Dog clothes: why do you need them and how to choose them?

Today, stylish dog clothing is especially popular, and is available in a wide variety on the shelves of specialized stores.

If you've already imagined what your pet would look like in a bright jumpsuit or a fashionable suit, we recommend learning more about which breeds need clothes and when, as well as reading expert advice on choosing new clothes and the training process.

Does a dog need clothes?

Demand creates supply, so today you can easily find stylish clothes for both a tiny Chihuahua and a formidable Rottweiler. However, many owners wonder whether dog clothes are necessary at all. Opinions on this matter vary, both among owners and among the pets themselves.

In fact, most breeds naturally blessed with thick fur and a warm undercoat require virtually no additional clothing. Even in freezing temperatures, long-haired breeds will stay warm during walks, provided they're given sufficient exercise. However, in damp weather, a fashionable coat will save owners the trouble of bathing their pet after every walk, protecting their coat from dirt.

Find out also about How to measure a dog for clothing on our website.

Fashionable things take on a slightly different meaning when it comes to representatives of decorative breeds such as Chihuahuas, toy terriers, Chinese crested dogs, YorkiesFor these little ones, a full wardrobe for various occasions is a good idea, as they need protection from both winter frosts and the scorching summer sun. Often, toy breeds with short hair (or no hair at all) get cold even indoors when the temperature drops below 18ºC.

The purpose of clothing for dogs can be varied:

• Winter clothes are designed to protect the animal from low temperatures;
• raincoats will be indispensable in wet weather in spring and autumn;
• knitted suits will keep you warm at home during the cold months;
• Summer variations will protect delicate skin from the aggressive effects of sun rays;
• Stylish clothes and funny costumes will lift the spirits of both the owners and the pet itself.

Your pet's wardrobe may also include hats and shoes. While it's certainly more difficult to accustom your pet to these items than to a jacket or overalls, they are still essential for some animals. For example, in large cities, roads are heavily coated with chemicals in winter, which often causes skin inflammation and the formation of painful wounds between the toes.

Based on a number of factors listed, you can conclude whether your dog needs clothing and, if so, what kind.

How to choose a new outfit

Experienced breeders recommend choosing clothes for your pet the same way you would choose clothes for a small child.

First of all, it is necessary to pay attention to the following important parameters:

• naturalness (the use of synthetic materials in multi-layered winter clothing is permitted, but the inner layer must be natural);
• quality of tailoring (seams and fittings should not injure the animal’s skin);
• practicality of fabric (things will need to be washed frequently, so choose practical and durable materials);
• cutting features (clothing should not restrict movement and should take into account the breed’s body type);
• location of the clasp (you should take off and put on the item as quickly as possible).

When choosing, remember that clothes for “boys” and “girls” differ in cut, which is due to anatomical features.

Important! Never buy clothes for dogs that are too big to grow into, as they will prevent your pet from moving properly (they will constantly get tangled), which will cause a lasting negative reaction.

While the selection of clothing for miniature breeds is truly vast, owners of medium and large breeds can find it more difficult to find the perfect fit. When shopping in a brick-and-mortar store, you can simply try on a jumpsuit or jacket you like. This isn't possible when shopping online. In such cases, it's best to focus on these basic parameters.

It's also worth considering that members of the same breed can vary greatly in size. For example, a Yorkie's weight should normally not exceed 3 kg, although in practice it may be slightly higher. Therefore, choosing clothes exclusively "based on the breed" is not recommended.

The optimal option for animals with a non-standard build (elongated body, large chest circumference, etc.) would be custom-made clothing.

One of the most important rules is to dress your dog according to the season.

Always consider the air temperature and the conditions your pet will be traveling in. On a cold day, a warm down jacket or fur coat is perfect for a walk, but if you're stuck in a car, a tight bag, or a shopping mall wearing such items, even a hairless dog will overheat, which can negatively impact its health.

Getting used to clothes

So, are you sure you have no doubts about why your pet needs dog clothes, and can you already imagine them in a fashionable jumpsuit? Don't be surprised if you encounter a loud protest the first time you try on the new outfit. It's a new and not always pleasant experience for your pet, just like the first time. collar, leash, a harness, or a muzzle. The process of accustoming your dog to things should be gradual.

Naturally, the sooner you start accustoming your puppy to clothes, the easier and faster the process will be.

Experienced breeders advise:

• start with a short and light knitted tank top without sleeves, a hood, fur, pom-poms, buttons and any other decorative elements;
• dress the puppy quickly, distracting him with affectionate conversation and his favorite treat;
• in the first days, the time spent in clothes can be limited to a few minutes (it all depends on the animal’s attitude);
• Do not leave your pet alone and do not allow him to chew or try to chew on clothes, just keep him busy with an exciting game;
• Be sure to praise and reward for obedience.

In practice, dogs get used to various jackets, vests, and blankets fairly quickly. The most difficult part is getting a dog used to shoes. The success of this endeavor largely depends on the patience and persistence of the owners.

Once your pet gets used to the first item, you can gradually add variety to their wardrobe by buying a variety of fashionable dog clothes. But don't rush into a fashion show; give your pet time to get used to each new item.

Watch the video for a veterinarian's advice on choosing dog clothing:

Read also:

• How to choose the right dog
• How and which kitten to choose?
• Ladder for small breed dogs