Winter Essentials

A warm, well-fitting coat or insulated vest is the main essential, along with a reflective harness and leash for visibility and a supportive bed to warm up on afterwards. Short-haired breeds, puppies and older dogs feel the cold most and benefit the most from a coat.

Not every dog needs one, but short-haired breeds, small dogs, puppies and senior dogs lose heat quickly and are more comfortable in a coat on cold walks. Thick double-coated breeds often cope without one, so judge by your dog's build and how they behave in the cold.

Choose harnesses and leashes with reflective trim, and add a light-up or high-visibility accessory for the darkest walks. Reflective elements bounce back car headlights so your dog is seen from a distance on winter mornings and evenings.

An orthopaedic bed with a warm, supportive surface is ideal in winter, especially for older dogs or those with joint stiffness. Look for a raised or bolstered edge to trap warmth and give your dog somewhere cosy to curl up.

Use a warm, washable seat cover or hammock to protect against mud and cold, and keep your dog secured with a seat belt attachment and harness. This keeps winter trips clean, warm and safe.

Measure your dog's chest girth, neck and back length and check each product against the size guide, since fit varies by product. A good fit keeps coats warm and harnesses both safe and comfortable over a winter layer.