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Is dog clothing more cute than practical?
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Dressing your dog is an extension of your love for the dog |
Small dogs look cute with a sweet dress, and even big dogs who sport a sweater are adorable. It's true. Some dogs are naturals for dressing up, and some people even enjoy wearing outfits that match their dog, at least in part. Dressing your dog is an extension of your love for them... and is more than okay. There are also practical reasons to consider dog apparel. |
Aside from how cute your dog looks, practical reasons to get your dog clothing include your dog's physical comfort and safety from the elements, but also to prevent injury that can cause your dog to suffer and cause your wallet to get empty from vet bills.
For example, dogs that have undergone medical treatments that result in the loss of fur often need at least some temporary protection from the elements until their fur grows back. This also applies to dogs who have been shaved.
People who live in severe winter climates should keep in mind - that even though your dog has fur, the dog needs protection from the outdoor elements when the dog spends most of their time indoors... because like people, dogs acclimate to their indoor surroundings... and need warm wear when they go outside in the cold (from a warm indoor environment) |
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Short-haired dogs are almost bald on the chest and belly, so be sure to select garments that cover the lower portions of their body, as well as the top. Most dogs don't enjoy the rain, and if your dog spends most of his time indoors, you probably don't enjoy the musty odor or the mud. With a rain slicker, all this can easily be avoided.
Polar fleece is also a good protective fabric; it insulates and keeps the dog warm while drawing moisture away from the skin.
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Booties are good for dogs in snow, ice and rain. Booties are also outstanding for dogs when they go hiking with you in rugged terrain.
In cases of extreme heat, booties help protect a dog's pads from hot ground surfaces. Remember that while a dog's pads are less sensitive than our own feet, they are still sensitive to extreme temperatures.
While people might not think about the summer as a time to use apparel, a dog that has been shaved or suffers from hair loss may need additional protection from the harmful rays of the sun. Hats and sunglasses offer protection from UV rays, as well. |
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| Proper fit is key for getting your dog to accept donning dog apparel. Ease of getting the garment on and off is a learned behavior for both you and your dog. Start by putting the clothing item on and rewarding the dog with verbal praise. Leave the item on for a short period. The next time, leave the garment on for a longer period of time, again praising and rewarding your dog. It is best to start this training as a puppy, but older dogs can also easily be trained with a little patience. |
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How to Accurately Measure Your Dog for Clothing
Different manufactures, and different styles of dog apparel sometimes require different measurments so please read the sizing guidlines included with each style of clothing consider for your dog.
As a general rule, measuring should be done along the dog's backbone from the base of the head to the base of the tail, which is referred to as the "top line measurement". This is from the base of where the collar rests to where the tail is attached. The measurements you see on all our apparel indicate this top line measurement. However, it's important that the dog's girth be taken into account as well as the top line measurement.
For chest measurement, measure the chest at its widest point, which is typically right behind the front legs. If the dog has a large girth, going up a size in the top line measurement is always a smart choice, since some additional fabric will be used up.
Note that there are different sizing ranges for different types of dog garments, due to how binding or flexible the material used is. Coats are full length, whereas jackets are shorter.
We include a chart with dog clothing in our store to help you choose the right size... conveniently. |
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