Dog Clothes Overview

Your dog may not be adequately acclimate to winter cold or summer heat. On the coldest of days, even indoors, you may find him seeking warmth, cuddled on top of a favourite 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 do you. 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, it will help keep prevent mosquito and spider bites, and repel fleas and ticks. If treated with flea and tick powder or spray, these pests seldom come near. It will also help keep burrs and thistles out of his coat to simplify grooming.

Your dog does not sweat through his skin coat. Instead he pants and releases heat through his paws and ears. 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 Traditional Sweater is a great choice.

When the temperature drops even further, your dog needs a heavier jacket. He'll stay warm and dry in this double plush Faux Furious Coat, or in a Bouclé Coat that features reversible water repellent leather and elegant polyester.

When it's raining or sleeting, a classic Rain Slicker will save you from towelling 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.

Looking for a selection of stylish clothes for YOUR dog? Click here to view a wide choice

Boots

Remember the pain of walking across hot sand at the beach? You 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 around protection.

Sleepwear

Because you dog cannot easily keep a blanket over him throughout a chilly night, pyjamas are a good solution. Pastel Pawprint PJs are flannel textured to deliver warmth and comfort. Jersey-style cuffs in front and back keep these PJs snugly in place.

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. During the summer, dress him up in a Cooling Bandana. It looks sharp and uses unique crystals to help keep him cool. 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 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.

About the Author:

Drs. Foster & Smith offers a wide selection of clothing for you and 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.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com

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