Today, retail outlets and pet supply stores are filled with different models of clothing for dogs. Modern manufacturers offer a huge range of clothes for dogs of different breeds for any time of year.
Some manufacturers offer customers not only standard types of clothes for walking, but also models for special occasions - dresses, tuxedos, etc.
Before choosing one or another model, the owner must understand that the purchased item must provide comfort to the pet. There are animals that calmly tolerate the need to put on clothes, there are pets that resist this in every possible way. Before you buy clothes for your pet, you need to understand why they are needed and what to look for when choosing.
Why dress dogs
So, let's look at the purpose of dog clothing. There are several main reasons to visit a specialized boutique:
- Beauty and style. This goal is quite justified for decorative breeds that accompany their owners to social events or holidays. On the shelves of stores and boutiques there is a huge assortment of stylish and colorful wardrobe items for dogs. You can purchase funny overalls or jackets, as well as ball gowns, shirts or carnival costumes. It all depends on the imagination and preferences of the owner.
- For additional protection of your pet from the adverse effects of low temperatures. Not all dogs tolerate being outside well during walks. An increasing number of pets are moving to permanent housing in an apartment, so they need protection and heating when walking.
- Protection from dirt and moisture. Overalls and jackets with pants are indispensable for walking after the rain.
This is important: you should clearly understand that stylish clothes for a short-term going out and walking models for active recreation will be fundamentally different not only in cut, but also in the materials used.
Peculiarities
Dog clothing is a popular type of pet accessory. Owners are divided into 2 camps: those who consider it convenient and useful, and those who think that the dog gets along well with what nature has given it . Clothes for dogs have many positive aspects, because weather, climate and physiological problems can cause discomfort to many pets, which is why mankind has invented such a product.
Things are created in different types and modifications for any breed. So, there are clothes for both small and large dogs: from Chihuahuas to Great Danes. Owners only need to know for what purpose they need clothing for their pet and whether it will harm them.
Should you dress your dog in winter?
To answer this question, you need to understand which dogs need additional clothing and which do not.
For example, for representatives of northern breeds (huskies, huskies, St. Bernards, Moscow watchdogs, as well as Newfoundlands, chow chows and many others), the purchase of walking overalls and insulated wardrobe items is completely unnecessary.
These animals have thick fur and are ideally suited to harsh winters. Even a long walk will not cause hypothermia and will not lead to illness in a pet with a normal level of immune system function.
You might be interested in our article about whether dogs get cold in winter
You can also refuse to purchase clothes for caged pets if they have thick fur.
In the southern regions there are rarely cold winters, so pets can easily tolerate temporary cold snaps. And installing an insulated booth will be a good help for the dog.
Selection of clothing for small, medium and large breeds
When choosing a new item, you need to know the size of clothes for dogs. It is determined in exactly the same way as in people - by standards. Puppy measurements should be taken freely, given that they grow quickly.
However, you shouldn’t buy “for growth” either. Most likely, by next winter the dog will reach adult size, and the puppy’s clothes will have to be given to someone.
Helpful advice! Purchasing something for your four-legged friend is not a “fashionable addition” to your stylish “duet” on a walk.
Quality and comfort should come first.
- A light cape will protect the puppy from overheating.
- Warm clothes will keep a small dog warm on frosty days.
- A washable overall, like the photo of clothes for dogs, will protect your pet from dirt after the rain.
- Remember that in the wild in late spring and early summer, your dog will benefit from tick protection.
Some breeds are very sensitive to temperature changes and precipitation; they really need “dog” clothes.
In the cold season, warm clothing for dogs is most needed by short-haired and delicate breeds without a warm undercoat:
- Yorks;
- Taxam;
- Pugs;
- Pinchers;
- Beagles;
- Chihuahua;
- Toy Terriers;
- Jack Russell Terriers.
Of course, it’s funny to see a shaggy husky, accustomed to walks in frosty weather, in a coat. However, full equipment does not fit the Xoloitzcuintle, a hairless Mexican dog.
