Pet care is such a huge concern these days that seeing dog clothes all over the market is not that uncommon. You may think that dog clothes are more of an accessory than a necessity, but for dog breeds such as Chihuahuas, you may want to give dog clothes a second thought.
Since Chihuahuas have such a small and fragile body frame, it may actually help to have them wear certain articles of clothing depending on the weather conditions. But before anything else, take the time to observe if your Chihuahua will tolerate wearing clothing. Dogs who aren抰 used to wearing clothes will immediately try to take them off, regardless of the comfort that it brings. There抯 no use in spending a fortune on cute dog clothes if your Chihuahua won抰 tolerate them.
Your best bet would be to get your Chihuahua used to wearing clothes, early on. You can start off with accessories first, such as a dog collar. Dog collars are good for identification purposes. But for taking your Chihuahua on walks, it is always better to use a harness. Dogs of this breed have such small and fragile necks that yanking on them too roughly can seriously injure them. Once your Chihuahua gets used to its harness and collar, later on you can start having your dog wear sweaters, rain gear, and even booties.
The next thing you have to take into consideration is the weather. Remember that more than making your dog look good; clothes are there to provide them with comfort. During the winter, you may want to buy your Chihuahua sweaters or parkas made of wool or cotton. Most dogs can tolerate being in the cold outdoors, but since Chihuahuas are virtually hairless, sweaters are a good idea.
Dog booties deal more with cleanliness. Taking your dogs out on walks can get their paws all muddy. Booties prevent them from making a mess in your home. But on the other hand, they can also protect the pads of your dog抯 paws especially in areas where there is snow.
Though dog clothes are all over the market, at times, it may still be difficult to find the right size for your tiny companions. Buying them online is always your best bet. Often times, they are even cheaper online. As a last reminder, if your dogs are really not used to wearing clothes, try not to force the issue. Dogs have different temperaments. Some will tolerate clothes and some will not. Care for the needs of your dog, but also respect its boundaries.
