Does your dog hate going for a walk or outside to relieve themselves when it’s raining? Why let your dog suffer in silence when you can pick up a dog raincoat and allow them to enjoy the outdoors while staying nice and dry even in the worst weather.
| Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|
Winner
| RC Pet Packable Dog Rain Poncho
| |
Runner Up
| RUFFWEAR - Sun Shower Waterprooft
| |
Best For Small Dogs
| Ethical Pet - Slicker Yellow Raincoat
| |
Best For Large Dogs
| NACOCO Large Dog Raincoat
| |
Most Fashionable
| Ellie Dog Wear Yellow Zip Up Dog Raincoat
| |
Best Four Legged
| OSPet Four Feet Dog Raincoat
|
Most dogs adore nothing more than being in the great outdoors, but what do you do when you have a slightly more stubborn pooch that seems to only be a fair-weather friend to mother nature? Rather than trying to coax them outside with treats, or yanking on the leash until they follow you into the rain, why not just pick up a dog raincoat for them?!
A dog raincoat works in pretty much the same way our human ones do; a waterproof material is used to create a garment that can be worn by your four-legged-friend in the rain to protect them from the wet and cold. But of course, they have been specifically designed to fit a dog’s body.
With so many different types of dog in the world, from the long and low Dachshund to the big and rotund English Bulldog, and that’s why you’ll find most waterproof or water-resistant canine wear come with adjustable straps to customize the fit completely.
Product Reviews
Table Of Contents
Dog Raincoat Features
Material
There are many different materials to choose from when it comes to finding the optimum fabric for your dog’s activity type and level.
Some raincoats work to simply stop the rain, but don’t offer much in the way of being breathable – which doesn’t make a great fit for the highly active dog, or those living in humid climates.
If you’re planning on taking your dog hiking in a raincoat, then I would advise that you look for something that offers superior breathability. We’ve all felt the horrible humid and slightly sweaty feeling that you get if you wear a rain jacket that’s not breathable, and while that’s annoying enough for us humans, think about how dangerous this can be for your dog who is unable to sweat – and could therefore quickly overheat or become dehydrated.
Showerproof or waterproof
Have you ever bought yourself a lovely new rain jacket only to find out later that it’s only actually showerproof and won’t save you from the torrential downpours? Well, I certainly have – embarrassingly I have done this on not one, not two, but three occasions!
Not everyone lives in a climate that rains a lot, but if you do – make sure to read the fine print and double check that what you’re spending your hard-earned money on, is in fact, fully waterproof.
For owners that live in areas with drier weather, it can be a great idea to have a coat ready for your dog to wear on those occasional drizzly days or to bring when traveling, especially as your dog really aren’t accustomed to the rain, but you might well get away with picking up a showerproof version.
Hood or no hood
This is a combination of personal preference and the shape of your dog’s head – with some pooches having awkward face shapes to fit a hood.
Breeds that can usually wear hooded outfits include shorter eared dogs including the Pomeranian, and dogs with ears that lay flat against their head such as the Beagle.
Examples of dogs that can’t usually wear hoods include those with large pricked ears such as the German Shepherd, and those with especially long necks like the Greyhound or Afghan Hound – to clarify, the Afghan Hound is often seen sporting a hood, but due to the length required, these are often tailored to fit.
A good middle of the ground option for dogs that either won’t fit a hood or won’t tolerate wearing one could be to purchase a dog raincoat that boasts a lot of neck coverage. A neck cover can come all the way up to your dog’s ears and often has a drawstring close to ensure that no rain makes its way down into the jacket itself.
Leash or harness access hole
If your dog is all bundled up in a cozy raincoat, you might be wondering how you clip on their leash ready for walkies?! Well, we wondered that too.
Many dog raincoats do, in fact, possess specific access holes on the neck and/or the body to allow you to place a collar or harness underneath and access it without having to remove your dog’s cool new duds!
Not many jackets offer access for both a leash AND a harness, so if you’re looking for something that has the best of both worlds; it might be a tad trickier to find.
Reflective
When it comes to the safety of your dog, you can never be too careful, after all – for most of us dog owners our dogs are the furry members of our families, and heck let’s be honest – vets bills are depressingly expensive.
Look out for a dog raincoat that offers reflective stripes along the body to ensure that your dog stays safe, and bonus – it means that your dog will be easy to find should you let that cheeky pooch off of the leash after dark!
