Disclosure: Dogs of Australia is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we sometimes earn an affiliate commission at no added cost to you. Learn more
A wet dog is a fact of Australian life — even in states where it barely rains, when it does rain it usually pours. Whether you’re after something to keep your short-haired dog warm on a Melbourne winter walk or just trying to avoid the full-body shake in the back of the car, there are some genuinely good raincoats for dogs options out there.
Here are four worth considering, from a budget-friendly Amazon pick to a custom-made Australian coat.
Which Dogs Actually Need a Raincoat?
Most dogs cope fine with getting wet — their coat does most of the work. But there are situations where a raincoat earns its keep:
🐾 When a Raincoat Makes Sense
Short-haired breeds in cold weather
Staffies, Greyhounds, Whippets, Dachshunds and similar breeds have minimal insulation. A raincoat that also provides warmth is genuinely useful for these dogs on cold, wet days — not just a fashion item.
Dogs who get walked regardless of weather
If your dog gets a walk rain or shine, a coat keeps them more comfortable and significantly reduces the post-walk clean-up — less wet dog smell, less water tracked through the house, faster drying.
Senior dogs or dogs with health conditions
Older dogs and those with arthritis or immune issues can be more sensitive to cold and damp. A raincoat that adds warmth alongside weather protection is worth considering for regular outdoor time in winter.
Dogs who hate being wet
Some dogs flatly refuse to walk in rain. A coat doesn’t fix the attitude, but it does mean the walk is shorter on drama and quicker on drying time once you’re home.
Our Raincoat Picks
BEST BUDGET — LARGE DOGS
NACOCO Waterproof Dog Raincoat
A solid no-frills raincoat made from waterproof outdoor material with elastic leg straps and an adjustable belly strap. Over 3,000 reviews and a 4.5-star rating on Amazon. Available in multiple colours and sizes up to 3XL — one of the few budget options that genuinely fits larger breeds.
From $25.99
BEST FOR GREYHOUNDS & SIGHTHOUNDS
RRRUFFAustralia Greyhound Raincoat
Handmade in Australia and designed specifically for the greyhound body shape — deep chest, narrow waist, longer torso. Bonded fleece lining for warmth as well as weather protection, with velcro straps for easy on and off. A longer length option is available for tall hounds. Ships from NSW.
From $61
BEST FOR SMALL DOGS
MoreThanPaws Dog Raincoat
A water-resistant coat with reflective tape — useful for early morning and evening walks in winter when visibility is low. Velcro panels allow for a snug fit across different body shapes, and there’s a rear pocket for poo bags which is a genuinely handy detail. Multiple styles available.
From $49.95
BEST PREMIUM — LARGE BREEDS
MilameAU Custom Weatherproof Dog Coat
Made to your dog’s exact measurements on the Sunshine Coast, QLD. Weatherproof outer with warm fleece lining and adjustable velcro belly straps. The custom sizing is particularly valuable for large breeds with unusual proportions — barrel-chested dogs, long-backed breeds, or those who consistently fall between standard sizes.
From $99.95
How to Size a Dog Raincoat
Sizing varies significantly between brands, so always measure your dog rather than guessing by breed or weight. Most coats use back length and chest girth as the key measurements.
📏 Two Measurements You Need
Back length
- Measure from the base of the neck (where a collar sits) to the base of the tail
- Measure while your dog is standing
- This determines how far the coat covers your dog’s back
Chest girth
- Measure the widest part of the chest, just behind the front legs
- Keep the tape snug but not tight — allow room for movement
- This is the most important measurement for fit
If your dog falls between sizes, size up — a slightly loose coat is more comfortable and easier to move in than one that’s too tight. For unusual body shapes (deep-chested breeds, very long backs), a custom-made option like the MilameAU coat above is worth the extra cost to get the fit right.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Common Questions
Should dogs wear raincoats?
It depends on the dog. Short-haired breeds, sighthounds, senior dogs, and small dogs in cold climates benefit most. Dogs with thick double coats (Huskies, Malamutes, most working breeds) generally don’t need one — their natural coat handles rain well. If your dog shivers on wet walks or takes a long time to dry out, a raincoat is worth trying.
Do raincoats keep dogs warm as well as dry?
Some do, some don’t. A basic waterproof shell keeps rain off but adds minimal warmth. Coats with a fleece lining (like the RRRUFFAustralia and MilameAU options above) provide both. If your main concern is warmth rather than just dryness, check the lining before buying — or consider a separate dog blanket for indoor warmth.
Why does my dog smell worse when wet?
Wet fur activates compounds produced by bacteria and yeast that live naturally on a dog’s skin — the water releases them into the air, which is what creates that distinctive wet dog smell. It’s not a hygiene problem, just chemistry. Drying your dog thoroughly after walks (and keeping their coat clean) minimises it. A raincoat reduces how wet they get, which helps.
My dog hates wearing a coat. What should I do?
Start with short sessions indoors before expecting them to wear it outside. Let them sniff and investigate the coat first, then reward calm behaviour when it goes on. Keep the first few sessions brief — just a few minutes — and build up gradually. Most dogs that dislike coats come around within a week of consistent, positive introductions. If they’re genuinely distressed rather than just reluctant, it’s not worth pushing.
