The Gooby Padded Vest has a built-in D-ring leash connection at the top making it a vest and harness in one. "Not having to add a harness underneath or on top saves time and makes it much easier to get my dog ready for walks," shared our tester.

If your dog is panting while wearing the coat, he might be too warm,” says T.B. Thompson, a veterinarian from Arizona. “If your dog is shivering or trying to curl up against you, he might still be cold and needing a warmer coat.”Also consider getting a coat with reflective strips or lining so that your pup is visible to other people or vehicles if you plan to walk your dog at dusk, dawn, or night. Some dogs are just naturally better suited for colder environments, because they have more fur. As a result, they won’t need as heavy of a coat as others. Not the easiest to get on and off your dog, especially if they don’t stand statue-still while fastening the velcro

The volume of puff limited our dog’s mobility slightly on the first walk (but she soon adapted, so this wasn’t an issue long-term) The value is evident with this vest, which mimics human outerwear our team would be glad to own ourselves. It’s easy for your dog to wear on walks without restriction or discomfort, and will hold up over time with its durable material and reversible colors for added flair. Ophelia was a big fan, and so are we — especially for a dog that needs an extra winter layer but doesn’t love restrictive clothing.But other breeds aren't as prepared for cold weather, with some smaller dogs even at risk in relatively mild cold. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, short-haired and short-legged breeds are more likely to have a lower tolerance for cold, while young dogs, senior dogs, and pets with health conditions may need more help regulating their body temperature. In general, dog coats don’t need to be washed that often. “Dogs don’t sweat, and their coats tend to stay clean on the inside,” says Simon. “However, they should be washed a few times each season, especially if your dog is keen on rolling in grass or lying on mud.”

But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. Lots of coats either have a place to attach your dog’s leash or they have a slit to allow for you to attach their leash to the harness they’re wearing underneath the coat. This feature is important if you’re planning to have your dog wear the coat on walks. While a chihuahua may start to shiver at temperatures of 40 degrees, an American Staffie won’t start feeling the chill until it dips to 30 degrees," Simon says. This padded puffer vest is cut to keep all four legs and a tail unrestricted while the core of your canine stays warm. With a different solid color on each side, the Little Beast Super Duper Reversible Parka Vest makes it easy to mix up your dog's style throughout the colder months. This roundup was updated by Anna Mejorada, a writer for The Spruce Pets who shares her home with a happy pomeranian named Gidget. Before researching and writing about pet products for a living, Mejorada embarked on a self-mandated, ongoing quest to find the optimal items for her dog. She is now delightfully devoted to helping humans discover and select the most favorable products for their pets.Are they wet for hours after the walk if it is raining? When you come in and hang up your soggy wet coat, unfortunately your best friend doesn’t have the same luxury. We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. Help keep your canine cozy with the ThinkPet Cold Weather Dog Coat. "It is very well made, and for the price, it's hard to find anything wrong with it," our tester said. It didn’t seem to be super water-resistant; fleece absorbs water on rainy walks and takes a while to dry