Winter is coming up fast, and there’s no better time to get your dog ready for the chilly weather than now. As fun as it can be to trot through the snow with your furry friend by your side, the cold weather might not always be the most fun part of the season for your dog. Depending on the breed, your furry friend might not be equipped to deal with the weather, and they might need some extra support to get through it with some outerwear of their very own.

To help them face the colder temps ahead, you want to start thinking now about getting your dog a winter coat. Apart from having them look extra adorable, winter coats for dogs can help give our canine companions an extra layer of protection against the elements. But this begs the question: At what point is it necessary to start putting a coat on your dog during your walks and outdoor outings come fall and winter?

To know what temperature to start adding a coat to your routine and what to look for in your dog’s next winter coat, we asked several experts to give us all the information you need to battle the cooler climate. The winter weather doesn’t have to mean keeping your dog indoors at all times. Instead, it just means you need to know how to keep them as warm and comfortable as possible.

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At What Temperature Does a Dog Need a Coat?

Depending on the breed, dogs may differ in the temperature at which they may need to start wearing a coat on their walk. To get a better idea of what to expect, Dr. Ray Spragley, a veterinarian at Zen Dog Veterinary Care, says that in weather where the temperature is between 32°F and 45°F, a small, short-coated, thin, young or medically fragile dog could benefit from a coat.

Below 32°F, most short-coated and small dogs should wear a coat, and all dogs should be monitored for discomfort. Below 20°F, all dogs should spend the least amount of time outdoors and should wear a coat. If your dog has a thicker coat, even temperatures below 20°F can carry a frostbite risk.

Factors Beyond Temperature

Beyond the temperature on the thermostat, other factors can determine whether or not your dog requires a winter coat. Lucy Howells, a vet nurse at Butternut Box, explains that factors like a dog’s fur coat, age, joint health, and other climate conditions like rain, wind, or sleet are important to consider as well. Dogs with short hair, like greyhounds and whippets, lack insulating fat to retain heat, so once temperatures start to drop, it can take a real toll on their ability to adapt.

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According to Leah Callaghan, another vet nurse at Butternut Box, older dogs and furry friends with joint problems can also feel the drop more intensely than those with thicker fur and healthy joints. Even if you have a winter-ready breed, factors like rain, snow or wind can all impede their ability to warm themselves up.

Related: Why Vets Are Begging You to Check Your Dog’s Paws After Every Autumn Walk

How to Choose the Right Winter Coat for Your Dog

Choosing the right winter coat for your dog is all about giving them the maximum amount of protection they need without limiting their movement. As Dr. Hilary Jones, chief medical officer of Weather.pet, explains, a winter coat should fit close enough to your dog to help retain their body heat. The coat should cover their chest, back and abdomen without restricting their ability to go to the bathroom as normal. Coats with large gaps around the neck, chest, abdomen or legs can allow cold air, snow and moisture inside. Coats with exposed zippers or seams can also prove to be problematic.

When looking for your dog’s coat, Dr. Jones recommends looking for one with at least two layers. The inner layer should provide insulation with fabrics like fleece, quilted material or another warm fabric. On the outside, the coat should be made from a wind-resistant fabric that can protect your furry friend from the elements.

The winter season brings more than just cuddly moments and movie marathons near the fireplace—it also brings cold-weather walks. Get ready for the chilly weather early with a proper winter coat that will provide your dog with the protection it needs according to their breed and preferences. Getting a head start before the winter season is in full swing can help you find the perfect match before the first cold morning arrives.

Sources:

• Leah Callaghan and Lucy Howells are part of the vet nurse team at Butternut Box.
• Dr. Ray Spragley is a veterinarian at Zen Dog Veterinary Care.

• Dr. Hilary Jones is the chief medical officer of Weather.pet.

Related: How Cold Is Too Cold for a Dog Walk? A Breed-by-Breed Temperature Guide