What kind of dog would benefit from clothing?
Being cold, wet and dirty is not pleasant for humans, but what about dogs? You may think that Fideo loves to go outside, roll in the mud and wash in the rain, but over time, as he gets older, this could become problematic for him.
Some dogs will have trouble adjusting to changing climates, new surroundings, different seasons, and weather. If you find that your dog is lethargic during the winter, refusing to go outside, shivering even when inside, then it might be time to consider getting him an extra layer in the form of dog clothes; this also works in the heat as there are items designed to help keep dogs cool and prevent sunburn.
There are various situations that require dogs to have an extra coat or protection from the elements, but there are also breeds of dogs or dogs in certain situations that need clothing anyway. Dogs that fall into one or more of the following categories will likely benefit from an extra coat:
- Older/senior dogs
- Injured or recovering dogs
- Small dogs as they are closer to the ground and easily get wet
- Dogs with fine or thinning coat
- working dogs
- Dogs that live or work in extreme climates
What types of clothing are there?
In human fashion there is a wide and diverse series of garments and accessories and this is becoming the case for dog clothing as well. These are the types of items available for your dogs:
- rain jackets
- Sweatshirts
- Tshirts
- Boots
- sleepwear
- Sports and reflective clothing
- Lifeguard for navigation and water activities
What are the benefits?
Dog clothes bring many benefits. Waterproof jackets keep Fideo dry and warm while he’s outside; Sweaters and T-shirts help keep you warm during the day, while nightwear helps keep you warm at night.
The boots will protect the paws from extreme heat or cold and rough surfaces like gravel and glass. These will take a long time to get used to and your pet might flatly refuse to wear them; You should never force your dog to wear something he doesn’t want.
Sports and reflective clothing help keep your dog safe, especially at night. If you and your dog are active at night, it’s a good idea to get a reflective orange jacket for Fideo so drivers can see both of you.
Although most dogs can swim instinctively, it can be difficult and dangerous for them in rough water. If you like to take your dog boating with you, then consider a life preserver in case something goes wrong.
How to measure your dog
It is important to measure your pet in the correct places to ensure that the clothes fit him well and do not cause any problems in his movements. Below is a link to a video that will teach you how to measure your dog correctly.
Sizing varies slightly between manufacturers, but here is a rough guide to measurements (in inches):
X-small
- Back: 7
- Neck: 5.5
- Chest: 12
Little
- Back: 9
- Neck: 6.5
- Chest: 15
Half
- Back: 13
- Neck: 8
- Chest: 19
Broad
- Back: 17
- Neck: 10
- Chest: 24
extra big
- Back: 20
- Neck: 13.5
- Chest: 29
When fashion ignores functionality
As with any fashion, there are elements that ignore functionality and can inhibit movement. This is very bad for a dog’s sense of well-being and you should always ensure that the item of clothing fits your dog’s body shape and does not prevent him from doing something he could normally do.
You should also not force an object on a dog if he is unwilling. If your dog has never worn clothes before, there will probably be some resistance since it’s new to him, but with positive reinforcement or treats and attention, he should have no problem accepting new clothes from him. However, there may be times when your dog flatly refuses to use an item and this should never be forced. It is important to respect your animal’s rights and only do things that he is comfortable doing and using.