Pregnant females of “woolly” breeds will also appreciate raincoats during chilly dampness, but clothing makes shaking difficult.
What dogs need clothes in winter
Not every pet needs protective or warm clothing. If a dog constantly lives in an enclosure or on the street, then his body gradually adapts to changing weather conditions. The animal grows a thick undercoat, adaptation processes are launched and metabolism is activated. Thanks to this, the dog can easily endure the cold months.
But why do experts and experienced dog handlers recommend that some dogs be dressed in winter? The category of four-legged pets that require additional protection includes:
- Representatives of breeds with short legs . These are Pekingese, Japanese Chins, Dachshunds, etc. During a long walk, the pet's stomach and chest are in close proximity to wet or frozen ground. The result is hypothermia.
- Hunting dogs . In particular, pointers and greyhounds. These animals are distinguished by thin skin, thanks to which the body provides optimal heat transfer during fast and long running. But this same mechanism does not serve the pet well in the winter when walking on a leash. High heat transfer rates lead to rapid hypothermia.
- Representatives of hairless breeds , in particular the Chinese Crested Dog and the Xoloitzicuintli. Their homeland was warm countries, so the lack of fur did not cause negative consequences. In our harsh climate, such pets simply will not be able to fully enjoy a walk in snowy or windy weather at low temperatures. But this is exactly what winter is like in the vastness of Russia.
- Decorative breeds of dogs . They were artificially bred and are distinguished by the absence of a thick undercoat, which reliably protects them from wind and cold. Therefore, in this case, the use of warm overalls and other wardrobe items is mandatory.
- Aging pets or lactating bitches . Both have a reduced level of immunity and need additional protection from frost. Elderly individuals experience poor circulation, which leads to a rapid decrease in body temperature in the limbs, ears, and tail. The result is increased sensitivity to cold or frostbite.
You will find our article useful: Frostbite in dogs. Signs, first aid, treatment
This is important: we should not forget that weakened or sick pets need additional protection. They experience a decrease in the functioning of the immune system and weakness. This leads to rapid hypothermia and the development of various complications.
How to choose the right one
The main criteria for dog clothing are its durability, easy-to-clean material, and safety of the item for the animal. It’s better to refuse the purchase if you smell an unpleasant synthetic smell from your cute onesie. Such a thing can cause an allergic reaction or skin diseases in the dog.
Important! Pay attention to the material of clothing, especially highly specialized ones: the raincoat should be truly water-repellent, and winter clothing should be thick and insulated. Check all fasteners and buttons for reliability.
A large number of seams will cause the clothes to be blown out and get wet faster, which is extremely undesirable for the animal. Stitches can also chafe areas that are constantly in motion, such as the neck and armpits.
Popular brands among breeders are Limargy, For My Dog, Is Pet, Dobaz and others. They have already proven the quality of the clothes they produce, and they have provided for all the nuances. However, there are a lot of cheap dog clothes on the Internet. From 5 to 40 dollars you can find almost anything for your pet, but here you should pay attention to the parameters described above.
What clothes does a dog need?
On the shelves of veterinary pharmacies, specialized boutiques or small pet supply stores there is a wide range of warm and practical winter wardrobe items for your four-legged pet.
Experienced dog handlers say that the minimum wardrobe for walks in the cold season includes:
- Insulated overalls. An alternative could be a warm coat or fur coat. But the latter options are well suited for small dogs.
- Windbreaker, made on the basis of a soft lining. It will reliably protect against gusts of wind, and the soft lining prevents your pet's long fur from tangling. High-quality products do not cause the development of a pair effect and the pet feels very comfortable.
- Raincoat. Ideal solution for wet weather. Especially if the owner does not deny his pet an active lifestyle even in pouring rain.
- Sweater from natural yarn. You should not give preference to cheaper models made from synthetic materials.
