LÈ PUP dog raincoats for the spring season

When it rains, it pours. And while a saunter in the rain might be exactly what you need to clear your head, your dog will more than likely prefer to stay home and have a nap instead. A little bit of precipitation can quickly turn into a soggy mess when your pup's coat is not up to par. To make sure that your furry friend is as well-equipped for springtime showers as they are for summertime sun, keep these pointers in mind:

Find the right material for your dog coat.

Your dog raincoat should be made from highly waterproof materials, such as polyester, softshell (like our Rainsuits) or materials which have been treated with a waterproof coating to prevent saturation. Be sure that your dog's rain gear also prevents overheating as well — lightweight and breathable materials are key, especially for a waterproof dog onesie.

• Waterproofness: Look for materials that don't soak through easily. Materials that are fully waterproof and can have been treated with a waterproof coating or are water-repellant are usually best. This will help keep water out and dry fur in.
  
  
• Lightweight: Choose lightweight fabrics so that your pup doesn't feel weighed down by her coat. Nobody likes carrying around dead weight!
  
  
• Breathability: Avoid materials that are not breathable like plastic coats –  which isn’t any fun for you or your dog and harms the environment.

Waterproof, water-resistant & water-repellent.

What’s the difference between waterproof, water resistant and water repellent? 

Waterproof dog coats come in different levels of waterproofness depending on how long they are able to remain waterproof for. Fully-Waterproof materials have submersible capabilities, meaning they don’t allow any water penetration even when totally submerged in water. They also require heat-sealed seams that prevent water coming through the stitching. Often, fully-waterproof or 100% waterproof coats are not necessary unless you are in heavy, sustained rain of 10,000mm or more. When it comes to 100% waterproof dog coats, you may find yourself sacrificing comfort or breathability unnecessarily, when all that is needed is a waterproof outer layer. The inner lining of your dog coat can then be either fleece or micro-fleece, keeping your pup warm and comfortable. Highly waterproof coats certainly offer enough protection when it comes to water penetration. 

Water-repellent coats normally undergo a manufacturing process which results in a finish which is very difficult for water to actually penetrate. Whilst they are not fully waterproof,  they normally contain some kind of coating, most commonly in the form of a wax. Sometimes these types of fabrics need to be reproofed with a water repellent coating after a number or months or years. It also depends on how frequently they are used and washed, and how they are washed.

Water-resistant coats and fabrics usually contain natural properties which, whilst they may struggle to keep your pup dry in extreme weather conditions, will mostly offer protection from light showers. Eventually, if subjected to enough water, water-resistant fabrics may start to allow water through. They are also sometimes referred to as showerproof.

Which fabric is best for my dog coat?

If you are in a country that experiences monsoon style rain, or your pup needs protection from heavy rain for many hours, highly waterproof materials are the best option for your pup. Otherwise, water-repellent fabrics are fit for purpose. Water-resistant fabrics usually offer the least protection out of the three options but it does depend on the material. Our wool dog jumpsuits for example are naturally water-resistant due to the thickness and tightly woven fabric, believe it or not, this material would provide adequate protection from light showers, although the jumpsuit will begin to soak through eventually.

Look for fleece or micro-fleece lining.

Look for a fleece lined coat or micro-fleece lining. This is especially important if your dog has a short or thin coat, and will be walking in the rain (or snow) during cooler months. Even if your dog already has a waterproof outer layer to his fur, it's helpful to have an inner layer of fleece or micro-fleece that can keep him warm and dry at the same time. For dogs with long, thin coats—like greyhounds—a waterproof lining is even more beneficial.

Pay attention to style.

If you’re shopping for a raincoat for your pup, it’s important to pay attention to style. Just like humans, dogs have different fashion preferences and styles that suit them best. A raincoat should reflect the style of the dog and also reflect the style of its owner.

Consider purchasing a rain jacket that matches your wardrobe or one that matches your dog’s personality. For instance, if you are wearing bright colours in the spring and summer months, look for a bright raincoat to match the season and compliment your outfit. During autumn, matching khaki tones can be paired with black or teal outerwear when it starts raining.

