Winter-Ready Pups: A Guide to Dog Jackets, Sweaters, and Sweatshirts

Knock, knock! Winter, the season of dreams and wonder, is just around the corner eagerly waiting to say hello! And as we make space in our wardrobes for fuzzy scarves, cosy socks, and trendy jackets, let’s not forget to bundle up our pets and keep them warm through the chilly months.

But do pets in India really get cold or is it just a myth? If yes, what kind of clothing is good for them? And is it really difficult to wash and take care of our dog's winter clothes?

Do not worry because our guide for the season is here to answer all your woes and get your pup winter ready! Let’s get started:

1. But first - do Indian dogs feel cold?

As long as we can remember, the warmth we feel when we cuddle with our pets is our favourite winter memory. But did you know that while our pet’s fur makes us feel as if we’re hugging our favourite teddy bear, it is not enough to keep them protected from the dropping temperatures we experience in many parts of India.

Our pets can catch a cold - especially when you’re out with them for their daily winter walks. Symptoms of cold in pets include a fever, shivers, runny nose, sneezing, lack of energy, and appetite. Short-haired breeds, pets with compromised immunity such as senior pets and ones recovering from surgery are more susceptible to falling sick. Small dogs fall on the same spectrum as they have less body mass to retain heat. Our Indies on the streets, as resilient as they are, too require some extra love and warmth during this season.

    2. Do pets need winter clothing?

A simple answer is - yes. Which is why we recommend getting soft, breathable, and comfortable winter wear for pets. Just like us humans, each pet has a different tolerance level to cold. However, it is not necessary that they wear their warm clothes at all times. It’s important to consider your pet’s individual needs and the prevailing weather conditions to take care of their comfort and well-being during the colder season. You can do this by removing your pet’s winter clothing when they’re exercising or playing around. Some dogs prefer to nap under the afternoon sun while wearing their dog t-shirts instead of dog sweaters (as it’s lighter). The key is choosing winter clothing for pets to observe how comfortable your pet is while they’re wearing them.

    3. What can dogs wear in winter?

With top dog clothing brands designing new and innovative winter wear each year, sniffing through the net and picking the right attire for our pets can be a tough call to make. From the latest dog jackets, and cosy dog sweaters to homegrown dog sweatshirts in India, the choices are endless.

One can’t call it sweater weather without some good ol’ warm and cosy dog sweaters!

When shopping for your furry family member, you want to look for a dog sweater that’s made of breathable and stretchable fabric that’s soft on your pet’s skin at the same time. This warm layer of clothing ought to fit like a glove as if made just for your pet. Some sweaters have a pullover design that comes in handy if your pet gets easily excited and likes to wiggle around when you’re making them wear clothing. (We know ours do!).

Comfort is a top priority while selecting winter wear for pets. So look for lightweight dog sweaters that let your dog zoom through the season’s festivities with ease. High tummy cut design will allow your dog to pee without you having to take off the sweater.

Now that you have the basics covered, choose the colour and pattern you adore the most on your dog. Classic high necks, argyle designs and cable-knit dog sweaters are some of our personal favourites.

HUFT Tip: If you love clicking those Christmas morning selfies with your furry family member, our Christmas sweaters for dogs are not to be missed at any cost!

You know what they say in the pet world - a sweatshirt a day keeps the winter blues away. Easy to wear, comfortable and perfect to wear for both indoor snuggles and outdoors zoomies, dog sweatshirts are a relaxed fit for your pet. Instead of restricting your dog’s movement, the lightweight layer will give them the freedom to move and jump around as they like.

If your pet has sensitive skin and/or is picky about wearing clothes, then dog sweatshirts made of stretchable and soft fabric are what you should keep an eye on. These casual clothes for your dog come in different prints and styles. A dog sweatshirt with a hoodie is a classic choice that offers added protection to your pup’s neck and head from the chilly air.

All in all, dog sweatshirts let our dogs be dogs, even as they strut through the year-end frosty months.

If your active dog is the charm of your family, then investing in good dog jackets will 100% come in handy. How, you ask?

Well, while you’re on your outdoor escapades, you never know if you’ll run into cold drafts, hail or rain. Warm, lightweight and waterproof, dog jackets are the perfect gear for winter walks, runs and even hikes! Versatile and a practical choice to keep your pet’s neck and body protected from the biting winds, such dog jackets often come with features like high collars and a snug-fit design.

A good dog jacket will also have velcro attachments for ease of wear. Leash opening at the back and hind-leg elastics are great features that’ll help you keep your doggo on their paws, hassle-free.

HUFT Tip: This winter season, let’s remember to extend our love and warmth to our streeties as well. Our HUFT Foundation streetie dog jacket is especially created to protect our Indie best friends from the cold.

    4. How to choose the right attire?

Now that we know the popular options to choose from, here’s how you can actually choose the right winter gear for your pet:

    4.1. Measure your pet: Before you make the purchase for your pup, make sure to take your pet’s measurement properly. You’d want to measure their neck, chest (girth) and length from neck to tail. Most websites will have a size chart for you to refer to. Accordingly, you can find the nearest size for your pet. 

    4.2. Choose safe & soft material: Soft acrylic fabric for sweaters, cotton poly fleece for sweatshirts and waterproof and quilted shell fabric for jackets are excellent choices for staying warm and dry. Look for a lining that’s warm, comfortable and soft on your dog’s skin.

    4.3. Ease of wear: Opt for winter attire that’s convenient to put on and take off. Jackets or sweaters with velcro attachments and zippers are a great choice.

    4.4 Maximum coverage: You want your pet to be warm and comfortable, no matter what they wear. Look for clothing that’ll cover your dog’s entire back and is long enough to reach the base of their tail. Neck and head covering is also a good option you can choose.

    4.5. Activity level: If your dog is highly active and loves to run around, a jacket is a great option. But if they love staying indoors to cuddle, a sweater or a sweatshirt will be most suitable.

    5. How to maintain winter pet clothing?

It’s essential to care for your pet’s clothes so they last long, just like your everlasting memories together. Here are some basics to keep in mind:

    5.1. Our pets can play it rough.

Regularly look for wear and tear, such as loose stitching or stretched out fabric.

   5.2. Each material requires different care.

Follow the wash care instructions that are shared with the clothing on the website.

   5.3. Off-season care is equally important.

Keep your pet’s winter clothing in a cool, dry place to prevent mould or mildew.