Expandable neck
Some dogs have chubby necks, there I said it. But hey, before you come after me for fat-shaming our beloved pups, hold your horses – I’m here to celebrate all doggie body types — so long as they’re well-kept and healthy mind you! — and this is why we’re all for the expandable neck.
Did your dog get a little “fluffier” over the winter months, just let out the neck a little bit for some breathing room. Or if your pup is all grown up and doesn’t fit her raincoat anymore, this makes it easier to pass it on to a friend with a new pup, and the expandable neck should mean that it’ll work for pretty much any breed!
Coverage
There are two main types of dog raincoat, there’s the vest style which covers the body but doesn’t cover the legs, and then there’s the version with sleeves that covers either part or all of the front, or all four limbs.
If your dog isn’t a fan of wearing clothes, I’d suggest starting off with a vest to ease them into it, but it is possible to train a dog that’s unaccustomed to wearing a coat to accept it and be comfortable – it just takes time, patience, and perhaps some treats!
Many owners will combine the raincoat with some waterproof doggie boots to help keep their dog’s feet clean, and warm – and wowee does the combo of a full-sleeve raincoat, and dog boots make for a delightful no-clean-up situation.
Product Reviews
#1 RC Pet Packable Dog Rain Poncho:
Best Dog Raincoat
- Sizes: XX-Small, X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large
- Color: Aqua, Raspberry, Butterflies, Rubber Ducky, Cheat Day, Shoal, Crimson, Sunshine, Cyan Halftone, Lime Halftone, Sweet Sorbet, Nautical, Umbrella, Pitter-Patter Chocolate, Pitter-Patter Pink
- Waterproof: No – resistant only
- Hooded: Yes
- Use with a leash/harness: Yes
PROS:
- Comes in 7 sizes
- Impressively lightweight
- Comes with its very own carry pouch for stowing away
- Sizes from small to XX-large
- Provides a leash and harness access hole for attaching leashes
CONS:
- Can only be hand washed
- Only water resistant not waterproof
This lightweight taffeta rain poncho is a great option for dog owners that want something that they can fold up and have in their bag for those unexpected downpours!
Made by RC pet products, this company is well-known for their quality dog products, and with an impressive sixteen color and pattern options available, you’ll be able to find one of these hooded rain ponchos to suit absolutely any dog.
The range of sizes available is incredible, with something for almost every size of dog – but it is worth noting that while this poncho will help protect from the rain, it is not fully water-proof and actually only classified as water resistant.
#2 RUFFWEAR – Sun Shower Waterproof:
Runner Up Dog Raincoat
- Sizes: XX-Small, X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large
- Color: Alpenglow Pink, Blue Dusk, Meadow Green, Granite Gray, Purple Dusk, Red Currant.
- Waterproof: Yes
- Hooded: No – neck cover only
- Use with a leash/harness: Yes
PROS:
- Non-insulated design to keep your dog cool
- Reflective details and flashlight loop for added visibility
- Fully waterproof
- High storm collar for added protection against the elements
CONS:
- The harness hole is not covered which allows rain to get through
- Sizing can run small
The streamlined design of this Ruffwear rain jacket for dogs allows your pooch to run around to their heart’s content while staying nice and dry in rainy weather. Another attribute that makes this raincoat especially well-suited to the active canine is the non-insulated design which offers protection from the rain, without causing your dog to overheat.
A fully waterproof garment that boasts a leash portal that allows the jacket to work in conjunction with most harnesses, it also features reflective trim for added safety when walking your dog after dark.
Available in six sizes from XX-small to X-large, and six vibrant colors to make spotting your adventure dog a breeze, even across a mountain! And if the sun begins to dip beneath the horizon, have no fear – because this bad boy also has reflective trim and a light loop to attach a small flashlight to!
#3 Ethical Pet – Slicker Yellow Raincoat:
Best For Small Dogs
- Sizes: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large
- Color: Vibrant Yellow
- Waterproof: Yes
- Hooded: Yes
- Use with a leash/harness: Yes
PROS:
- 100% waterproof polyester fabric
- Loose-fitting and comfortable for your dog
- Ethical Pet offer a 100% worry-free guarantee with this raincoat
- Incredibly lightweight
- Leash access hole
CONS:
- Doesn’t provide as much coverage as some other raincoats
- The velcro front fastening can pull open from your dog’s motion
The company behind this raincoat — Ethical Pet — is well-known for their focus on consumer value and customer service, without ever losing sight of the most important things – quality, innovation, safety, honesty, and humanity.