- Lightweight T-shirts . They will be the first layer of clothing for hairless breed dogs. The fabric allows air to pass through well and absorbs sweat.
- Shoes for pets . Another very relevant wardrobe item for city pets.
This is important : clothes made from high-quality materials and correctly selected in accordance with weather conditions will make the walking process not only fun, but also safe for the health of the animal.
Dog clothing by season
Clothing for dogs, like for people, is selected according to the season.
Winter
Warm and waterproof clothes are important for walking in cold weather.
What clothes are suitable for winter:
• insulated overalls;
• jackets; • down jackets; • hats to protect ears from frost and wind. Socks or shoes that can protect the delicate skin of the paws from dampness on the roads and various reagents sprinkled on the sidewalks to prevent slipping in the winter season will not hurt.
Spring and summer
For summer and spring walks, outfits made of light, breathable fabrics that protect the animal's body from direct sunlight are optimal.
Summer wardrobe for dogs:
• light overalls without insulation;
• suits; • dresses and skirts for female dogs; • T-shirts; • headwear for sun protection – cap, scarf. Shoes are not required for summer walks.
Autumn
In the autumn season there are often rains and cold winds. Special clothing from the autumn collection will help protect your dog from moisture and cold air.
Clothes for autumn:
• sweatshirts;
• vests; • jackets; • raincoats. You can wear comfortable waterproof boots on your paws.
How to choose clothes for a dog
Selecting clothes for dogs requires certain knowledge. Veterinarians recommend following simple rules when choosing:
- Size . Ask a store consultant to help you purchase the right size for your pet. A jumpsuit that is too tight or small will restrict movement. And overly loose models can move during a walk and also cause inconvenience.
- Fasteners and fastenings should be located in the spine area. This makes dressing easier, and zippers and buttons do not cause discomfort during an active walk.
- Materials . Experts advise giving preference to natural or high-tech fabrics. The use of low quality materials in the manufacture of clothing for dogs leads to the formation of a greenhouse effect, overheating of the pet or hypothermia of the body.
- Decorations . Their number should be minimal. It is important to understand that for long-haired breeds, the presence of rhinestones on the collar will inevitably lead to tangling of hairs.
- Quick drying of the material . Most suits and overalls need to be washed after every trip out. Therefore, clothes should dry within several hours. Sweaters and knitted suits are not suitable for long-haired breeds. The pet's fur gets tangled, and the dog is unlikely to like the appearance of static electricity.
A careful study of the presented models and a scrupulous choice will allow you to purchase the ideal winter clothes for any pet.
What fabrics should it be made of?
Autumn overalls are made on the basis of a knitted lining with synthetic padding. It is better to knit sweaters with natural threads: cotton, angora, mohair, they will not provoke an allergic reaction in the animal. Blankets are more suitable for medium-sized breeds, because small species will take them off. You sew the outfit yourself; cutting clothes for dogs is easy to do.
How to choose the right clothes for your dog? Below are pictures with examples of good combinations of things for four-legged pets. You will only need to measure your dog.
It is important to consider the sewing material. It must certainly be elastic, dense, waterproof. For pets with long hair, satin is suitable, for those with short hair, fleece is suitable. Also popular fabrics, in addition to cotton and fleece, are:
- Polyester;
- Neoprene;
- Microfiber;
- Sliding;
- Antibacterial.
Smartly dressed dogs attract close attention. Sometimes they are very funny and funny.
How to train a dog to wear clothes worries many owners. Constant stress and anxiety negatively affect the health of the animal, so a good owner needs to know how to teach a dog to wear clothes at different times of the year. Training should begin from a very young age of the puppy. First, put on a T-shirt for him and let him walk in it, caress him and turn his attention to something funny, play with him. All this is necessary so that he remains dressed as long as possible and can get used to it. All pets in clothes are funny, but that's just a plus.
Your pet will become absolutely calm if the outfit fits him in size and is comfortable. If something is bothering the animal, it is better to postpone trying on things until a more appropriate moment.
