Dog Clothing for Safety tips

Dog clothing has been increasing in popularity recently, mainly because of stars such as Paris Hilton and Oprah Winfrey displaying the latest doggie fashions on their pets. At one time all that was available were rather plain doggie coats but now there are all kinds of clothes available to dress your pet in.

One reason for dog clothing is to protect your pet from extremes of temperature. People assume that just because their dog has a furry coat, he is automatically protected from the cold. This is not always the case. Even the thickest dog coat is penetrable and a dog cannot tell you if he feels cold. A coat just ensures he is more comfortable.

Dog clothing ranges enormously from sweaters and coats to dresses and even pajamas and booties. Booties can be fleece-lined or waterproof, depending what they are for. They can also save your kitchen floor from getting covered in muddy paw prints! You can get glittery party clothes for your dog or studded leather items.

One thing to bear in mind is that dog clothing should be safe. The clothes should be streamlined and if you plan to walk your dog after dark, a coat with reflective panels is a good idea. You can get life jackets in case your dog falls off a boat or is caught in choppy water. Not all dogs swim well. Rain slickers protect him from the rain and you can get hats and caps as protection from the sun. Many people dress their dogs solely to make a fashion statement which is a mistake. Your dog should be more comfortable in the clothing than not in them, else there is no point in dressing him. Safety and comfort are crucial factors. You should not leave a dressed dog alone. If he is uncomfortable in the clothes, he might try to chew them off and get injured or caught in the straps or any elastic parts.

Dog clothing ranges in price, depending on the item, from five dollars for a basic coat to hundreds of dollars for a designer item. You can get items from a pet store or online but a pet store is preferable as you can check the garment is a good fit before purchasing it.

It can be a good idea to get dog clothing but it depends on the dog. If he is comfortable in the temperatures where you happen to live and he does not get hot or cold or need booties, there might be no reason to clothe him just for the sake of it. On the other hand, if your dog is a short-haired breed living in a cold climate, a doggie coat might appeal to him greatly. Coats do have a purpose but some of the glittery pink doggie dresses are solely for the sake of the owner's personal enjoyment and should be viewed with caution. It is not natural for a dog to wear clothing as decoration and most will struggle to get out of it, at least at first. Some breeds are more patient and an older dog might not struggle so much. An older dog who feels the cold will probably appreciate that extra layer.

If you see an item you like, check that it is safe (non-toxic, no straps he can tangle himself in etc) and if it will fit well. If not, do not buy it.