Best Dog Sweaters to Prevent Shivers and Whimpers

Ahh, autumn. The gorgeous display of changing leaves spread out over the horizon. Frost creeping over the ground, leaving a sparkling blanket on everything. And the chilly hint of the crisp temperatures looming in the future. It’s the perfect time to engage in outdoor activities – provided you dress appropriately for the nippy weather. We don’t think twice about grabbing our favorite jackets and hoodies. But what about our dogs? In chilly weather, some pups need the help of the best dog sweaters to stay toasty.

Prone to Pupsicle

Some dog breeds thrive in the cold. With double coats or origins in regions known for ice and snow, you’ll find dogs that bound into leaf piles without a second thought. Saint Bernards, Great Pyrenees, and any of the Huskies would bolt if you approached with a dog sweater. And within minutes, they’d be panting from excess heat. There’s no reason for that extra layer of warmth.

Other breeds, however, come running when you hold up their favorite fleece blanket. They don’t have the advantage of an insulating undercoat. Or they may have a thinner frame, allowing autumn and winter winds to cut straight through them. As temperatures drop, they turn into heat-seeking missiles. Some of these breeds include:

• Chihuahuas
• Dalmatians
• French Bulldogs
• Greyhounds
• Salukis

For these pups, the best dog sweaters turn into their best friends. 

Cold Dangers

No one likes getting chilled. However, the cold can prove dangerous to dogs that lack a thick hair coat’s natural protection. Worse, as our pups start to age, they lose their ability to regulate their internal temperature. So as the mercury in the thermometer drops, the risks of hypothermia creep up.

If you’re not sure whether or not your dog needs an extra layer of protection in the chill, keep an eye out for these warning signs:

• Shivering
• Rapid breathing (worse than their usual panting)
• Frequent urination
• Piloerection, or hair standing on end
• Ears and paws feeling cold to the touch

All of these symptoms reflect the body’s attempt to keep the vital organs warm. They’re also the first signs of hypothermia. If your dog’s internal temperature continues to drop, serious complications could occur.

But if you add a dog sweater? The extra warmth prevents the body from having to work so hard.

Choosing a Dog Sweater

Dog sweaters come in every form – from cute to functional. And, depending on how much hair your dog has, you can decide what you need. For most owners, they want a thick layer of warmth to keep their pup warm as temperatures dip into the cooler degrees. As you start searching for the best dog sweater, make sure you keep a few key things in mind:

• Material: Dog sweaters come in a range of fabrics. Wool’s the warmest fabric out there, but you have to hand wash it, and it’s often itchy. Cotton’s easy to wash, but it’s not warm. You’ll need to decide which is the most important.
• Accessibility: If you and your dog need to play Twister to get the sweater on and off, odds are you’ll never use it. Make sure it’s easy to get your kiddo dressed. And look for that critical leash attachment.
• Size: Every dog clothing company uses its own size chart. Many utilize a weight or breed guideline, but they’re not the most accurate. You’ll want to go through ALL of the measurements for your dog to find the proper size.
• Safety: Little pom poms or buttons make dog sweaters look adorable. If you have a pup prone to chewing, though, you should skip those accessories. The last thing you want to happen is a foreign body. You also want to make sure the sweater doesn’t obscure important “bathroom areas.”

Measuring for a Dog Sweater

Trying to determine sizes for dog clothing often gets tricky. No two companies work the same. Sizes can run small or large. And when it comes to the best dog sweaters, you want a fit that’s snug enough to keep your pup warm without getting so tight your dog can’t move. As with a dog harness, you should be able to slide two fingers between the neck and armholes.

To get a proper fit, you need to take careful measurements. And just like you would when cutting something for a project, you should measure twice before placing an order (especially on wiggly, excited puppies). You need to check ALL of the following measurements for an accurate dog sweater order:

• Around the neck
• The width of the chest
• Body length (chest to hind end)
• Around the waist
• From the top of the shoulder to the paw
• Around the thickest part of the arm

If you’re ever uncertain about the size, look at the company’s return policy. With luck, you can order two and return the incorrect size.

Caring for Dog Sweaters

As your dog runs around in their fabulous dog sweater, it’s going to get dirty. Autumn and winter aren’t the most pristine of seasons. As dirt, skin oils, and food collect on the material, you’ll need to face washing the sweater. If you don’t, you can cause skin irritation to your kiddo. (Not to mention the smell. Pew!)

Look at the instructions particular to your dog sweater. If you went with wool, you’re stuck with hand washing. Wool blends and other materials may allow for machine washing. If you DO use a machine, turn the sweater inside out. And ALWAYS use the delicate setting. You’ll keep the dog sweater lasting longer that way.

No matter how you wash a dog sweater, they always do better hung up to air-dry. It takes longer, but it’ll prevent unintended shrinking. (After you worked so hard to get a perfect size, you don’t want to scramble to get a new one)

And, unhappily, sweaters snag. If your dog loves running through brambles or rolling on the ground, the stitches may start unraveling. You can consider repairing the damage yourself if you have the knack, or you can opt for a sturdier winter dog coat.

The Best Dog Sweaters

Nippy temperatures don’t have to banish your dog to indoor games of fetch. With the best dog sweater, they’ll look fantastic and stay warm at the same time. It’s the perfect compromise for those breeds with thin hair coats and minimal body fat. Or maybe your older pup needs a little extra warmth in their golden years. Who knows – maybe you’ll even find one to match YOUR favorite sweater!