For the dog owners who want to pay attention to their moral compass without causing their dog to miss out, this could be a great option for you!
This flowy and loose-fitting hooded rain cover for dogs allows unrestricted movement while keeping the main parts of your dog’s body safe from the weather – from rain and sleet to snow.
One problem that we hear a lot about with dog raincoats is that they can rub a dog’s skin raw, but with the fisherman style shoulder design, your dog won’t even notice it’s there. And speaking of fishermen, can we take a moment to appreciate how cute this jacket design is!
Available in sizes from X-small to XX-large, this coat is only available in one color, but there’s a good reason for it; the vibrant yellow color combined with reflective detailing ensures that your dog will remain highly visible at all times.
#4 NACOCO Large Dog Raincoat:
Best For Large Dogs
- Sizes: Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large, XXX-Large
- Color: Blue, Camo, Camo Gray, Lake Blue, Orange, Pink, Yellow
- Waterproof: Yes
- Hooded: No – neck cover only
- Use with a leash/harness: Yes
PROS:
- Available in sizes from medium all the way up to 3XL
- Provides a great level of coverage
- Reflective strips for added visibility
- Boasts a drawstring hood to keep even active dog’s heads dry
- Even keeps your dog’s tail dry
CONS:
- The straps that go around the back legs for additional stability can pull the hood down
- The seams are quite weak and can tear open easily
This wide-coverage raincoat by NACOCA offers the ultimate in protection against the elements and is the ideal solution for keeping your pooch as dry as possible – especially for those dogs that just don’t enjoy the feeling or restriction of wearing sleeves.
With a draped design, this raincoat can work for any shape of fluffy friend, and with sizes from medium all the way up to XXX-large available – this is one of the only options for owners of giant dog breeds.
While many larger dogs get left with those dull colors and designs, that’s definitely not the case with this outfit – with seven gloriously vibrant options to choose from for the dogs that like to dazzle!
#5 PROPLUMS Adjustable Lightweight Raincoat:
Best For Adjustability
- Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large
- Color: Navy Blue
- Waterproof: Yes
- Hooded: No – neck cover only
- Use with a leash/harness: Yes
PROS:
- Waterproof and breathable
- Machine Washable
- Snazzy design that will have your dog looking sharp at the dog park
- Drawstring adjustable high neck
- Tummy panel to prevent muddy bellies
CONS:
- Sizing runs on the small side
- If not sized up the straps can irritate or hurt your dog’s legs
This dog raincoat is no simple poncho, the people behind this nifty piece of rainwear designed it with form and function as the main priority, and my goodness does it show!
With adjustable buckle straps which can be sturdier than the velcro options, a lower-body panel to keep your pooch’s tummy warm, a drawstring at the neck to ensure that rain doesn’t get in. As well as a harness hole for secure leash attachment, reflective trims for low light use, and an insulated, waterproof, breathable fabric construction – is there anything else that your dog could ask for?!
Setting off on nice long hikes with your puppers will be worry-free when they’re wearing this delightful piece of attire, and hey – if you all end up having a bit too much fun and return home covered in mud, you’ll be happy to know that this raincoat is entirely machine washable.
#6 Ellie Dog Wear Yellow Zip Up Dog Raincoat:
Most Fashionable
- Sizes: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large
- Color: Yellow with sailor stripe
- Waterproof: Yes – even though it’s mistakenly called water resistant
- Hooded: Yes
- Use with a leash/harness: Yes
PROS:
- Fully waterproof
- Customizable fit
- High-quality materials
- Adorable design
- Machine washable
CONS:
- Sizing isn’t entirely accurate
- The zip can catch on a long-haired coat
One of the cutest designs that we’ve found on our search for a dog raincoat, this traditional sailor design with vibrant yellow outer fabric features a fun blue and white stripe lining for an added splash of color and warmth.
A popular design for kids raincoats, if you happen to be the parent of both a pooch and a toddler too – why not buy your entire family matching jackets? I know I would!
With sizes from XS to 2XL, this jacket is suitable for pretty much every size and shape of dog, and with the zip fastening, it’s sure to stay put on even the most rambunctious of canines.
In fact, one of the best features of this coat is the hood which comes with not only a drawstring but an optional popper button so that you’re able to adjust to fit your dog’s head shape, but if the good still isn’t working for you – no problem as it’s completely removable.
With so many different features that allow a fully customized fit, your dog will feel as though this raincoat was tailor-made for them! The rear drawstring allows you to adjust the fit around the barrel of the body, and the sleeve length can be easily altered by folding.
