FAQ: Clothing for dogs

A harness can go over a thin garment, but on a thick jacket it may press and slip, so it needs readjusting. It is easier to choose a jacket with a harness-ring opening or one with a built-in harness.

It is a jacket with a sturdy harness and lead ring sewn in, so no separate harness is needed. It is convenient, but check before each walk that the seams and ring are secure, as all the load goes through the garment.

Winter dog jackets are usually lined with fleece, synthetic down alternatives or, less often, natural down. Synthetic filling is easier to wash and keeps warmth better than down when wet.

A hood can protect the ears and head from rain or snow, but most dogs dislike it, and it can limit sight and hearing. If you choose a model with a hood, it is best if it is detachable.

A high or fold-down collar protects the neck from wind and stops rain running down the back. It is especially useful for long-necked dogs, but should not interfere with the collar or press on the throat.

A reversible jacket lets you choose between two colours or surfaces, such as a brighter side for dark hours. In practice it works like an ordinary jacket, so size, warmth and water resistance still matter most.

The jacket should end at or just before the base of the tail, covering the loins without restricting tail movement or toileting. Some models have a strap under the tail that stops the garment sliding forward.

Not necessarily, but for active walks in forests or fields a tougher, mud-resistant garment helps, while a lighter one with reflectors suits the city. For most dogs one versatile jacket and a raincoat are enough.

A good dog raincoat is lightweight, waterproof, covers the back and chest, has a collar or hood and reflectors. It should not rub under the legs and should dry quickly after a walk.

Water-resistant fabric copes with light rain or drizzle but eventually soaks through. A waterproof garment with a sealed layer or taped seams protects even in prolonged rain.

For autumn or spring rain, an unlined raincoat or one with a thin mesh lining that does not cause overheating is enough. For cold rain and sleet, small dogs suit a raincoat with a thin fleece lining.

A raincoat with legs protects better against mud and splashes, so you need to wash the dog less after walks. However, it is harder to put on and some dogs dislike having their legs covered. One without legs is easier for daily use.

The usual reasons are a raincoat that is too short or too wide, an uncovered belly, water running in at the neck opening, or fabric that is only water-resistant. Moisture can also build up inside if the fabric does not breathe at all.

Yes, a worn water-repellent finish can be restored with reproofing products made for textiles. Wash the garment first, follow the label instructions and let it dry fully before dressing the dog.

A transparent raincoat lets you see the dog's coat and harness, but it is often made of stiffer film that does not breathe and rustles. It is poorly visible in the dark unless it has reflectors.

Waterproof fabric usually blocks wind too, so a raincoat protects well against wind at the seaside or in open areas. In cold wind, a small dog can wear a sweater under a thin raincoat.

The most common are polyester and nylon for outer layers, fleece and plush for linings, softshell for all-round garments, wool and acrylic for sweaters and cotton for light T-shirts. Each has its own advantages.

Softshell is a stretchy, wind- and water-resistant fabric with a soft inner side that breathes. Such a jacket suits autumn and spring walks and active outings where both protection and freedom of movement are needed.

Fleece is warm and light but absorbs water, so on its own it is not suited to rain. It works very well as a lining, as a warm layer under a raincoat or in dry cold weather.

Wool is warm, handles moisture well and stays warm even when slightly damp, but it is harder to wash and can irritate sensitive skin. Synthetic sweaters are easier to care for and cheaper but breathe less well.