Does My Pitbull Need A Winter Coat or Sweater? The 5 Best Coats to Keep Your Pitbull Warm

While the weather does vary depending on where you live, we can all agree that winter is upon us. The temperature has dropped, and snow has begun to fall, but does this mean your dog needs a winter coat or sweater?

While it’s easy to tell that breeds with double-layered coats, like Huskies and German Shepherds, do well in the winter on their own, it’s harder to tell with breeds that have shorter coats, like Pitbulls.

Your Pitbull will need a coat or a sweater in the winter. With their short single-layered coat, Pitbulls don’t have much protection from the cold and will be at risk of getting sick with hypothermia. If the temperature drops below 40°F, it’s best to put your Pit Bull in a coat or sweater to keep it warm and protect it from getting sick.

Keep reading to learn more about why your Pitbull need a winter coat and how to keep your Pitbull warm in the winter.

Why Does Your Pitbull Need A Winter Coat?

Pit Bulls are quite capable of handling most situations in life, but severe winter weather is one area where they are unequipped. That is because they have single-layer coats with short hair that don’t provide enough insulation against cold temperatures, putting them at risk of getting sick.

So, most Pit Bulls need to wear coats or sweaters during the winter to help them stay warm and protect them from getting sick, especially when the temperature drops lower at night.

The range of temperatures to which a specific Pit Bull breed can survive varies depending on a few factors, which include:

• Coat Density and Color
• Age
• Health
• Weight

So, to put it simply, a healthy, young black Pit Bull may withstand the elements better than a white, unhealthy, emaciated senior Pit Bull. That dark dog will stay warmer on a lovely sunny day, and the body fat can also contribute to a little more heat production, making the dog more capable of handling cold weather.

How Cold Is Too Cold for Pit Bulls?

Any temperature lower than 40°F is too cold for Pit Bulls. 

The typical range of temperatures that a Pit Bull can withstand is between 45°F and 60°F. Once the temperature drops below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll probably start to notice your Pit Bull getting uncomfortable.

If your Pit Bull is very energetic and constantly running around in the cold weather, it may generate enough body heat to be comfortable. Still, extremely cold weather can rapidly lead to hypothermia and frostbite in dogs, so make sure to keep an eye on your Pit Bull and check for indications that they’re not coping with the cold well.

The Signs of Hypothermia in Dogs

Here are the Signs of Hypothermia in dogs to watch out for:

• Shivering
• Laziness or lethargy
• Stiffness
• Pale or gray gums
• Stumbling, difficulty walking, or lack of coordination
• Fixed and dilated pupils
• Low heart and breathing rates
• Collapse
• or even coma

Your dog will be shivering and appear lethargic if he is suffering from minor hypothermia. As the hypothermia progresses, additional symptoms emerge. Your dog’s attention shifts to maintaining his vital organs in operation by restricting blood flow from the rest of his body as his body enters heat conservation mode. Hypothermia can be deadly if not treated promptly.

How to Treat Hypothermia in Dogs?

Warming your dog and wrapping it in a blanket until the shivering stops can help relieve mild hypothermia.

If the dog’s temperature drops to 90-94°F, you need to use heating pads to bring its temperature up to normal. However, it’s not recommended to use heating pads with short-haired dogs, as their skin is easy to burn. Instead, you can use bottles filled with warm water and place them around your dog.

When severe hypothermia is present, immediate veterinary care is required. Unfortunately, despite all efforts, some dogs do not survive hypothermia.

How to Keep Your Pit Bull Warm in the Winter?

Keeping your Pit Bull warm in the winter is as simple as keeping yourself warm; you just need to put your dog in a decent coat, sweater, and shoes when going outdoors.

Keep in mind that the coat or sweater you get for your Pit Bull should cover it from the neck down to the base of its tails, as well as adequately cover its bellies.

Moreover, Pit Bulls love blankets. Nothing makes my Pit Bull happier than to curl up beneath a comfortable blanket after a chilly trek. If you just got inside from a particularly chilly walk, I recommend putting your dog’s blanket in the dryer for a few minutes to warm it up even more.

I also recommend keeping your dog’s bedding in a well-ventilated area to reduce the risk of moisture build-up during winter months, as this can lead to respiratory distress and pneumonia. Most importantly, make sure your has enough food! If your Pit Bull’s energy levels drop from tiredness or lack of nutrition, it won’t matter how warmly dressed it is.

The Best Winter Coats and Sweaters for Pit Bulls

It’s critical to outfit your Pit Bull with the right winter apparel. Hypothermia, frostbite, and paw injuries can occur rapidly during the winter, so you need to be cautious.

Dog coats and sweaters come in a wide range of materials, from fleece to nylon. Some pitbull owners have also reported success with putting their dogs in human child-sized coats.

Winterizing your Pit Bull does not need to be a chore – it will only take a few minutes from you and can protect them from some very unpleasant conditions.

Here are the coats my Pitbulls have loved the most out of the dozens I’ve tested with them over the years:

Kurgo Loft Jacket

The reversible dog vest is ideal for keeping your dog warm during the chilly fall and winter months when out on walks, hikes, and runs; reflective piping on the dog jacket makes it easy to spot your pet when night falls early. An adjustable hook and loop closure allows for a custom fit.

Canada Pooch True North Insulated Dog Parka

This puppy parka is made with a soft fleece lining and artificial down insulation for maximum warmth in all types of weather.

The water-resistant shell will keep your doggie guy dry, while the dual hook and loop closure ensures this puppy coat stays in place. This dog coat includes a slit for attaching a leash, so you’ll have no trouble getting your pup out for a walk.

If you’re looking for more recommendations, check out my full guide on the best winter coats for Pit Bulls.

The Best Dog Boots for Your Pit Bull

Dog Boots are another essential for your pitbull in the winter, not only because of the snow that makes the ground slippery and cold to walk on but also to protect their feet from the salt that we throw to melt the snow.

This salt, known as rock salt, can do some serious damage to your dog’s paws, so it’s definitely worth it to keep their paws protected in the winter.

XSY&G Dog Boots

Made from high-quality fabrics, these waterproof boots offer uncompromising quality for the money. They are soft and breathable, so they are very comfortable for your dog to wear, and they are very well-made and offer excellent protection for your dog’s feet from the cold weather.

PK.ZTopia Dog Boots, Waterproof Dog Boots

These dog boots Provide traction and stability, protection from sharp thorns and hot pavement, and help dogs with mobility and balance on tile and sand. They’re soft and breathable, as well as tough anti-slip soles that offer stability and traction.

They are available in different sizes, and, in my experience, they are probably the easiest boots to get on and off your dog.