Other great design perks include the small opening made to allow owners to easily attach a leash to a harness without having to remove the jacket; it also boasts two sizable back pockets so that you can make your pup carry their own stuff for once!
#7 OSPet Four Feet Dog Raincoat:
Best Four Legged Raincoat
- Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large
- Color: Green, Orange
- Waterproof: Yes
- Hooded: Yes
- Use with a leash/harness: Yes
PROS:
- Full four-legged coverage
- Comes in the most vibrant colors of all time
- Drawstring at belly for enhanced fit
- Access point for attaching a leash
- Waterproof and breathable fabric
CONS:
- Doesn’t provide a harness access point
This lightweight and full-coverage doggie raincoat not only leaves your dog dry, but with such vibrant colors, it’ll leave em looking like a giant tennis ball too! That’s what you were going for, right?!
Made from a double layer of breathable fabric, this jumpsuit is entirely waterproof, and even though it’s lightweight – it does weigh enough to avoid that annoying billowing in the breeze.
You’ll be pleased to hear that even though this raincoat covers all four legs, it’s surprisingly easy to put on, and as well as providing your dog with enough flexibility to run around with their other furry friends! And it’s also designed in a way that allows them to go to the bathroom without making a mess of the jacket, win-win!
With a round the belly drawstring to ensure a secure and comfortable fit, reflective stripes for enhanced visibility in low light, and a hole hiding cleverly under the folded back hood for clipping on the leash – you and your pooch will be ready for adventures in even the rainiest weather!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to leave my dog in the yard with a raincoat on?
You should never leave a dog unaccompanied with a raincoat, purely because there are straps and fastenings that they can get caught on things.
My dog likes to chew on things, will a coat work for them?
As with any dog that likes to chew, it’s always a risk that buying them something new will result in the total destruction of said product.
The two best ways to avoid this are never to leave your dog with access to their raincoat, and secondly – if they’re really cheeky and attempt to reach around and chew it while it’s on their body; consider buying a bitter spray to spray directly onto the coat.
Should I buy one with a hood?
We went into more detail on this subject in the what to look for section, but primarily it comes down to personal preference and whether or not you think that your dog will be happy wearing a hood.
Can I make one myself?
Wow, I like your confidence! And you could certainly try, but as with anything waterproof – it is incredibly hard to make, and the materials would likely cost you more than buying a ready-made one.
Do I have to measure my dog’s legs before buying one?
Measuring the inside leg is a good idea if you’re planning on buying a raincoat with sleeves, and it’s especially important for short-legged breeds! See the “How to measure” section for more information.
Do any dog raincoats cover the belly?
Yes, some raincoats do offer waterproof belly flaps.
Can a dog raincoat work with a harness?
While almost every dog raincoat comes with an access hole for the collar, not all offer access for clipping your leash directly to your harness – be sure to check on the harness you’re interested in before making a purchase.
Can you get a dog raincoat with a built-in umbrella?
You can, but as with affixing any large and sharp item to your dog, the rule of thumb is DON’T DO IT. Your dog runs a far greater risk of injury and can get tangled up in pretty much everything they walk past.
What The Difference Between a Dog Raincoat And A Thundershirt?
A thundershirt is an incredibly clever little garment that’s used by owners of anxious canines, most notably during storms — hence the name — to calm them.
The garment works by applying a comfortable amount of pressure. This is essentially like a constant hug for a dog and pressure therapy for anxious dogs has been likened to swaddling a newborn baby.
While the thunder shirt is also a garment that the dog wears, that’s where the similarities end – and while many owners hear the name thundershirt and assume it’s a dog storm jacket, I’m here to say that unfortunately, it is not.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your dog comfortable is an important job for the devoted dog owner, and whether your dog suffers from arthritis that is worsened when cold, or your puppy just isn’t a fan of running around in the rain – help to keep them cozy and comfortable with one of these adorable and functional raincoats.
Some dog owners worry that allowing their dog to wear clothes, boots, or even goggles will cause them to become more sensitive, and not true to their wolf roots – but just like you’re not living in a cave and picking berries during the day, allow your dog’s life to evolve just like have over the years.
My own dog, a tough-looking Rottweiler, has such thin skin and really doesn’t do well in the cold, so whenever the weather takes a turn for the worse, you’d better believe that her sweatshirt and raincoat are ready to go – and I’ve never seen her happier in bad weather!