When the temperature plummets, you pile on your winter gear. But you might be wondering if your pooch needs extra layers, too. Are dog coats necessary in the winter, or is their fur enough to insulate them from the cold? Let's find out.

Do Dogs Need Winter Coats?

They just might. Even dogs with thick coats can get hypothermia or frostbite in freezing weather, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). If the temperature is in the mid-40s Fahrenheit / 4.4 degrees Celsius or lower, it's definitely time to dress that pet. Melissa Pezzuto, a behavior team lead consultant for Best Friends Animal Society, told New York Magazine that "If your dog is shivering, lifting paws up to avoid the cold, or burrowing under a blanket, they may be a candidate for some winter weather clothing."

That said, there are many variables that factor into whether dogs need additional layers, including the specific climate outside and your dog's breed, age and health.

How to Decide If Your Dog Needs a Jacket

Large dogs with thick and dense coats, such as Siberian huskies and Alaskan malamutes, don't need protection from the cold, the AKC reports. The AKC says that other dogs, however, might need extra warmth: Chihuahuas and French bulldogs don't generate and retain enough heat to spend a lot of time in the cold. And dogs like Pembroke Welsh corgis, who are low to the ground, are also more affected by low temperatures. Dogs with lean bodies, like greyhounds, and dogs who have their hair clipped, like poodles, may also benefit from additional layers. Your mixed-breed dog might need a winter coat if they have a thinner coat or if they're low to the ground.

Since heat regulation diminishes with age, elderly pets, regardless of breed, might benefit from extra layers. While a light jacket is fine for dogs with thicker coats, a winter jacket is best for small dogs or dogs with thinner coats.