The 5 Best Dog Raincoats Australia:
Tested & Evaluated 2023

My dog hates the rain. I discovered this when she was a puppy.

She would kick the door to indicate that she wanted to pee. I opened the door to reveal the torrential rain washing the back garden. She would look at me and seriously contemplate how much she needed this pee.

Now that’s an internal conflict.

If you want to protect your poor pup from the rain, this is the article for you!

Today we’ll talk about dog raincoats. To get you the most comprehensive information possible, we teamed up with veterinarians, canine behaviourists and dog parents alike to form a panel of independent experts and research the most popular options out there. After months of testing and countless rain storms later, we were finally able to agree on the contents of this guide.

Why do you need a dog rain coat? What do you need to look out for when searching for one? What are the best dog raincoats on the Australian market? Find out all of this and more in this detailed guide.

Australia's Best Dog Raincoats Reviewed

Now that we know exactly what we’re looking for, let’s have a look at the best raincoats for dogs in Australia. These raincoats impressed everyone on our team of independent experts (as well as our dogs!).

Dog Nation creates some fantastic dog apparel items. From leashes to toys, collars to grooming brushes, they always deliver top-quality items.

Their slimline winter coat for medium and large dogs is no exception. It has almost everything you could need in a dog raincoat and more!

For starters, most dog coats are well made for smaller breeds but miss the crucial large and extra-large dog demographic, categories my own dog falls into. This option covers the largest of large dogs with ease.

The smallest size is XL. It’s suitable for medium dogs with a 40 cm neck, 48 cm chest and 40 cm length. It’s a great starting point for the size range to cater to larger pups.

The largest size is 6XXL which is suitable for a dog with a 60 cm neck circumference, 78 cm chest and 70 cm length. That is HUGE! That coat could probably fit some adult humans.

Speaking of, the high-quality construction of this dog coat could probably convince me to wear it. It has a completely waterproof outer layer and a warm inner fleece layer for comfort. The fleece layer is not too thick so most dog breeds would get on with it, regardless of how much fur they have.

However, our team of independent experts suggest you may want to go up a size if your dog is a particularly fluffy beast since this raincoat has a slim-fit style.

The design of this coat is very unique. It has a sporty look with a large reflective stripe. Helpful for those who walk during early drizzly mornings or nights.

I also loves that it comes in three bright colours: red, blue and pink. The coat is ergonomically designed to be comfortable and easy to take on and off.

The only con that we must mention is that this model doesn’t have a hood. If that’s important to you, check out the best dog raincoat with a hood in our number three spot below!

Best of all, the Dog Nation option is very well priced considering the level of quality. That’s why it’s a winner for us in this category.

Our runner up is another Dog Nation dog rain jacket but it has a different style. Where the top choice is a sporty, slimline style, this model is like a bomber jacket for dogs. It’s puffy with no fleece. This might be a better option than our number one choice for long-haired dog breeds.

There are three designs for this jacket in red, dark green and pink. Again, this jacket doesn’t have a hood but protects your dog’s body with a completely waterproof outer shell.

Dog Nation has created this rain jacket to fit every dog. Small dogs and extra-large dogs can all find the perfect fit.

The smallest size is suitable for a dog with a 28 cm neck, 32 cm chest and 26 cm back length. Our team of independent experts noticed that this isn’t great for very small puppies but most small to extra-large dogs are covered.

Come rain or snow, this dog jacket is a trusty, well-made solution for your dog.

If you want a cheap and cheerful option, look no further than the HDE range of dog raincoats. These raincoats are built like smocks. That means they have no sleeves and have a strap that fits around your dog’s waist instead.

The size range is quite forgiving because of the way these coats are built. If in doubt, buy the size up as it will provide some extra coverage for your dog. There are 4 sizes in total from small to XL. However, our panel of experts noted that the XL size isn’t necessarily suitable for extra-large/giant dog breeds.

The largest size is recommended for breeds like Dobermans, Golden Retrievers and Weimaraner’s. Therefore, the largest of large dogs like Newfoundland’s, Saint Bernard’s and Bernese Mountain dogs are excluded. If you want a raincoat for extra-large dogs, the Dog Nation models above are better options for you.

The HDE range has multiple different colours and patterns available. Thirteen in total. So, you can customise the raincoat or even purchase several different styles for your pup. Since the coat is so low cost, you could stock up for future wintery weather.

Overall, the HDE raincoats are good value for money if you’re on a budget.

If you’re looking for a dog raincoat with a hood, the Ellie Dog Wear coats are lovely. These premium, high-quality coats are stylish and classic.

The coat is water-resistant and not fully waterproof. However, it does provide a lot of protection against rainfall. The hood adds to that protection.

It’s one of the more functional raincoats for dogs on this list because of all of the pockets. I loved how I was able to store small items for my dog in the pockets!

There are five sizes available from extra small to extra-large. However, like our number three coat choice, the extra-large style won’t be suitable for giant breeds. Please check the size guidelines carefully to double check. Since the coat has sleeves, a comfortable fit that allows your dog to move freely is incredibly important.

There’s a small opening in the back of the coat to attach a leash to a harness for harness users. The coat also has adjustable elastics to make the coat fit your pooch a little better.

With two classic yellow or navy-blue designs, the Ellie dog raincoats are universally classy and functional. They may be a little pricier than the others on this list, but everyone on our team of independent experts agreed the high-quality is worth the splurge!

Finally, we have a luxury water-resistant vest to recommend. The Carhartt Chore vest is a great option for outdoorsy dogs. It’s a simple vest that is made with super high-quality materials. It has a canvas body that repels water expertly. The corduroy trim gives that premium classy look.

