Make Your Pooch Stand Out With Dog Clothing

Dog clothing is a fun way to show your dog's personality, loyalty to a sports team or to simply call attention to them. There are many types of fun clothes for dogs, like hats, coats, boots, Halloween costumes and even pyjamas. Also, you aren’t limited to only buying small dog clothes, there is every size imaginable available right now. However, they can serve a practical purpose, as well. Clothing can provide your pet with protection from the elements like rain, wind, snow and even the sun. Additionally, clothes can help to keep their coat clean and provide resistance to fleas and ticks.

Because dogs need to go outside to do their business, regardless of the weather, protective clothing for dogs can be a great asset. A raincoat will keep your pooch warm and dry. It will also be nice when the dog comes inside so you don't have a dripping wet, smelly dog that will get furniture wet and you won't have to dry them off. Boots can protect paws from exposure to frostbite and keep them from getting ice frozen on them, which can be painful. They are also good for muddy days and rain puddles.

Sun and UV rays can also be damaging to dogs, especially those with thin coats or aging dogs that may be losing fur. The underbelly is especially at risk on all dogs that like to lie out in the sun and roll around on their backs. For the active dog that goes out on the water in a boat, a life jacket is the best protection to keep them from getting swept away or drowning, if they fall into rough water. A reflective vest is a good idea for to ensure safety for night walks.

Just like most human clothing, especially women's, fit can vary from company to company. Therefore, it is a good idea to have your dog's exact measurement to ensure the best fit, particularly if ordering online (if you know your dog’s size, I really recommend ordering online. You can find some really cheap dog clothes on the internet if you don’t mind doing a little digging). It is not enough just to go by a type of breed or an estimate of weight. If your dog is in between sizes, always go up a size. It is better to be too big because it can then be tailored, rather than too small and tight. You can get clothing custom made for a dog that may be hard to fit, or if you just want a truly unique outfit. Typically, the length for a coat, dress or sweater will reach to the base of the tail, while things like t-shirts and tops will end at about two to four inches above the tail.

To take your dog's measurements use a loose tape measure and make sure your dog is standing. For the neck measurement, simply measure around the neck. You can also measure your dog's collar. Next, measure the chest at the widest point and go the whole way around the body. This is usually the area directly behind the front legs. Finally, to get the length, measure from the base of the neck at the point where the collar is, to the base, or the beginning of, the tail. For garments with legs, you will need to measure the length of the legs, as well as the circumference of the leg. For the boot or shoe size, measure the paw from front to back and the whole way around the paw.

Finally, do not force your dog to wear clothing if it is obvious that they hate it. Make sure the clothing fits properly. Anything too large can snag on things and anything too tight can be painful and constricting. Only put your dog in clothing if you will be watching them the whole time to avoid any unnecessary accidents.

If you found this article interesting, you should check out my articles on the Turbo Scratcher, Urine Gone, and a cat litter scoop buying guide.