While it takes a special kind of person to actually enjoy being out in those cold fall showers, dog owners don’t get much of a choice either way. Rain or not, the dog needs to be walked. Unfortunately, that particular wet dog smell isn’t exactly the highlight of dog ownership. It’s an unpleasant side effect, to be sure. The best solution for rainy dog walks is a dog raincoat. These are form-fitting, purpose-built coats that keep the water off of pupper’s fur. For dogs like my own that hate getting wet, once they’ve adjusted to the raincoat and realize that it keeps them dry, it makes the whole transaction much easier. If it’s going to rain for months on end, a dog raincoat is a relatively cheap investment for keeping everyone happy.
If you’re sick of wet dog smell but you still want to get walks in during the rainy season, pick out the best dog raincoat for your pup from our list.
This option from Canada Pooch combines a few elements seen in other models on this list in a handsome, solid performer. This is primarily a polyester raincoat with simple adjustment possibilities to fit even wide-chested dogs.
The single stomach strap and option to zip up or pull over makes it easy to put on, while the front panel stretches to accommodate slightly different shapes. There’s a touch of reflective piping for visibility and a simple zip-closure leach attachment opening.
The key advantage of this raincoat is the availability of a wider range of tailored sizes. There are 21 sizes to choose from for this form-fitting dog raincoat, which can be further tailored with the adjustments at the waist, neck, and collar. A lot of dog raincoats say they’re full coverage, but this one certainly is.
The material itself is laminated with a waterproof membrane, which includes reflective designs. If you’ve tried other jackets and the fit wasn’t quite right, this might be the option for you.
They also make the slightly less full-coverage Rain Blocker, which really just removes the covering for the back legs, or the Drizzle Coat, which omits coverage for all legs.
Founded based on the love for a certain long-haired dachshund named Django (check him out on Instagram), the DJANGO brand makes outerwear for dogs that are as adventurous as they are small. The City Slicker dog raincoat is made of 100 percent high-grade nylon and is fully waterproof. The inside is lined with sport mesh cotton, which is both soft and durable, while the edges are trimmed in reflective material.
In addition to adjustable neck and check closures, there are elastic leg bands and a no-leak leash portal for attaching your favorite leash (ideas for that what might be over here). To finish it off, the rain jacket is machine washable. These are aimed at smaller breeds, running from X-Small for toy breeds and yorkies, to Small for min pins and shih tzus, and finally Medium for bulldogs, pugs, and beagles.
Ruffwear makes tough and practical dog apparel including this Sun Shower model, an evolution of the company’s previous Aria rain jacket, which itself was developed by the company based on feedback from their customers in the rainy U.K.
Available in six sizes and six colors, this will provide good coverage to just about any dog, especially when using the fold up storm collar. It has a side buckle closure for easy on/off, as well as reflective trim and a spot to put the company’s The Beacon for added visibility.
This jacket is on the thin side, meant only for waterproofing, but can be worn over insulating layers. Or you could opt for the Cloud Chaser model, which is both waterproof and insulated.
If you want a classic look that is also very durable, this Carhartt for dogs option fits the bill nicely. These are considerably more rugged than many other options while still providing decent coverage from water. This material doesn’t repel quite in the same way as polyester shells, but it will still keep your dog fairly dry.
A belly loop and a chest loop both close with Velcro, making it easy to adjust the sizing and put on and take off. I have one of these for my dogs and it’s my preferred choice for weather, though I tend to use it more in the colder months.
This is available in Army Green, Carhartt Brown, Black, and Hunter Orange in the following sizes:
Some reports of seams ripping (Kurgo offers a lifetime warranty)
Could be too short on some dogs
Another option aimed at keeping your dog warm, this Kurgo dog raincoat is made from 1,200 denier, machine washable material for enhanced durability. The opening for leash access is zippered, which means that having it open is optional for those off-leash trail runs. In addition to the standard reflective piping, they’ve fitted an LED light strip for even greater visibility and increased safety.
You get a full complement of five sizes to tailor to your dog, each available in red, black, or blue. Kurgo offers a hassle-free lifetime warranty in case anything should go wrong with it.
Two-layer raincoat and winter jacket that can be separated
Easy on and off
Highly visible
Cons:
Water resistant layer is under the warm layer
Loops holding on outer layer can break
Zippers somewhat unreliable
If you’re looking for something that can be used in all seasons, you might consider this Telluride option from Outward Hound. The top layer is a warm Thinsulate material to keep your pup toasty. The bottom layer is a typical waterproof layer to keep water off.
There are five sizes, though only the one green color. This is a novel approach that could work for you if seasonality is important.
Full zipper design could be tricker to close than other styles
Largest sizes may only fit medium sized dogs
Most of the size range of this Ellie Dog Wear option are aimed at smaller breeds, with five to choose from to tailor the fit. The styling closely resembles that of a human raincoat, including drawstrings for both the hood and the waist to ensure water stays off your dog.
While there are no reflective elements in the material, the buttons are nicely reflective and three of the five colors in the range are high visibility options including this featured pink color, yellow and red. If visibility isn’t as much of a concern, you could also opt for the navy or gray colors instead.
