Does your dog absolutely despise going outdoors to do his or her business when it’s raining or the ground is already squishy from previous downpours? Do you despise trying to wipe the water and mud off his or her feet once you bring him or her back inside so (s)he won’t get mud all over your floors? Maybe you should consider getting your dog a pair of boots.
Before you roll your eyes or laugh out loud at the thought of your dog wearing boots, think about it. Is that really such an outrageous idea? Actually, it’s not. In fact, it makes perfect sense. Your dog will be much more comfortable and you’ll find it much easier to quickly remove four little velcro-strapped booties than to try to towel dry each foot in turn, which can turn out to be an almost impossible task.
While you’re at it, consider getting your dog a raincoat, too. Yes, many dog supply companies, such as Dirty Fur dog clothing, really do sell doggy raincoats, boots, and a whole bunch of other things you’ve probably never thought about getting your dog before.
Dog Clothing: An Idea Whose Time Has Come
In recent years, the idea of occasionally dressing your dog has really taken off. When Halloween rolls around, it’s not at all uncommon to see costumed dogs trick-or-treating right alongside their kids and families.
But dog clothing and accessories also serve a useful purpose, too. It’s not all about you; it’s also about your dog. What does (s)he need and when does (s)he need it? If you stop and think about it, you won’t find it difficult to discover that dressing your dog often not only makes good sense but also protects him or her from Mother Nature just like your clothes and accessories protect you.
Take shoes, for example. Would you walk on a gravelly surface barefoot? Would you walk on a blistering hot sidewalk or beach without shoes? No, you wouldn’t. Well, if you’re a good pet parent, you shouldn’t let your dog walk on such surfaces barefoot, either. Remember, the pads on your dog’s feet are extremely sensitive and can easily become scratched, cut, or burned. A good-fitting pair of doggy shoes can easily solve this problem and make your dog comfortable in any and all weather.
Cold Weather Gear
Many people erroneously assume that a dog’s fur keeps him or her warm in the winter. While this is certainly true for the big guys such as German Shepherd Dogs and other large, double-coated breeds, it doesn’t hold true for the smaller guys like Chihuahuas, Greyhounds, and many other toy, terrier, and pinscher breeds. They need protection from Old Man Winter just as much as you do. In addition, if your dog is older or in poor health, (s)he can’t regulate his or her body temperature the way she used to. So (s)he, too, needs cold weather gear.
In addition to boots and raincoats, dog clothes come in all types, including the following:
- T-shirts
- Hoodies
- Sweaters
- Tank tops
- Dresses
- Socks
Measuring Your Dog
Just like people clothes and accessories, dog clothes and accessories come in various sizes. So you need to measure your dog before buying anything for him or her. Generally, the most important things to know are the circumference of his or her neck, how long (s)he is from shoulders to rump, and how big around (s)he is at his or her chest and tummy. You can easily take these measurements using a cloth measuring tape that easily fits around all the curves of your dog’s body.
Good-fitting clothes are just as important for your dog as they are for you. Not only is there the comfort factor to consider, but you also don’t want him or her wearing clothes that drag on the ground, can get caught on anything, or are so large that (s)he can wiggle out of them.
