Picking the Best Clothes for Your Pet

Picking out your dog’s clothes is a process that requires thought and planning. It’s also good to decide what style will fit their personality.

Bigger dogs tend to not get as cold as their smaller counterparts. If it’s really cold outside, they will benefit from some cover, but you don’t want to overdo it and make them overheat. Another important factor is coat thickness. For example, Huskies have a coat of thick fur made especially for cold weather, and they’ll rarely if ever need extra protection. All the breeds have differing levels of coat thickness, so examine your dog and use your best judgment on what he needs. If a jacket is going to be too much, then there are many different kinds of sweaters available. Also, you need to determine what kind of clothes your dog will tolerate.

Purchasing pet clothes is more than a fashion statement. For some pets, clothing actually serves to keep them warm and comfortable. If a dog has had an illness or surgery that resulted in major hair loss, finding a sweater or shirt that will cover the exposed skin will help to protect them from the elements. The same is true for a dog that has had an injury to their paw or pads. Booties can help to protect the injury from dirt and germs that it may come in contact with as he walks around outdoors.

Choosing the right size items for your pet is crucial when making your selection. While the packaging might give suggestions, by weight, as to what types of dog might best fit a particular size, the best way to determine is by using your dog’s actual measurements. Make sure to keep these numbers handy whenever you are out shopping in an area that might have pet clothes that you will want to purchase.

Measure the circumference around the widest part of your dog’s chest, right behind the legs. You should also take measurements of the dog’s length, starting at the base of the neck and stretching to the base of the tail. In most cases, these two measurements are listed on the packaging, allowing you to make the right selection. Another important measurement to know is the circumference of the neck, in the case of items that have fitted collars.

Find the sizes that include the weight and measurements of your canine companion and always choose the larger size, if the measurements fall within two ranges. If you choose clothing that fits well and is functional, your dog will look good and feel great in their new wardrobe.

Depending on the season and weather, the dog clothes need to be either heavy or light. This is common sense, but it helps to keep it in mind when shopping. Stores often have a sale of off season clothing, and it’s good to stock up, but don’t forget the in season pieces. For example, if it’s a rainy spring season, then you should pick out a quality raincoat. Picking the best clothes for your pet can be fun and easy if you follow these simple guidelines.