Polyester
Neoprene
Microfiber
Does a dog need shoes?
Most veterinarians and experienced dog handlers answer this question in the affirmative. Boots, sneakers or other footwear options are indispensable for residents of large cities. In cities, utility services are increasingly sprinkling streets with various chemicals to prevent the formation of ice on sidewalks. But these compounds have a negative effect on the paw pads of animals, as well as on the condition of the coat and skin.
The ideal solution to protect the paws of your four-legged pet is to use high-quality and comfortable shoes. It will reliably protect paw pads from exposure to reagents and prevent chemical burns.
Prevention of cuts to paw pads will also be an important factor. Not all city residents strive to maintain cleanliness and throw away glassware in a designated place. Broken bottles pose a serious danger to walking dogs. And boots or sneakers will provide the necessary level of protection.
Whether to purchase high-quality winter shoes and clothes for your four-legged pet is up to the owner to decide. But it is still worth carefully studying this issue. Assess the climatic conditions of your region, and also study the recommendations of veterinarians on keeping a certain breed of dog. This will allow you to make a balanced and thoughtful decision.
Simple patterns for DIY sewing
Before preparing patterns, you should take measurements with your pet standing on a flat surface. To create simple accessories, such as a vest or overalls, 2 values are often enough - the length of the back from the beginning of the tail to the withers and the circumference of the neck at the widest point.
To sew items with sleeves (pants, hood), you need to obtain more data: waist circumference, muzzle, head, etc. Ready-made patterns with different sizes will simplify the task.
Overalls for dachshund
Many breeds have an undercoat, which is a natural insulator. However, small individuals, especially decorative ones, do not have this feature genetically, so street walks during the cold period can have a negative impact on their health.
If we talk about dachshunds, they require special protection from adverse weather conditions, since they get very cold and are susceptible to colds.
It is better to sew a jumpsuit for an animal from dense material that will protect it from frost and piercing wind.
Overalls pattern for a dachshund.
T-shirt for toy terrier
Sewing a T-shirt for a toy terrier is not accompanied by any particular difficulties. In the process of sewing, you can gain useful skills for making other complex accessories. The advantage of sewing at home is that you can use an unnecessary item without buying new fabric.
The work is quite simple, it starts with taking measurements, then creating a pattern. You can create a schematic image based on the dimensions taken, or prepare a screenshot from the picture, and then enlarge it to the required size and print it.
The next step is to place the finished pattern on the fabric, cut out the parts taking into account the seam allowance. After sewing them together, all that remains is to process the edges of the product, for example, overcast.
You can also sew a strip of another brightly colored fabric by folding it in half. This technique will allow you to get an imitation of a cuff. If we are talking about a girl dog, it is better to use narrow lace.
T-shirt pattern for a toy terrier.
Pullover for poodle
Before knitting a pullover, you should prepare a knitting sample by casting on 10 loops. After knitting 3 cm, you need to measure the length of the product and calculate how many loops are needed for the finished pullover. Sewing instructions vary for different models.
But there are general points that are required for all patterns:
- Each part of the pullover is knitted separately with further stitching or done without seams in the round.
- Clothes may have sleeves or be made without them.
- Various patterns are used for knitting (tracks, colored patterns, braids, etc.).
For work, you should use multi-colored threads to emphasize the non-standard style of the pullover. The finished accessory can be decorated with ribbons, lace, fur trim or embroidery.
A few final words
Be responsible when choosing things for your pet. Remember that he is not a toy, but a living being. And it’s not worth attaching a copious amount of bows and ruffles to it. And most importantly, do not forget about the quality of the clothing itself and the material from which it is made. The right clothes will not only look good, but will also keep your dog comfortable and healthy.
Remember that it is better to accustom your dog to wearing clothes and shoes from an early age (3-4 months), so that it gradually gets used to it. After all, it is quite problematic to accustom adult dogs to this habit.