Another consideration is whether or not you want a sophisticated look or something more casual. Some people prefer their pups to be dressed to the nines when going about town on walks together. Others prefer something more laid back for everyday use; this depends on your lifestyle as well as that of your pup’s!

Choose a coat that fits your dog's body shape.

When it comes to finding the perfect raincoat for your dog, a key factor is knowing what style will fit him or her best. And just like people, every dog has a different body shape!

Take breed, for example. Generally speaking, sighthound breeds have an unusual body shape with deep chests and small waists, the more exaggerated that is, the more that is going to affect coat sizing and fit. Italian greyhound and whippet dog coats can be especially difficult to fit for and there's a lot to consider when choosing a waterproof whippet coat. If you have a sighthound, you may want to consider having your whippet coats or greyhound coats made to measure to ensure a perfect fit. If you have a larger dog with a lot of fur, you will need to take that into consideration when measuring your dog and selecting the correct size.

Larger dogs or dogs with broader shoulders and chests, will need coats with wide arm holes so they won't feel restricted when they're running around in their rain gear. Be sure not to go overboard with sizing either; too much extra room can lead to discomfort and even difficulty moving. That might prevent them from running around at full speed outside on rainy days!

In addition, making sure there's plenty of clearance for good circulation around your canine friend's legs so he doesn't feel like he's being suffocated by tight fabrics while wearing this type of apparel­—it also ensures proper airflow underneath them which helps regulate their temperature and contributes towards better overall breathability and comfort.

Make sure it's comfortable for your dog to wear.

Make sure that it's a good fit and that it doesn't shift or restrict your dog's movements during their typical routines. It should be snug enough for wind-breaking but loose enough to allow for full range of motion and comfort.

And because our dogs can’t talk and tell us if something doesn't feel right, we use our hands to do the talking for them. Fabric texture is an important factor, as some dogs may have sensitive skin that could react negatively to certain materials—and if they're uncomfortable putting on (and wearing) the jacket in the first place, then what’s the point?

In the warmer months, choose a jacket made from lighter materials and you may want to avoid black to prevent materials soaking up too much heat on your pup's back.

Make sure it has adjustable straps or fittings around their belly and neck.

If you’re shopping for a dog raincoat, make sure it is adjustable around the head and neck to prevent water getting in and to improve comfort. Elasticated waists also help in this category and will ensure an optimal fit around your dog’s chest and torso. Remember, dogs come in all shapes and sizes, so if you buy a coat that is too big, it may get caught on things when your dog is out for a walk. Conversely, if the raincoat fits too small, it will be uncomfortable for your fur-baby to wear. Trust me—you want your pup to enjoy their new threads!

We want to make sure that you and your pup are happy.

If you've ever walked your dog and let him get drenched in the rain, you know how miserable he can be. In fact, he might even try to hide under your jacket or umbrella just to stay dry. It doesn't have to be that way. Our LÈ PUP rainsuits will keep your dog warm, dry, and comfortable regardless of the weather. That it looks great is just icing on the cake! So before purchasing one of our LÈ PUP coats, make sure you know how to properly measure your pet so he gets the right fit; otherwise his coat could turn into more of a hindrance than a help during inclement weather.

Once you've got him fitted in his brand-new coat, it's time to show your pup how great it is! Take him out for a walk as soon as possible so he can get used to the new outfit and see what an asset this new accessory will be when Mother Nature comes calling with her rainspout wide open. If there is any reluctance (which can happen with new outfits), take things slowly at first by letting him wear the coat indoors. This will give him some time to get used to wearing it. The longer he wears his new raincoat around indoors without fussing with it much, the more likely he'll wear it outside without fussing with it much either (and then hopefully enjoy wearing it!).

Of course we don't want our dogs' clothes getting dirty or stinky even if they're running or rolling around outdoors while wearing them! To keep these coats clean, fresh and well fitted, follow the washing instructions closely for each outfit.