Dog Gear for Cold Weather: Coats, Boots and Paw Balm

Not every dog needs cold-weather gear, but small, lean, short-coated, clipped, hairless and short-legged dogs usually do, as do puppies, seniors and dogs with health problems. A well-fitted coat, waterproof boots and a paw balm cover most needs. Gear helps, but it never replaces short walks and getting inside when your dog shows signs of cold.

This guide explains who benefits, what to look for and how to introduce each item without a fight.

Does your dog need cold-weather gear?

There is no single temperature that applies to every dog. Healthy adults that regularly spend time outdoors often manage fine without a coat. Large, thick-coated breeds such as Alaskan Malamutes, Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Saint Bernards and Siberian Huskies are generally protected by their fur.

A coat is more likely to help these dogs:

Small and toy breeds, which struggle to hold body heat
Lean, short-coated dogs, such as Greyhounds, Whippets, Vizslas and German Shorthaired Pointers
Short, low-slung dogs, such as Dachshunds, Basset Hounds and corgis, whose bellies touch snow and ice
Clipped or hairless dogs, including Poodles with a short trim
Puppies, seniors and dogs with conditions such as arthritis, diabetes or kidney disease, so ask your vet

If you are unsure, our guide to how cold is too cold for dogs shows the temperatures and signs to watch.

Coats and sweaters

Choose the style to match the weather. Lightweight jackets suit cool days, insulated jackets suit snow and extreme cold, and raincoats help in wet climates and keep mud off the coat. A snowsuit or bodysuit gives full-body cover, including the legs, which suits lean or hairless dogs with longer legs. A sweater is fine for a thin-coated dog in a mild chill, but sweaters are not enough in extreme conditions. For colder weather, pick an insulated, windproof, water-resistant coat.

Getting the fit right:

Measure your dog from the base of the neck to the base of the tail, and around the widest part of the chest, then follow the maker's size chart, because sizing differs between brands.
The coat should cover the back, chest and belly.
It should let your dog walk, run and play freely. Too tight restricts movement, and too loose can trip your dog or snag.
Choose a coat or sweater made specifically for dogs.

Useful features include a hole for the harness leash clip, reflective trim for dark walks and machine-washable fabric. Dry coats fully after snow and wash them regularly, because damp coats can harbor bacteria and a dirty one can irritate the skin.

Watch for overheating once your dog warms up. Panting or drooling means it is time to take the coat off.

Boots

Boots protect against cold, snowballs between the toes, sharp ice and the salt and chemicals used to melt it. Look for waterproof boots with traction. Not every dog will accept them, and that is fine: balm is a good alternative, and you can carry a small dog over salted sidewalks.

Introduce boots slowly. Put one boot near your dog, reward sniffing, then try one boot at a time indoors with treats. Build up to all four, then to short walks. If your dog seems stressed or frustrated, take them off and go back a step.

Paw balm and wax

A balm or wax made for dogs creates a barrier between the pads and salt or other deicing agents. Apply a thick layer before walks, and massage it into rough or cracked pads to moisturize them. It is a good choice for dogs who refuse boots.

After each walk, wipe the paws with a damp towel and look for ice balls between the toes. If your dog walked through a lot of salt, rinse the paws in lukewarm water and dry them well. Our guide to dog paw care covers the whole routine.

A quick shopping checklist

Before you buy, run through these points:

The right type for your weather. A thin sweater will not cope with sleet and a hard freeze.
Measured size. Check your dog's neck-to-tail length and chest, then compare with the brand's chart.
Belly coverage, especially for short-legged dogs who plow through snow.
Freedom to move, with room for the legs and no flapping fabric.
A leash opening that suits your harness, plus reflective trim for dark walks.
Washable fabric. You will be washing it often.
Boots with a waterproof, grippy sole, and a paw balm made for dogs.

Getting your dog used to gear

Dogs accept clothes more easily when it feels like a game.

Start somewhere quiet and calm.
Let your dog sniff the item first, and reward any interest.
Add one piece at a time, with praise and treats.
Practice indoors for longer periods before venturing outside.
Keep it fun with treats, tricks or toys while your dog wears it.

If your dog seems stressed, remove the item and return to an earlier step.

What gear cannot do

A coat does not make freezing weather safe. The AKC suggests that when the wind chill drops below 20°F (-7°C), outdoor play should come in sessions of 15 to 20 minutes, with time to warm up indoors in between. In extreme cold, keep walks short, do not leave your dog unsupervised outdoors, and head inside at the first signs of cold stress, such as shivering, whining, slowing down or lifting the paws. Only leave clothes on when you are watching, and remove them before you crate your dog or leave the house, since clothing can snag.

When to call your vet

Contact your vet if your dog:

Shivers hard and will not warm up, or seems sluggish or confused after being outside
Has pale, blue, blistered or swollen skin on the paws, ears or tail
Develops cracked, irritated or sore paws, or refuses to walk
Has rubbed or irritated skin under a coat or boots

Frequently asked questions

Do all dogs need a winter coat?

No. Large, thick-coated breeds are usually well protected by their fur, and healthy adult dogs that spend time outdoors often need no coat. Small, lean, short-coated, clipped and hairless dogs, plus puppies, seniors and dogs with health problems, are more likely to benefit.

How should a dog coat fit?

It should cover the back, chest and belly, and let your dog walk, run and play freely. It should not be tight, and it should not be loose enough to tangle or trip your dog. Measure from the base of the neck to the base of the tail and around the widest part of the chest, then follow the maker's size chart.

How do I get my dog to wear boots?

Go slowly. Let your dog sniff one boot, reward interest, then put on a single boot with a treat before building up to all four indoors. Stop and go back a step if your dog seems stressed. Walk outside only when the boots are accepted.

Can my dog wear a coat or sweater when I am not home?

It is safer not to. Clothing can snag and become a choking hazard, so only leave it on when you can watch your dog, and take it off before crating or leaving the house.

Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 30, 2026. Editorial policy