Content
- dog clothes
- Dog cold clothes
- small dog clothes
- big dog clothes
- how to measure the dog
- Christmas clothes for dog
The use of clothing for dogs is somewhat controversial. Should I wear clothes to protect my dog from the cold? Can my dog wear clothes every day? Is it bad to wear dog clothes? It is normal for you to question yourself about the use of dog clothes, it only demonstrates that you truly care about his well-being and not just aesthetic issues.
This subject is quite controversial, so, in this article by PeritoAnimal, we will explain to you when the dog should wear clothes, in which cases it is contraindicated and how to choose! Keep reading!
dog clothes
Often, with the best of intentions as tutors, we dress our puppies thinking they need it to don't go cold. However, it is important to always bear in mind that dogs are not human and have specific needs of their species that must be respected.
Putting clothes on a dog of Nordic origin, with three layers of fur, such as the Husky, for example, makes no sense and can even harm the animal as it does not allow the normal circulation of air between the fur, which causes a increase in body temperature.
It is because many people are only concerned about aesthetics, wanting to put clothes and costumes on the dog without worrying about his well-being, that there is a lot of controversy about this topic. The truth is that, as already mentioned, in some dogs the use of clothes may be totally contraindicated. On the other hand, in certain situations, the use of a shelter for dogs or a coat for the cold, can be very useful! If you have a dog that suffers from low temperatures and you live in a region where it is very cold, clothing for your dog can be very beneficial and allow him to enjoy more outings.
As in everything about having a pet in our care, we must always take into account the specific needs of each animal.
Dog cold clothes
If you have a Chihuahua, for example, that constantly shivers when you go outside with him, find him a winter outfit at the petshop. The dog clothes market is huge. There are thousands of makes and models available. Remember that sometimes "cheap is expensive". Choose the dog's clothes taking into account the material used. Many puppies have more sensitive skin and may even have allergies to certain tissues. For example, many dogs are allergic to cotton.
Another common problem in using dog clothes, in addition to the fabric allergy, is the placement of clothing without the animal being completely dry, which promotes the proliferation of bacteria and fungi that cause irritation and allergy.
The type of detergent you use to wash your dog's clothes can also cause allergies, so it is advisable to wash the dog's clothes with a neutral soap to avoid chemicals.
Be aware of possible allergy symptoms in dogs:
- Intense itching;
- Reddish skin;
- scabs and papules on the skin;
- Alopecia zones (hair loss);
- Swelling.
If you detect any of these clinical signs, immediately stop wearing the outfit and run to the veterinarian.
small dog clothes
As we have already mentioned, the use of clothing in small dogs can be very useful for shelter and protect from the cold if you live in a region where temperatures can be very low. Choose clothing brands that use quality materials and always choose a suitable size for your dog. The most important thing is that the dog feels comfortable. Clothing that is too tight can hamper the dog's movements and have the opposite effect.
Fortunately, nowadays, technology is allowing dog clothes to evolve and be totally free from discomfort, and there are even elaborate ranges in "dry-fit’.
Another important factor to take into account is the length of the dog's coat. dogs of by the long that they wear clothes all the time and every day can be full of us. Maltese dogs are a perfect example of a dog that suffers from overuse of dog clothes. For this reason, especially in the case of these puppies, it is important to use the clothes only when necessary and for short periods of time, that is, only on the walk.
See our article with some pictures of clothes for small dogs!
big dog clothes
The same goes for big dog clothing. It all depends on your puppy's specific needs. If, effectively the physical characteristics of the dog and the low temperatures of the region where you live, the clothes can improve his well-being, there are many options on the market.
It is important that you follow some of these tips when choosing dog clothes:
- Define what kind of clothes your dog needs: cold, rain, etc.
- Choose comfortable materials. Wool, for example, tends to itch.
- Avoid clothes with small parts like buttons, hanging strings and anything that could be a risk for your dog to ingest or get stuck.
- Avoid zippered clothes, as they can easily trap your dog's fur.
- Always consider your puppy's fur type and build, as obese or thickly furred animals can quickly overheat if they wear very warm clothing (don't hesitate to consult your veterinarian for specific advice for your puppy).
- Measure your puppy before buying clothes to ensure you buy an appropriate size.
If you've come to the conclusion that your dog doesn't really need to wear clothes to protect him from the cold but you want him to walk equally stylish and cute, there are plenty collars and pectorals in the market that fulfill this purpose without compromising the animal's welfare! Look for alternatives at the pethsop closest to your home or on the internet, you're sure to find something perfect for your best friend!
how to measure the dog
Not all clothes are suitable for all types of dogs. Since there are hundreds of breeds and body types of dogs, some with short, wide necks, the other thinner and long-legged, it is essential to ensure that the clothes you buy are suitable for your pet! So it is essential that you know how to measure your dog:
- First, you need a measuring tape.
- Start by measuring the neck of the dog. Wrap the tape measure around his neck a little loosely to ensure he is comfortable.
- Then measure the chest his. Go around the dog's chest area, just behind the front legs.
- Finally, measure the length from the neck to the beginning of the tail (do not include the tail).
These measurements are essential when buying clothes for your dog. Take the measurements with you and make sure you buy something that's just the right measurements, not too baggy or too tight. The dog's comfort is most important of all!
Christmas clothes for dog
It is necessary to start by making the difference between disguising or fantasizing and sheltering. Dogs may need some extra protection under certain conditions, as we've already mentioned, but disguise is obviously unnecessary.
Anyway, this doesn't mean that if you want to dress up your dog on occasion, for a photo shoot with you or just to spend a good time together, that you can't do it. The important thing is that you know how to identify if the animal is under stress or annoyed and respect its limits.
Always use positive reinforcement techniques, so that the dog feels motivated and aligns in the games. This way you mentally stimulate your puppy, in addition to improving your relationship. Never force your puppy to do anything he doesn't like or want. If your dog is clearly annoyed if you put a disguise on him, why force him to do it? Remember that dogs are not small humans nor are they puppets.
On the other hand, if your dog is used to it, you use the proper training techniques, positively reinforce and together have fun in situations like christmas, halloween or carnival, we have nothing against it! Above all, it is important that you are happy together!
