5 cold-weather picks for your doggo this winter

2nd International Dog Sled Championship in Stratena, Slovakia
2nd International Dog Sled Championship in Stratena, Slovakia | Anadolu/GettyImages

Winter is just around the corner and while keeping warm is no joke for us humans, it's certainly no joke for your dog friends as well. Ensuring they are warm and comfortable not only helps them live a relaxing life, but it can be vital to their health as well. With that in mind, let's take a look at some of the best cold-weather items for dogs this winter

Winter coat

If you are taking your dog outside for walks in the cold weather, they need a winter coat. Unless they have masses of fur, your dog must have a coat. It's not just an aesthetic thing. Especially if you have a small dog and they are going outside. It keeps their bodies warm and protects their health.

But now to the fun part! Picking out coats. Amazon has a ton of them, and they can range in price from $15 to over $40. I paid quite a bit for my dog's coat, but it has lasted for over five years. The JoyDaog two layer coat offers cuteness, plenty of colors, and it's one of the less expensive options. It's a win-win.

Comfy dog bed

No matter what time of year it is, your dog needs a comfy dog bed, but that is especially the case in the winter. While having an open bed makes it easier for your dog to get into, a cushy one with a pocket they can cuddle in makes winter days a lot more manageable. That's where the Amazon Basics Cave Dog comes in. It's pricier at just under $70 but comes in two different sizes depending on how much room your dog needs (or that you have in your home).

5 must-haves for your dog this winter season

Dog blanket

You can take this to mean two things: either a blanket with dogs on it that you share with your dog or a blanket that is specifically made with your dog in mind. Your choice. Either way, as long as it's warm and soft, your dog will love it. Just make sure that if your dog is a chewer, that you don't spend too much on this.

Heating pad

While heating pads are most associated with helping with injuries (even for dogs), they can also be incredibly comfortable during the winter too. If your dog is coming inside after adventures in teh snow, set up a heating pad in their dog bed or under their favorite blanket, and they will love you forever.

Snow toys

Ok, toys aren't really a necessity, but why not get into the winter season with some snow-themed dog toys for your pupper. Whether you get them a fuzzy Frosty to sleep with, a snowflake toy you can hide treats in, or a bunch of snowball toys that will be perfect for playing fetch. From Amazon to Bark to Petsmart, you can find just about any type of toy that fits this theme.