He used to be that only the youngest; The most sensitive dogs owned by the richest socialites will ever be seen wearing clothes. Perhaps it was because dog clothes were out of the way priced and only available in sizes for the smallest of breeds. Things have changed these days and dog clothes are now affordable, trendy and readily available to fit the smallest Chihuahua to the largest Dane.
If you’re into hype and oomph, you might be tempted to buy that dress for Daisy or a leather jacket for Fido, but are they even necessary?
The question remains, do we buy clothes for dogs?
There are cases, of course, that some believe may justify the purchase of dog clothes:
rain – If you live in a very rainy climate, a rain coat for your dog can feel like a necessity. Weather is no longer an excuse for this much needed exercise for both dog and owner and anything to reduce wet dog odor is always a benefit. There are fashionable raincoats with a reflective strip, trench coats with fake belts and floral prints. There are packable raincoats that fold into the smallest of bags to be easily stowed away while waiting out an unexpected rainstorm.
cold – Living in a very cold climate may also give you a reason to consider buying dog clothes. There is a wide variety of shoes available for dogs ranging from fashion to function. There are rhinestone ski jackets and faux fur hoodies available in every color imaginable. If you’re excited about the snowy weather, you might consider buying dog socks that protect your friends’ feet from sharp ice and lumpy snow.
sports Some dog owners who spend time on the water see dog life jackets as a basic safety necessity, while other sun-sensitive dog breeds may wear different sun-safe clothing to protect them from dangerous UV rays. Dogs riding in cars outdoors can sometimes be seen wearing sunglasses to protect their eyes from the wind and the elements of dust and debris.
But aside from these harsh conditions, are there any other justifiable reasons to buy dog ​​clothes? Many dog ​​owners say their dogs “enjoy” being dressed, while others say their dogs hate it and are “ashamed” of being dressed.
Whether it is for fashion or function, there are many factors to consider when buying clothes for dogs:
scaling – This can be difficult since there are no sizing standards for dog clothes, so it’s best to have your dog with you to try things on. Buying online can be more economical although you will have to wait longer for your dog clothes to arrive. It is necessary to take accurate measurements and hope that the seller did the same.
durability – Dogs can be gruff and stumbling or sensitive and quiet but either way they are still dogs and are likely to run, jump and dress up with just enough exercise. Depending on the intended use of the garment, it is important to be sure before purchasing that the quality of workmanship will stand up to the rigors of your dog’s lifestyle. Check the stitches for any gaps or missing stitches and try the closures to make sure they are in good working order and will open easily and close securely.
Also check the washing instructions, if you use the garment fairly regularly, you probably want something that can be tossed in the washing machine without a lot of care and attention. More intricate garments and embellishments will likely require more careful cleaning.
job Even the most stylish clothes have a purpose, whether it’s to provide warmth, keep your dog dry or make them look pretty, stylish, or cool. No matter the job at hand, make sure what you buy fits your needs and is something your dog will actually wear. If you’re buying a jacket for warmth, check the fabric content and wind and water resistance label. If you are buying clothes for purely aesthetic reasons you should still check the quality features of the clothes, a nice sweater isn’t very pretty if it doesn’t sit properly on your dog or if the bow doesn’t hold its shape. Remember, even the most tolerant of us won’t appreciate a scuffed mark or a seam to rub. Finally, a non-waterproof raincoat will not be useful or comfortable for you or your dog.
