Dog coats are available for the very smallest dog, size XXS, to the largest dog, size XXL-Longest. They come in a variety of styles and are designed for all types of weather. When considering a coat for your dog, don't limit yourself to thinking only about winter. There are coats on the market for all seasons, and each helps to keep your dog dry, safe and comfortable.
When thinking about dog coats, the first thought is typically of winter. This is entirely appropriate since severe cold and wind, ice, snow and slush can all be very uncomfortable and potentially threatening to your dog's health. Winter coats add an extra layer of protection and help keep your dog warm. Look for a coat that will provide warmth and is water resistant as well. This will help shield your dog not only from snow, but also from sleet and freezing rain.
Coats are also useful in Spring and Fall, helping to acclimatize your friend to the changing seasons. Lighter weight than winter garments, these coats provide some warmth and also help to protect the dog from other problems. By covering most of your dog's torso, bites from mosquitoes, spiders, fleas and ticks are minimized. If you treat the coat with flea and ticket spray or powder, those nuisances won't even come near. If your dog plays in wooded areas, a coat will keep burrs and brambles out of his hair, and will protect him from cuts and scratches.
Summer is not typically thought of as a time of year for coats, but your dog can benefit from one, nevertheless. A light-colored coat in a light fabric like cotton can deflect the sun, keeping your dog cooler and protected from sunburn. You might find that these coats come in handy year round for other purposes. They can be used to keep your dog warm after a bath, and also as cover-up to discourage your dog from licking or biting hot spots or areas treated with medication.
Whatever the time of year, a raincoat is a useful accessory for your pet. Not only will they keep him nice and dry, making him far more comfortable, but you'll be more comfortable as well - unless of course, you don't mind the dreaded wet dog smell. Some models come with hoods as well, upping the cuteness factor considerably.
Dog coats for winter and other times are perfect from great designer brands like Foggy Mountain Dog Coats and Weatherbeeta. Fleece dog coats and large dog coats help keep your doggy warm and waterproof in the rain and are great for small dogs like boxers.
With any type of coat, measure your dog carefully to ensure proper fit and coverage. In general, length is measured from the base of the neck to the base of the tail, and girth is measured at the deepest part of the chest. Once you have chosen the coat you want, check the manufacturer's size chart to determine the appropriate size for your dog. If your dog's measurements fall between two sizes, choose the larger of the two sizes for comfort. Slightly loose is better than slightly tight. Look for designs which allow for good coverage and protection, but leave the underside open so the dog does not soil the garment. If you use a harness on your dog, some coat models even offer a built-in harness, which can be particularly convenient.