more options? Take a look at all our raincoats for dogs.

Choosing the right raincoat size is important

A raincoat is only comfortable if it fits properly. A coat that is too small can feel tight and restrict your dog’s movement, while a coat that is too large can shift around during walks. The size you need depends on the individual coat. Back length, chest or belly circumference and neck circumference are often important measurements. Always check the size chart of the product you would like to order.

Not sure exactly where to measure? In our blog How to determine the right size for my pet? we explain how to measure your dog. This makes it much easier to choose the right size. As well as the size, also pay attention to freedom of movement. Your dog should still be able to walk, run, sniff and go to the toilet comfortably while wearing their raincoat.

Help your dog get used to a raincoat

Has your dog never worn a coat before? Then having something unfamiliar over their back may take some getting used to at first. Do not put the raincoat on for the first time just before you are about to go on a long walk. Let your dog calmly get used to the coat and reward them when they sniff it or stand still calmly. Then put the coat on for a short period and gradually increase the amount of time they wear it. A few tasty treats can of course help.

Pay attention to your dog’s behaviour while walking. Can they move freely and do they seem comfortable? Then the fit is probably fine. Do they remain completely stiff, try to remove the coat or move differently from usual? Check the fit first.

Raincoat, winter coat or perhaps a jumper?

A raincoat is just one type of dog coat. Which coat is suitable mainly depends on what you want to protect your dog from. A raincoat is primarily designed to keep out rain, wind and dirt. A winter coat also provides extra warmth and can be beneficial for dogs that get cold quickly. A fleece coat or dog jumper is mainly intended to provide warmth and is usually less suitable for wearing on its own during heavy rain. There are also dog coats with an integrated harness and even dog bathrobes that allow you to dry a wet dog more quickly after a walk or a swim.

But does every dog actually need a coat? No. This depends on factors such as the individual dog, coat type, age, health and weather conditions. In our blog Does your dog need a coat? you can read when extra protection may be useful and which types of dog coats are available.

More dog coats

What makes a good dog coat?

When temperatures drop, our four-legged friends deserve extra protection against the cold. A good dog coat not only provides protection against cold and precipitation but must also be comfortable and functional. Not every dog has the same needs, so it’s important to choose the right coat that suits your dog’s breed, size, and lifestyle. In this blog, you’ll read the key points to consider when choosing the perfect dog coat.

A dog coat for your furry friend

We regularly receive the question whether a dog should wear a dog winter coat when it gets colder outside. Of course, there are several reasons why your dog should wear a coat. One reason is the use of a dog coat as a fashion accessory. A perhaps more important reason is the functionality a dog coat can provide. Always make sure to buy a dog coat that has high quality fabrics, such as those from Hurtta and Ruffwear. A dog coat can be used as protection against rain, wind and cold weather. Is a dog coat really necessary for weather conditions?

How to determine the right size for my pet?

To measure is to know. It is important measure your pet properly to ensure that you are buying the right size jacket, shirt or other wearable items. We are here to give you tips on how best to measure your pet. Use a measuring tape to make sure that your measurements are exact. To get optimal measurements, make sure your pet is stood upright on an even floor.

More tips