Warm protection in cold temperatures
Keep your dog warm (in winter)
When it gets cold, wet and windy outside, many dog owners are faced with the question: How can I keep my dog warm in winter and protect him from the cold?
While some dogs run through the snow seemingly unimpressed, others react sensitively to cold, wet and draughts. With the right clothing - such as a warm dog coat from Hurtta, Paikka or Finnero- many health problems can be avoided.
Which dogs need extra protection in winter?
Not every dog is equally well protected against the cold. Whether a dog needs additional clothing in winter depends on several factors. Particularly in need of protection are
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Short-haired dogs without an undercoat
z. E.g. Doberman, Whippet, Vizsla, Boxer -
Small dogs, as they cool down more quickly
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Large dogs with little fat or coat insulation
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Seniors, whose muscles and blood circulation deteriorate
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Puppies, as their thermoregulation is not yet fully developed
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Sick dogs or dogs after operations
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Dogs that are less active in winter
For these dogs, a warm dog coat in winter is not a fashion accessory, but an important contribution to their health.
Our recommendation on cold days:
Hurtta Extreme Warmer- ideal for very low temperatures
Paikka Winter Jacket- warms reliably and increases visibility
Finnero winter coats- functional and comfortable for everyday walks
Temperature guidelines: When is which clothing suitable?
The following overview will help you choose the right winter equipment:
Temperature recommendations
Above +10 °C: Generally no clothing necessary
+5 to +10 °C: Raincoat or light transition coat
0 to +5 °C: Lined dog coat
Below 0 °C: Winter jacket with heavy insulation
Below -10 °C: Winter coat + booties, keep walks shorter
- Finnero winter bootiesagainst ice, snow & road salt
Important: Wind, wet conditions and darkness significantly increase the cold effect.
What are the risks if the dog freezes?
If dogs are permanently cold in winter, this can have serious health consequences:
- Hypothermia, especially in wet conditions
- Muscle tension and restricted movement
- Joint problems and worsening of osteoarthritis
- Bladder infections, especially with female dogs
- Weakened immune system
- Longer recovery times after walks
A well-fitting, warm dog coat protects precisely these sensitive areas of the body - back, chest, stomach and muscles.
What is important for winter clothing?
Not every dog coat really keeps you warm. High-quality winter clothing is characterised by the following properties:
Thermal insulation
- Multi-layer padding or thermal lining
- Stores body heat without heat build-up
Wind & water protection
- Waterproof outer materials
- Sealed seams (e.g. on Hurtta coats)
Breathability
- Prevents overheating during movement
Visibility
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Reflective elements for dark winter days
Particularly strong withPaikka Visibility products and all Hurtta products
Hurtta,PaikkaandFinnero focus on outdoor materials that remain flexible even in sub-zero temperatures.
Warm dog clothing for the winter
- Waterproof outer fabric with heat-sealed seams reliably keeps out the rain and wind
- Lightweight insulation provides cosy warmth without overheating
- Adjustable fit at the neck, waist, back length and legs
- Reflective details enhance visibility in snow and at dusk
- Smooth-lined leg sections make it easy to put on and offer a high level of comfort
- PFC-free with a Teflon finish – dirt-repellent, functional and easy to care for
- Fluorescent material - glows in the dark for greater safety at night
- Reversible - two trendy colour sides for variety and an individual look
- Ultralight and compact - easy to fold and stow anywhere
- Perfect fit - stretchy collar and flexible leg openings for high wearing comfort
- Warming and breathable - protects the chest and neck in cool weather
- Water-repellent and windproof - ideal for spring, autumn and mild winter days
- Heat-reflective inner lining – retains body heat and promotes blood circulation
- Sustainably produced – made from 80–100 per cent recycled materials
- Highly comfortable to wear – no zips or buckles, easy to put on
- Optimal freedom of movement – generous leg openings for active dogs
- Adjustable fit – can be individually adjusted at the neck, waist, collar and back
- Reflective stitching – ensures better visibility and safety in the dark
- Warm, water-repellent & windproof – ideal for cold days
- Maximum freedom of movement thanks to a redesigned front section
- Perfect fit: adjustable at the neck, collar and back
- Improved, weatherproof lead opening and reflective elements
- ECO model made from sustainable materials and available in new sizes (23 & 28)
- Loop for hanging and quick drying
- Warm winter coat – specially designed for dogs without an undercoat, older dogs and active dogs
- Hard-wearing – robust material withstands even the roughest play
- Maximum freedom of movement – elasticated, waterproof and windproof panels in the shoulder area
- Customisable – adjustable collar, back length and belly flap for a perfect fit
- Reflective 3M elements – for greater safety in low-light conditions
- Sizes 20–25 with a lead ring; sizes 30–80 with a closable harness opening at the back
- Full-surface reflective material – ensures maximum visibility in the dark
- 100% waterproof – with taped seams for reliable protection in the rain
- Warm wool blend – keeps you warm even when wet, wicks away moisture and has antibacterial properties
- Adjustable fit – can be individually adjusted at the neck, waist and back
- Practical details – with a leash opening at the back and space for rods carried high
- Durable and easy to care for – machine washable at 30 °C on a gentle cycle
- wendbare Hundeweste
- wärmend & wasserabweisend
- ultraleicht & zweifärbig
- gute Passform & gut sichtbar
- hoher Tragekomfort
- praktische Handhabung
- in vielen, fröhlichen Farbkombinationen
- Reversible - two stylish colour sides for variety and individual looks
- Ultralight and compact - can be stowed away in a rucksack or jacket pocket to save space
- Optimum fit - stretchy collar and flexible leg openings for maximum comfort
- Warming and breathable - protects the chest and neck, insulates and wicks away moisture
- Wind and water repellent - ideal for spring, autumn and mild winter days
- Sporty cut - perfect for active dogs that want to move freely
- Reversible design – choose between a cosy fleece lining or a stylish quilted side
- Warm and breathable – protects against the cold without causing overheating when active
- Particularly comfortable – prevents tangling in long-haired dogs
- Adjustable fit – adjustable at the neck and chest for an optimal fit
- Practical details – with elasticated leg loops and a lead opening at the back
- Easy to use – quick to put on and machine washable at 30 °C
- Highly insulating – reflective film coating effectively retains body heat
- All-round protection – keeps your back, chest and legs warm in extreme temperatures
- Breathable and windproof – ideal for sport, training and long periods outdoors
- Quiet – doesn’t rustle and is perfect for sensitive dogs
- Ergonomic cut – guarantees full freedom of movement whilst running and playing
- Safety in the dark – featuring high-quality 3M reflectors for optimum visibility
What should I look out for when buying?
A dog coat can only keep your dog warm if it fits properly. Therefore, make sure that the coat:
- Covers the back, chest and stomach well
- Does not slip or cut in
- Allows freedom of movement for shoulders & hind legs
- Is adjustable at the neck, chest and back
How do I measure my dog correctly?
- Back length (neck to base of tail)
- Chest circumference (widest point)
- Neck circumference
The right clothing for special needs
Depending on the dog breed, size and activity level, it can be difficult to find the right dog coat or jacket. We therefore have a few helpful tips for you and your four-legged friend.
Dog coats from the Hurtta brandare optimised for different body shapes - even for large dogs.
Paikka dog coatsoffer a particularly ergonomic fit for active dogs
Dog clothing from Finnerois ideal for everyday wear and offers excellent value for money.
Whether large dogs, small frostbites or seniors: The right protection is crucial in winter. With functional dog coats, mackintoshes and booties from Hurtta, Paikka and Finnero, you can ensure that your dog is healthy, active and safe even in the cold.
