Dog clothes for autumn: rain, wind and cold
In short: in autumn a dog needs protection from three things — wind, rain and cold. In dry cool weather a hoodie, turtleneck or vest is enough. In rain and slush — an anorak or a water-repellent jumpsuit. In late autumn, when it is cold and wet — an insulated jumpsuit, a puffer vest or a jacket.
Autumn temperature chart: what your dog should wear
As a rule of thumb for autumn walks, small and short-haired dogs need a light layer from about +10 °C (50 °F), a warm layer at +5…0 °C (41…32 °F), and a water-repellent top in rain and slush whatever the temperature. Dogs with a thick double coat usually need nothing in autumn.
| Weather | Small and short-haired dogs | Dogs with a thick double coat |
|---|---|---|
| +15…+5 °C (59…41 °F) | usually nothing on mild dry days; from about +10 °C (50 °F) down, and on chilly mornings, evenings or windy days, a light layer: a hoodie, turtleneck or long-sleeve tee | not needed |
| +5…0 °C (41…32 °F) | a warm layer: a brushed hoodie, fleece vest or fleece anorak | not needed |
| Rain, wind, slush | in wind, a raincoat-fabric or fleece vest; in rain, a fleece anorak; in heavy rain and slush, a jumpsuit that covers the belly and legs | an optional raincoat or jumpsuit to keep the coat dry and clean |
Puppies, senior and clipped dogs follow the same advice as small dogs. Once temperatures stay below freezing, switch to the chart in our winter dog clothes guide; for a breakdown by dog type, see our guide Does my dog need clothes.
What to choose for the weather
| Weather | What works | Feel with Fill models |
|---|---|---|
| Dry and cool, morning and evening | a light warm layer | “Hugme” brushed hoodie, “Charmie” turtleneck, “Waffle” longsleeve |
| Wind | a windproof top | “Vivienne” vest in raincoat fabric, fleece vest |
| Rain | a water-repellent top | fleece anorak, “Heaven” membrane jumpsuit |
| Cold and slush in late autumn | insulated, covering the belly | fleece jumpsuit, “Puffy” puffer vest, “Brooklyn Jacket” |
Hoodie, anorak or jumpsuit: the difference
Hoodies and turtlenecks are for dry cool weather and for home. Knitwear and brushed fleece keep the dog warm but do not protect from rain.
An anorak is a light fleece top with a water-repellent finish. It holds heat on cool days and protects from light rain; the binding along the zip keeps the coat from catching.
A vest covers the back and chest and leaves the legs free. A raincoat-fabric vest blocks wind, a padded puffer vest in waterproof fabric protects from cold and damp.
A jumpsuit is the best protection in slush: it covers the belly and legs from dirt and water. The “Heaven” jumpsuit is water-repellent and has a removable hood; a fleece jumpsuit keeps the warmth in.
What to look at in autumn
• Harness opening. Many Feel with Fill models have an opening for a harness.
• Fastenings. A zip on the back or snap buttons make dressing fast even with a restless dog.
• Layers. In changeable weather a light T-shirt or longsleeve under a vest works well.
• The right size. The piece must not press under the legs; choose by chest girth — see the size guide.
• After the walk dry the clothes and the coat, and take the clothes off at home.
Ready-made autumn pieces — fleece anoraks, fleece and “Teddy” vests, “Furry” and “Teddy” hoodies, the “Charmie” turtleneck, the “Heaven” jumpsuit and the “Brooklyn Jacket” — are gathered in our Autumn Collection. You can also browse by type: dog hoodies, fleece anoraks and dog vests.
Does my dog need clothes in autumn?
Small, short-haired, senior dogs and puppies — often yes, especially in rain and wind. Dogs with a dense undercoat usually do not. More in “Does my dog need clothes”.
Anorak or jumpsuit for rain?
For light rain and short walks an anorak is enough. For heavy rain, slush and mud a jumpsuit is better because it also covers the belly and legs.
Can autumn clothes be worn in winter?
Insulated models — a fleece jumpsuit, a puffer vest, a jacket — work in early winter too. For frost, choose the warmest options — see winter dog clothes for the full guide.
What if my dog has an unusual build?
Any Feel with Fill model can be made to your dog’s measurements. Production time 3–6 business days.