Pockets on the back mean your dog can carry a couple of small items like extra waste bags. The double lining helps with water resistance and provides a bit of warmth, as well. The sizing is as follows:
XXS – 10 inch neck, 15 inch chest, 8 inch back
XS – 11 inch neck, 18 inch chest, 10 inch back
S – 12 inch neck, 20.5 inch chest, 12 inch back
M – 13 inch neck, 24.5 inch chest, 16 inch back
L – 15 inch neck, 30.5 inch chest, 20 inch back
XL – 17.5 inch neck, 35 inch chest, 22.5 inch back
XXL – 19.6 inch neck, 43.5 inch chest, 26 inch back
The appeal of this ultra-cheap option is two-fold. First, it comes in adorable patterns to liven up the gray days. In addition to this rubber duckie version and assorted prints, there are lively solid colors, too.
The more practical benefit is that these taffeta-shelled jackets fold up into convenient carrying pouches so you can throw them in a bag or in the car so you’re covered in the event of a surprise rainstorm. The coverage and performance isn’t the same as the higher-priced models, but they’re cute and convenient and should get the job done for most rainy conditions.
This jacket is a little more akin to those standard vinyl human raincoats we’re all familiar with. The extra bright color is great for visibility, and you can also get a yellow version. The leg straps are elastic ensuring that it will resize to most dogs and stay put during the walk. There’s also a hood for better head protection, which is great for long-haired dogs.
With the thick fleece lining, this raincoat is aimed at keeping your dog warm during the cold months. Again, reflective piping is present on the back for enhanced visibility, while the shell itself is fully waterproof. The elastic cord mechanism means that it will adjust to many dog shapes, aided by the availability of five different sizes from extra small to extra large. (The manufacturer suggests going up a size if you find that your dog falls on the cusp according to their sizing chart.)
Even with the fleece lining, this is relatively light compared to jackets of a similar style. Rather than a hood that your dog might hate, this jacket features a high collar and generally better coverage than some of the other options. Depending on the size you choose, there are five colors to choose from: black, blue, yellow, red, or orange.
This is another fashionable option in the adventure dog arena. The hood is adjustable, which is handy for dogs like mine who have enormous domes. This one also folds up into the front pocket as a convenient carrying case, which makes travel and storage easy. Sizes range from extra small to extra-extra large. The wide variety of colors include blue, green, hot pink, navy, orange, pink, red, and yellow. Plenty of options to suit your rain-going pup.
Snaps may not keep this closed as well as other options
Limited size availability
Similar to the Outward Hound model, this dog raincoat features a two-in-one design. The difference is that the waterproof shell is the outermost layer and can be used by itself, independent of the fleece inner layer. It uses a relatively unique snap closure and there’s a hood hidden inside of the collar, if needed.
There are two sizes and depending on which you choose, the color options are purple, blue, or green. There are two small pockets for storing pickup bags and other items. It’s a pretty substantial coat for the money and it looks good, too.
Sizing appears to be somewhat tricky - review measurements carefully
Not much sizing adjustment available
If you want something cheap and cheerful, this nylon option should do the trick. This is a straight-forward design using Velcro closures on the belly and neck, so it’s easy to pop on and take off.
Reflective piping helps with visibility and an easy-access flap allows for leash attachment. While there are only two colorways – black with neon green and blue and gray – there are a decent number of size options when they’re all in stock:
Small – Length: 13 inch, Chest: 15-19 inch, Neck: 10-12 inch
Medium – Length: 15 inch, Chest: 18-22 inch, Neck: 12-15 inch
Large – Length: 19 inch, Chest: 23-27 inch, Neck: 16-18.5 inch
Strictly speaking, dogs do not requireraincoats. For the most part, dogs are designed to get wet and to contend with a wide range of temperatures without the need for additional layers.
That said, as long as you're being mindful of your dog's condition and specific behaviors, donning a dog raincoat offers a few obvious benefits.
First, of course, is style. If you're inclined to dress your dog up - particularly toy breeds - dog raincoats provide a functional means with which to highlight their look. Dog clothing in general tends not to provide any benefit, but raincoast at least keep them dry.
Speaking of, preventing your home or vehicle from smelling like wet dog is another advantage. Just because dog fur is capable of efficiently moving water off of your dog and drying them doesn't mean you want that water to be sprayed all over your stuff. It may not be strictly necessary for the dog, but like dog hammocks for cars, they make life nicer for you.
Finally, those with designer or toy breed dogs can benefit from dog rain jackets, as well. When evolution has been re-routed for looks, the natural benefits of a dog's coat might be undermined and increase the likelihood that your dog will get a benefit from apparel.
How Do I Get My Dog to Wear a Raincoat?
Like anyting else with dogs, getting them comfortable in a raincoat will take a little patience and training. Positive reinforcement with training treats will go a long way.
Begin by having them wear the coat for short periods in the house and rewarding them with treats. Then you can move on to training in your yard, but not straying too far from home. Eventually work up to short walks and then long walks.
Not only will this help your dog associate wearing the raincoat with positive results, they'll be able to slowly acclimate their temperature regulation and movement when wearing one.
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