There are six classic, neutral colours to choose from in four sizes, which I think is a great range to cover most dogs in size and style.

The vest is made for utility and durability. It has two stitches pockets on either side for small items. The canvas material is virtually indestructible and breathable. There’s an inner polyester lining for added warmth and comfort.

Every member of our research team appreciated how the Carhartt Chore vest is fully machine washable. You can even tumble dry it on a low setting!

For a premium water-resistant dog vest that is perfect for working dogs, look no further than this top-quality product.

Do Dogs Need A Raincoat?

We have all sorts of dog apparel on the market. Dog shoes, dog jumpers, dog costumes etc.

Some are more aesthetic than others. (1) No, your dog does not need a Rudolf themed Christmas jumper. That’s all you!

So what about dog raincoats? Do they have a valid place in your dog’s winter wardrobe?

For our vote, yes, your dog needs one.

Related: Best Dog Coats.

You could argue that a dog’s fur is naturally rain repellant to a degree. Some fur is a little more absorbent than others but your dog will survive.

But to that I would say, you would also survive naked out in the rain. Your skin is also waterproof. It’s still not very pleasant!

We can tell that rain bothers dogs because they actively avoid it if they can. Unless forced to be outside in the rain, they’ll always favour shelter.

Rain poses a real threat to your dog’s health too.

So on top of the general discomfort of being cold and wet, your dog could get extremely sick if they are exposed to the rain. A raincoat can help keep your dog cosy and dry when the heavens open up.

Another great reason to purchase a raincoat for your dog is to protect them from wet muddy dirt getting all over their fur. They may love the splash of sludgy puddles and dirty raindrops but it’s not fun to have to wash them after their fun and games. A wet, muddy dog is by far the worst to clean up! A raincoat can protect their fur and sometimes their legs from getting too muddy on rainy days.

What I Look For In A Dog Raincoat

So you’re searching for the right raincoat for your pup? Here’s what our team of independent experts say you need to know.

Size

As with every perfect piece of clothing, it’s all about the perfect fit. Doggy raincoats are no exception. Some options are more forgiving than others when it comes to size and fit. They can be more fitted wraparounds or large smocks. The large smocks allow for a wide range of sizing as long as the coat doesn’t drag on the floor.

Most manufacturers will have a size guide to take accurate measurements for your dog’s coat. Heed these guidelines. We also recommend checking the reviews of the coat you’re interested in to make sure that the sizing has worked for dogs in the past.

If any dog owner is unhappy with the size guidelines, the reviews will reveal all!

Style

A cool dog raincoat just makes the whole experience a little brighter. You have khaki patterns, streamlined sporty neon designs and traditional yellow.

Your dog will be the most stylish superstar at the dog park!

Hood or No Hood?

Not all raincoats have hoods but they can be useful. Dogs have limited visibility during the rain so hoods can help keep rain from blocking their vision.

That said, it depends on the shape of your dog’s head and the fur they have. If your dog has a very short forehead, a hood may hinder more than it helps. It becomes a cute accessory at that point as opposed to the actual protection of your dog’s head and ears.

Water-resistant or Waterproof?

Not all raincoats are built equally. Specifically, some are labelled “water-resistant” and others are labelled “waterproof”. Don’t mistake these for the same thing.

While water-resistant raincoats aren’t completely waterproof, they still have their place. It doesn’t mean that the coat will be soaked through during heavy rainfall. It does mean that it will absorb a little more rain than a waterproof dog raincoat would.

It’s still unlikely that your dog will feel much rain through the layers of the coat. This is because water-resistant coats tend to have several layers, including fleece.

Waterproof raincoats can have several layers too. But a simple option could be a single sheet of waterproof material stitched into a dog coat.

Fleece or No Fleece

For that extra warmth, many raincoats have a fleece layer. This sounds lovely to our human ears, but your dog may not be so easily convinced.

Whether your dog will appreciate fleece depends on their size and breed. If you have a long-haired dog that will get hot easily, fleece is not a great idea. Unless you’re taking your dog on a snowy hike. In which case the extra warmth is worth it.

Likewise, a raincoat without fleece could be cold and uncomfortable to dogs with short hair.

The shorter the hair, the more layers you need.

Legs vs No Legs

As I said before, there are a few different styles of doggy raincoats on the market. Some are smock style and therefore don’t have sleeves. That leaves your dog’s legs completely free. The coat is fastened with a strap around the waist.

Other models do have sleeves that protect your dog’s legs. For these to fit, you need to place your dog’s paws through the sleeves.

Generally, the smock style works better for larger dogs. The sleeved style works better for small dogs.

My Final Say

Finding the right dog rain jacket for your pooch will depend on their size and needs. Our team of independent experts could all agree that the best all-rounders would be the Dog Nation models. You simply can’t beat that impressive size range and cool designs.

If you really want a dog raincoat with a hood, then the Ellie Dog Wear coats are beautiful! Classic styles, fully-adjustable and lightweight. These coats will keep your dog dry and happy in drizzly weather.

References

1. “Don't dress up dogs and cats for Facebook, Instagram: RSPCA” May 28, 2018. ABC News. Retrieved March 2, 2023. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-05-28/dressing-up-animals-for-social-media-cute-or-cruel/9796902
2. Grzyb, K. April 23, 2018. “Rainy Day Dangers for Dogs”. Pet MD. Retrieved March 2, 2023. https://www.petmd.com/dog/seasonal/rainy-day-dangers-dogs
   
3. Boyce, Tessa. December 16, 2016. “The most popular dogs that can't handle cold weather”. Chron. Retrieved March 2, 2023. https://www.chron.com/life/pets/article/The-most-popular-dogs-that-can-t-handle-cold-10798356.php#photo-12048293