Cet article n'est pas encore traduit en français : il est affiché en anglais.
Does my dog need a winter coat? It depends on the dog: the Ontario SPCA says puppies and short-coated breeds may benefit from a sweater or coat, and notes that small, thin dogs, seniors, and dogs with health problems like diabetes, arthritis or kidney disease feel the cold more. Thick-coated breeds like Huskies, Samoyeds and St. Bernards usually handle cold better, but even they need limits in extreme weather.
If you've ever watched a greyhound shiver at a Toronto bus stop in January, you already half know the answer.
A coat is only one part of staying safe in winter, though. This guide helps you decide whether your dog needs one, read the signs your dog is too cold, recognise frostbite and hypothermia, and protect paws from sidewalk salt. If you see signs of frostbite or hypothermia, get your dog warm and call a vet right away.
Does my dog need a winter coat? Which dogs benefit most
Small, short-coated, young, old, thin or unwell dogs benefit most. Here's how the Ontario SPCA's guidance sorts it out:
| Dog | Cold risk | Coat? |
|---|---|---|
| Short, thin coats, such as Dachshunds, French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers | Higher | Often helpful |
| Small dogs with thin builds | Higher than larger, heftier dogs | Often helpful |
| Puppies and senior dogs | Higher risk of hypothermia and frostbite | Often helpful |
| Dogs with diabetes, arthritis or kidney problems | More vulnerable, even in cold-adapted breeds | Ask your vet |
| Underweight dogs | Very vulnerable | Often helpful |
| Thick coats, such as Huskies, Samoyeds, St. Bernards | Lower | Usually not needed, but limit time in extreme cold |
Puppies, short-coated breeds and small, thin dogs often benefit from a winter coat. Even with one, the Ontario SPCA advises keeping time outside short when it's extremely cold.
Still not sure? Watch your dog on a cold walk. A dog who shivers, lifts their paws or tries to turn for home within a few minutes is telling you they need more protection, a shorter walk, or both.
Signs your dog is too cold
Shivering is the obvious one, but the Ontario SPCA lists several more: a hunched posture with a tucked tail, whining or barking, seeming anxious or uncomfortable, not wanting to keep walking or trying to turn around, looking for shelter, and lifting or licking paws or walking slowly.
Don't wait for those signs before calling it a day, the Ontario SPCA says. On really cold days, cut walks short and make up the exercise with indoor games, and take plenty of warm-up breaks inside during outdoor play.
Frostbite and hypothermia: when to call the vet
Call the vet as soon as you suspect either one. Here's what to look for:
| Condition | Signs |
|---|---|
| Frostbite (can take several days to show) | Usually on ears, legs, paws or tail; pale, cold skin that may be painful to touch; redness, swelling or blisters; skin that turns black |
| Hypothermia (mild to severe) | Prolonged shivering, weakness, muscle stiffness, difficulty walking, pale gums, confusion, slow shallow breathing, loss of consciousness |
If you think your dog has frostbite or hypothermia, wrap them in a blanket or coat, get somewhere warm, and get veterinary help immediately.
Choosing and fitting a winter coat
Start with a tape measure. Measure your dog's back from the base of the neck to the base of the tail, then the chest and neck. You want a coat that covers the back, chest and belly without rubbing under the legs.
Water-resistant fabric earns its keep in wet snow and slush, and something reflective helps on those 5 p.m. walks when it's already dark. Make sure your dog can walk, sit and do their business normally in it. Take it off indoors so they don't overheat, and dry it between walks.
The Ontario SPCA adds two grooming tips. Don't shave your dog in winter, because a longer coat gives more warmth (matted fur is the exception, since mats leave a dog more exposed). And make sure your dog is completely dry before going out after a bath.
Paws, salt and winter walks
Salt is hard on paws. Road salt and ice melters can irritate and burn them, and make dogs sick if they lick it off, the Ontario SPCA warns. Wipe your dog's paws and underside with a damp towel after every walk on salted sidewalks, and think about booties, which also protect against antifreeze and other chemicals.
Keep your dog leashed, especially in a snowstorm, since dogs can lose the scent trail in fresh snow and get lost. Wear reflective gear and carry a flashlight after dark, check the forecast, and plan your route. Never leave your dog alone in a car, winter or summer. At home, give them a warm bed away from drafts and off the floor.
If your dog licks something you think is toxic, like antifreeze, call your vet or a pet poison line right away. On the coldest days, the Ontario SPCA suggests making up exercise indoors. Short training sessions, a food puzzle or hide and seek with treats all count, and a dog with enough to do inside minds shorter walks a lot less.
Our pet emergency kit checklist covers what to keep ready, and the free PetGrid app's map shows the nearest vet clinics if you need one fast.
Questions fréquentes
Does my dog need a coat in winter?
Many dogs benefit. The Ontario SPCA says puppies and short-coated breeds may benefit from a sweater or coat, and small, thin, senior or unwell dogs are more sensitive to cold.
How cold is too cold for a dog?
It depends on the dog. The Ontario SPCA says animals shouldn't be outside for long when it's below freezing, and to cut walks short when it's especially cold and make up exercise indoors.
How can I tell if my dog is too cold?
Watch for shivering, a hunched posture with a tucked tail, whining, lifting or licking paws, slowing down or trying to turn back. Head inside when you see them, or sooner on very cold days.
Do dogs need boots for salt?
Boots help. The Ontario SPCA says salt and ice melters can burn paws and cause illness if licked, and suggests booties or wiping paws with a damp towel after every walk.
Do huskies need winter coats?
Usually not. Thick-coated breeds like Huskies, Samoyeds and St. Bernards handle cold better, but seniors, puppies and dogs with health problems in any breed can still need protection.
En bref
So, does my dog need a winter coat? If your dog is small, short-coated, young, old, thin or unwell, a coat will probably help; thick-coated breeds usually manage fine without. Either way, watch for signs of cold, keep walks short in extreme weather, protect paws from salt, and act fast on frostbite or hypothermia.
The free PetGrid app keeps your dog's records and your vet's details ready, and its reminders help with the winter routine.
Gardez les dossiers, les vaccins et les visites de votre animal dans un seul endroit sûr. L'application PetGrid est gratuite pour les propriétaires d'animaux, avec ou sans clinique.
Get the free PetGrid appSources
Chaque fait sur un autre produit ou un autre organisme vient de ces pages, consultées à la date indiquée.