Does My Dog Need a Coat?
Winter guide
Does my dog need a coat?
For some dogs the answer is no. For many, a well-fitted winter coat makes every walk warmer, drier and more comfortable. Here's how to tell.
The Staey cold chart
When does your dog need a coat?
Find the temperature and your dog's size, and read the score. The higher the number, the more your dog needs warmth – and the shorter the walk should be.
| °C | SMALL DOGunder 10 kg | MEDIUM DOG10–25 kg | LARGE DOGover 25 kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16° | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 13° | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 10° | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| 7° | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| 4° | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| 2° | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| -1° | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| -4° | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| -7° | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| -10° | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| -13° | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| -15° | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| -18° | 5 | 5 | 5 |
- 1No riskJust go out – the fur handles it
- 2Risk unlikelyLight coat for small and short-haired dogs
- 3Potentially unsafeTime for a coat on walks
- 4DangerousLined winter coat and shorter walks
- 5Life-threateningOnly short toilet breaks and the warmest coat
Adjust the score
- +2Rain, sleet or wet fur
- +1Toy and miniature breeds
- +1Puppy under 6 months or senior
- −1Nordic breed or thick, dense coat
- −1Dog is used to the cold
Source: The Tufts Animal Condition and Care (TACC)
Why it matters
8 reasons to keep your dog warm this winter
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01
Not every dog is built for the cold
A Husky has a thick double coat made for winter. A Whippet, a Chihuahua or a French Bulldog does not. Short, thin or single-layered fur – and a lean body – lose heat quickly.
-
02
Small dogs get cold faster
More body surface compared to their weight means faster heat loss – and they're closer to cold, wet ground and snow.
-
03
Puppies and seniors need extra warmth
Puppies can't yet fully regulate their temperature, and older dogs find it harder to stay warm with stiff joints or less muscle.
-
04
Wet fur loses its insulation
Rain, sleet and slush soak the fur and take away its ability to keep the body warm. Add wind, and it feels far colder than the thermometer says.
-
05
Protection against salt and grit
Winter pavements are covered in salt, grit and dirt that splash onto the belly and chest. A coat keeps most of it off fur and skin.
-
06
Clipped and groomed coats
Poodles, Doodles, Bichons and other regularly trimmed dogs lose part of their natural protection. A coat replaces the layer that was cut away.
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07
Longer, happier walks
A cold dog wants to turn around. A warm dog explores, sniffs and enjoys the walk – keeping exercise on track all winter.
-
08
Easier to spot in the dark
Many winter walks happen before sunrise or after sunset. Reflective details, like on Nora Reflective, make your dog easier to see.
Designed in Denmark – for real Nordic winters.
Read your dog
Signs your dog is cold
Recognise one or more of these on your walks? Then your dog will most likely benefit from a coat.
- 01Shivering or trembling
- 02Hunched posture, tail tucked in
- 03Lifting paws or walking slowly
- 04Wanting to go home early
The winter coats
Nora or Vera?
Choose Nora for maximum warmth, larger dogs or your own harness. Choose Vera for coat and harness in one.
Our warmest winter coat
Nora Dog Coat
Soft down and fleece on the inside, water-repellent on the outside. Wide velcro means Nora goes on in seconds – no paws through holes.
- LiningDown and fleece
- Outer layerWater-repellent
- HarnessYour own, via top zipper
- FitMany sizes, also larger dogs
Coat and harness in one
Vera Dog Coat w. Harness
A lined winter coat with a harness sewn securely underneath, so it never slides. Zip it on along the back and you're out the door.
- LiningLined for warmth
- Outer layerWater-repellent
- HarnessIntegrated, quick-release
- FitSmall and medium dogs
Good to know
FAQ
At what temperature does my dog need a coat?
It depends on the dog. Use the cold chart as a guide: small, short-haired, lean, young or older dogs may need a coat from around 7–10°C, especially when it's wet and windy. Dogs with thick double coats usually manage longer. Always watch your dog, not just the thermometer.
Can my dog wear a coat all day?
A coat is meant for time outdoors. Take it off when you get home so your dog doesn't overheat, and let a wet coat dry before the next walk.
How do I find the right size?
Measure the back length from the base of the neck to the base of the tail, and the chest at its widest point. Then compare with the size guide on the product page.
Can my dog wear a harness with the coat?
Yes. Nora has a top zipper for your harness and leash, while Vera has an integrated harness – so you don't need extra gear.
