Dog Clothing for Safety and Comfort Articles | Dog and Puppies

By: Jeremy C.W

Dog clothing has been gaining popularity recently, mainly because of stars such as Paris Hilton and Oprah Winfrey displaying the hippest doggie fashion on their pets. At one time, all that was available were rather plain looking doggie coats. Well, the times have changed and now there are all sorts of dog clothing available to dress up your dog.

A good reason to dress up your in dog clothing is to protect them from the harmful extremes of temperatures. People assume that just because dogs have a natural furry coat, they are automatically protected from the cold. This is not always the case. Even the thickest dog body coat is penetrable and a dog cannot tell you if he feels cold.

These days, a typical dog clothing line ranges from sweaters to coats to dresses and even pyjamas and booties. Dog Booties can be fleece-lined or waterproof, depending what they are worn for. They can also save your kitchen floor from getting covered in muddy paw prints! You can even find glittery party clothes for your dog or studded leather items for that special occasion.

One thing to bear in mind is that dog clothing should always be safe. The clothes should be streamlined and if you plan to walk your dog after dark, a coat with reflective panels is a good idea.

You can even get life jackets for your boat trips just to be safe in case your dog falls off or is caught in choppy water. Remember, different dog breeds handle water differently and not all dogs are good swimmers. Rain slickers can protect them from harsh rain and hats and caps can protect them from the harmful UV rays of the sun.

Although many people still dress their dogs solely to make a fashion statement, which is a mistake, your dog should be more comfortable in their clothing than not in them. Safety and comfort are crucial factors.

Depending on the item, dog clothing ranges in pricing, from five dollars for a basic coat to hundreds of dollars for a designer item. You can easily get these items from a pet store or online, but a pet store is recommended, to check the garment’s fit before purchasing it.

Again, depending on your dog breed, it will be a good idea to get dog clothing that is comfortable in the temperatures where you live in. There is no reason to clothe him just for the sake of it. On the other hand, if your dog is a typical short-haired breed living in a cold climate, a doggie coat might appeal to him greatly.

It’s true, doggie coats do serve their purpose. However, glittery pink doggie dresses solely for the sake of the owner’s personal enjoyment should be viewed with caution.

It is not natural for a dog to wear clothing as a form of decoration and most will struggle to get out of it, at least at first. Some breeds are a little bit more patient like an older dog who might not struggle so much. An older dog who feels the cold will surely appreciate that extra layer.

Never leave a dressed dog alone. If he is uncomfortable in his clothes, he might attempt to chew and sallow them or get hurt while falling down because of being caught in the elastic straps or parts.

If you see an item you like, check to see that it is safe (must be non-toxic, no straps he can tangle himself in etc) and if it doesn’t fit well, do not buy it.