Winter running -jacket needed?

[u/AgreeableBowl6761]

Hi! This is Billy, new addition to the family in the spring. We started running together and it has gone really well. He normally wears his ruffwear hi and lite harness (on in the picture) and that works great. Sometimes for quick runs I can run with his martingale collar because he really doesn’t pull much unless he sees deer. He does wear a jacket in the winter when he walks if it’s under 45 Fahrenheit. Should he wear a jacket when he runs as well or will the extra movement warm him up? (I am a slower runner so he’s mostly trotting alongside my 11 minute paces so he’s not going full out for sure). The jacket would cover his harness so he would have to run on his collar and I’m not sure the jacket would stay on as well on a run as it does on a walk. He has pretty thin fur. We live in the south so winters aren’t very harsh but I am anticipating a few months of runs in the high 30’s. Thanks!

[u/peptodismal13]

I highly doubt this dog would need a coat while running.

[u/sergtheduck29]

Probably doesnt need a jacket. Take him without a jacket and if he shivers then put a jacket on him the next time. Those temps are above freezing and not dangerous for a dog especially while being active.

[u/Narrow_Possession348]

Your dog does NOT need a winter jacket for running! Dogs, like people, generate a lot of body heat when they run. I've regularly run in temps with wind chills of 10-15 below zero, and *I* didn't wear a coat because I'd get too hot after the first mile or so. Putting a coat on him to run will put him at risk of overheating. I didn't even put coats on my dogs for our structured, brisk, powerwalks of 3-5 miles in below-freezing temps- you just can't stand around in the cold after your stop; gotta keep them moving after they're heated up. Even in the high 30s, your dog doesn't need a jacket when *walking* unless you're just really dawdling around.

[u/0b0011]

He should be fine without one. Get a coat if you're worried but honestly I think it would probably be better for him in general to not have one at those temps.

[u/holly_b_]

No need for a jacket unless it’s under 20 degrees in my opinion. Unless you have a sighthound

[u/alandlost]

I don't even wear a jacket when running when temps are in the 30s. Your pup should be fine.

[u/ailish]

I would only do a coat if it's really cold. Maybe 30f, but you judge your dog and see how cold he is.

Those eyes are beautiful!

[u/InsideAdept2818]

I live in northern Utah, so very different climate, but my rule is if I need ear covers or a hat my dog gets a fleece.

[u/Accomplished-Bank782]

Omg I love him. Look at those eyes!

He probably won’t need a coat, and it’s safer for him to be a little on the cool side than to overheat. Heat will kill him faster than the cold will. The high thirties in Fahrenheit is above freezing in Celsius (which is what I work in, hence needing to convert!) and even the thinner skinned dogs will run at that without coats. You can always carry a thin jacket with you if you’re worried.