What Temperature Does a Dog Need a Coat? (°F and °C Guide)
By the PuppyUnion team · Updated
Most small, short-haired, senior or very young dogs start to need a sweater or coat around 45°F (7°C), and most dogs that aren't cold-weather breeds are more comfortable in an insulated coat below freezing, 32°F (0°C). Wind, wet snow and how long you're outside matter as much as the number on the thermometer. Thick double-coated breeds like Huskies usually don't need a warm coat at all.
This is a general rule of thumb, not a medical guideline. If your dog has a health condition, is very old or very young, or you're unsure, ask your vet.
Temperature guide (USA in °F, Canada in °C)
| Temperature | Small / short-haired / senior dogs | Medium dogs with an average coat | Thick double-coated breeds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Above 45°F (above 7°C) | Usually fine; a light sweater on long, windy walks | Fine | Fine |
| 32–45°F (0 to 7°C) | Sweater or light coat | Usually fine; a light layer if wet or windy | Fine |
| 20–32°F (−7 to 0°C) | Insulated coat; shorter walks | A coat is a good idea, especially in wind or wet snow | Usually fine |
| Below 20°F (below −7°C) | Insulated coat and short trips outside only | Insulated coat; keep walks short | Watch for discomfort on long outings |
Use the "feels like" temperature: US forecasts call it wind chill or "feels like", and Canadian forecasts report the wind chill separately. A 30°F day with strong wind can feel much colder to a small dog.
Who needs a coat sooner
- Toy and small breeds such as Chihuahuas, Yorkies and Pomeranians lose body heat quickly.
- Short, single-coated breeds such as Italian Greyhounds, Greyhounds and Whippets, Boston Terriers and Dalmatians.
- Low-slung dogs like Dachshunds and Corgis, whose bellies touch snow and slush.
- Puppies, seniors, very lean dogs and dogs with health conditions, which regulate temperature less well.
- Dogs clipped short for winter grooming.
Who usually doesn't
Huskies, Malamutes, Samoyeds, Bernese Mountain Dogs and similar breeds are built for the cold. A light waterproof raincoat can still keep their coat clean in sleet and slush, but an insulated coat can make them overheat.
Signs your dog is cold
- Shivering or trembling.
- Lifting paws, walking stiffly or refusing to keep walking.
- Hunched posture or tucked tail.
- Seeking shelter, whining or trying to turn back home.
If your dog shows these signs, head inside and warm up. Lethargy, weakness or pale gums after cold exposure need a vet straight away.
Sweater or coat?
A dog sweater adds warmth on dry, cool days and indoors in a cold house. Below freezing or in wet snow, choose an insulated dog winter coat with chest coverage and a water-resistant shell. Whatever you choose, it has to fit: see how should a dog coat fit and the size guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is 40 degrees too cold for a dog without a coat?
At 40°F (about 4°C) most medium and large dogs are fine on a normal walk. Small, short-haired, senior or very young dogs are often more comfortable in a sweater or light coat, especially if it's windy or wet.
Should my dog wear a coat inside the house?
Usually not. A light sweater can help a short-coated dog in a cool home, but take heavy coats off indoors so your dog doesn't overheat.
Do dogs need coats in Canada?
Many do in a Canadian winter. Below 0°C small and short-haired dogs are usually more comfortable in an insulated coat, and below −7°C (or with a strong wind chill) walks should be short for most dogs that aren't cold-weather breeds. Ask your vet if you're unsure.