Do Dogs Need Sweaters? 5 Signs Your Dog Needs One

When the first cold morning arrives, many owners look at their dog and wonder whether that thin coat is enough. Small, short-coated, very young and older dogs are the ones that lose heat faster, so a sweater can help them on chilly walks.

The real answer depends on your dog’s size, coat, age and what you plan to do outside. This guide walks through which dogs benefit from a sweater, the signs to watch for, how cold is too cold, and what to look for when you shop.

Do All Dogs Need a Sweater?

No. The AKC says that large breeds of dogs who are healthy and have a thick coat of fur generally don’t need to wear sweaters and could even overheat in them. A Siberian Husky or a Bernese Mountain Dog already carries its own insulation.

Other dogs lose heat faster. According to the AKC, the dogs that most frequently struggle in colder temperatures are small dogs, especially toy breeds, and dogs without thick fur. Lean, short-coated breeds such as Whippets and Greyhounds have little fur or body fat to hold in warmth, and hairless breeds like the Chinese Crested can become cold quickly.

Coat care matters too. The ASPCA tells owners to never shave their dog down to the skin in winter, because a longer coat will provide more warmth. It also says "If your dog is short-haired, consider getting them a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly."

Signs Your Dog Needs a Sweater

Watch your dog, not just the thermometer. These are the signs worth acting on.

Your Dog Shivers or Hunches Up

Shivering, a tucked tail and a hunched back are a clear sign that your dog is cold.

Your Dog Has a Short or Thin Coat

Chihuahuas, Italian Greyhounds, Miniature Pinschers and other short-coated breeds have little natural insulation. If you can easily see your dog’s skin when you part the fur, a sweater will help on cold walks.

Your Dog Is Very Young or Older

The AKC lists young puppies and senior dogs among the dogs who benefit from sweaters, along with dogs whose fur has been shaved. Puppies have not built up much body fat yet, and older dogs often move more slowly on walks.

Your Dog Slows Down or Lifts Its Paws

A dog that stops, lifts one paw after another or keeps turning back toward the house is telling you the walk is too cold. Try a sweater on the next walk and see whether the behavior changes.

Your Dog Walks in the Wind

Wind makes cold air feel colder. If your walks take you along open streets, parks or the beach, wind is often the reason your dog feels cold at a temperature that seems mild to you.

How Cold Is Too Cold for a Dog?

There is no single number that fits every dog. A simple rule from the ASPCA is a good place to start: if it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet.

Wind makes a big difference. The National Weather Service describes the wind chill temperature as how cold people and animals feel when outside, and gives this example: when the temperature is 0°F and the wind is blowing at 15 mph, the wind chill is -19°F, and exposed skin can freeze in 30 minutes. A day like that is one for a very short walk.

Rain and snow change the picture again. If your dog comes home wet, the ASPCA suggests you towel dry your pet as soon as they come inside, and a damp sweater should come off at the same time.

Your dog’s plans matter as much as the forecast. A dog that trots along on a brisk walk makes more body heat than a dog that sits next to you at an outdoor café, so the same morning can call for a sweater on one outing and not on another.

Sweater, Coat or Both?

Sweaters and coats do different jobs. Sweaters are usually less warm than dog jackets, according to the AKC, so they can be more comfortable for dogs to wear inside the house. That makes a sweater a good first layer for a dog that feels the cold indoors or on short walks.

For rain, snow or long walks in freezing weather, a coat goes over the top or replaces the sweater. If your dog does need both, see our guide to layering a sweater under a winter coat, or browse Fitwarm’s dog coats.

What to Look For in a Dog Sweater

Once you know your dog needs a sweater, four things matter most: fit, neckline, coverage and fabric.

Fit. Measure your dog’s back length, chest and neck before you order. The AKC notes that the same size in different brands will likely fit differently, so check the chart for each style on the Fitwarm size guide. The guide also says that if your dog is between sizes, size up.

Neckline. A turtleneck covers more of the neck than a crew neck. The Turtleneck Knitted Dog Sweater is a heathered knit with a high turtleneck and short sleeves, made of 80% chemical fiber and 20% fleece.

Coverage. Dogs that feel the cold on their legs may do better in a full-body knit. The Twist Knit Dog Sweater is a cable-knit turtleneck that covers all four legs, and it is made of 44% nylon, 28% rayon and 28% polybutylene terephthalate.

Fabric. Knits, fleece and sherpa all feel different. Merriam-Webster defines fleece as “a soft bulky deep-piled knitted or woven fabric used chiefly for clothing.” Fleece and knit sweaters feel different on the body, so read the fabric line on each product page before you order. You can compare styles in our sweaters for small dogs.

Compare Three Turtleneck Sweaters

All three sweaters below have a turtleneck. The fabric column is copied from each product page, and the size column lists the sizes and colors each page offers.

Turtleneck Knitted Dog Sweater Body and short sleeves 80% chemical fiber, 20% fleece. X-small to XX-large in most colors; Yellow and LightPink only in XX-large; DeepPink X-small and small are out of stock; LightSeaGreen small size is sold out.

Twist Knit Dog Sweater All four legs 44% Nylon, 28% Rayon, and 28% Polybutylene Terephthalate. X-small to XX-large in Tan, Steel Blue and Pink.

3 Pack Turtleneck Sweater Body and short sleeves 94% polyester, 6% spandex. Most sizes are available in all colors. Dim Gray is out of stock in small, medium, large and XX-large.

Whichever you choose, let your dog get used to it at home first. The AKC suggests letting your dog explore the sweater on the floor, then pairing short wear sessions with praise and treats.

Do Dogs Need Sweaters? Quick Answers

Can my dog wear a sweater indoors?

Yes, if your dog feels the cold at home. Take the sweater off before your dog goes into a crate. As the AKC puts it, “Don't leave clothes on your dog if they're crated or left unattended.”

At what temperature does a small dog need a sweater?

 As a rough guide, a sweater or other light layer suits many small and short-coated dogs once temperatures fall into the 32°F to 45°F range, and below 32°F a coat is the usual choice, as stated on Fitwarm blog.

Can my dog wear a sweater all day?

Only with breaks and only while you are around. The AKC says to avoid leaving your dog unattended while they’re wearing a sweater. For more detail, read whether your dog should wear a sweater all day.

Keep Your Dog Warm and Comfortable

Not every dog needs a sweater, but small, short-coated, very young and older dogs often do. Watch for the signs above, check the wind as well as the temperature, and pick a sweater that fits well. When you are ready to shop, browse the full range of Fitwarm dog sweaters.