Your dog may not be adequately acclimated to winter cold or summer heat. On the coldest of days, even indoors, you may find him seeking warmth, cuddled on top of a favorite throw, or next to a heat vent. Exposed to the cold, it may take only a few minutes for him to become dangerously chilled. Under the hot summer sun, and under a hotter fur coat, he can suffer heatstroke, while the scorching pavement can burn his paws. Rain-soaked, his coat can be a misery. Fortunately, because owners across America are waking up to the benefits of clothing, dogs no longer have to tough out the extremes of weather on their own. In fact, even on the nicest of days, clothing can keep your dog cleaner, safer, and more comfortable.
The Advantages of Clothing Your Dog Better
There is more to clothing than protection from weather extremes. Day in and day out, your dog can benefit from the protection of clothing, just as much as you do. Good clothing can help your dog better adapt to seasonal changes and enjoy more time outdoors, while costumes and sportswear can add fun to holidays and events. Also, good clothing will…
- Warm your dog
- Keep him dry
- Protect his paws
- Keep his coat clean
- Reduce insect bites
- Repel fleas & ticks
- Cool him in hot weather
- Protect him against sunburn
- Keep him safer on the sidewalk
and on the water
The Advantages of Better Dog Clothing
Outerwear
No pet enjoys being over-chilled, over-heated, or just plain filthy. Outerwear - jackets, sweatshirts, sweaters - work effectively to conserve your dog's body heat. If he runs in brush, outerwear will help prevent mosquito and spider bites, and repel fleas and ticks. If treated with flea and tick powder or spray, these pests seldom come near. Outerwear will also help keep burrs and thistles out of his coat to simplify grooming.
Your dog does not sweat through his skin. Instead, he pants and releases heat through his paws and ears. If your dog is outside, light protective clothing, like cotton jersey, can help cool him by reflecting the hot rays of the sun, and also help prevent sunburn.
In cool, damp fall or spring weather, an added layer of protection can make all the difference. A lightweight sweatshirt, sweater, or coat is the perfect warm-up. An easy-care
Basic Sweater is a great choice.
When the temperature drops even further, your dog needs a heavier sweater. He'll stay warm and dry in a Cable Cardigan Dog Sweater.
Click here to see all of our jackets and sweaters.
When it's raining or sleeting, a classic
Rain Slicker will save you from toweling off a soaked and shivering companion, or it will help protect your dog from high wind gusts. It's lightweight, so it won't weigh your pet down, yet it can keep your pet dry, especially around his ears and head.
Boots
Remember the pain of walking across hot sand at the beach? Your dog faces situations like this all the time on sizzling summer sidewalks. Winter is no kinder to his paws, especially if he must wade through snow or walk across ice. Boots provide excellent protection from these extremes, and can also be a good idea if you walk your dog regularly on hard, abrasive pavement, or off-road where he might encounter glass, thorns, or other hazards.
Leather soled
Muttluk Dog Boots take only moments to put on, and come in all-weather and lined, cold-weather styles to provide year-round protection.
Sleepwear
Because your dog cannot easily keep a blanket over him throughout a chilly night, pajamas are a good solution.
My Favorite Dog Jammies are poly/cotton jammies that keep pet dander and hair to a minimum in your home. Jersey-style cuffs on all four legs help keep cold air out, which older pets are sure to appreciate.
Sportswear
If you run or walk after dark, you know to protect yourself with reflective gear. What about your dog? For optimum safety, dress him in a reflector orange collar. For added style, remember that many of our sporty sweatshirts, sweaters and jackets can be personalized.
Waterwear
Hiking near water? Boating? Swimming? If yes, always safeguard your pet in a
pet life preserver.
Putting on the dog
Most dogs readily accept and appreciate clothing. For others, it may take a while. With experience, they usually come around. Offering treats will reinforce and speed cooperation. Also, to avoid problems, never mock your pet verbally when he is clothed. If you do, he won't understand the words, but he will understand your tone.
Drs. Foster & Smith offers a wide selection of clothing for your pet. Whether you simply wish to make a fashion statement, or want clothing to keep your pet warm, dry, and comfortable, we have the right apparel.
