If we have decided that our four-pawed friend needs dog clothes for the winter walks, we should still think about the type of dog suit that is going to be the best for our pet. There’re many factors that we should take under consideration: the atmospheric conditions, our dog’s activity level, his temperament, age and length of his hair.
On the dog accessories market, dog clothes segment is becoming more and more relevant. Nowadays you can pick the perfect product from thousands of options. However, we must think primarily about the comfort of our pooch. Dog clothes, besides the frost or rain protection, should also allow our dog to move freely, so that going out for a walk remains a huge pleasure.
The basic types of dog clothes available in stores are:
1. dog sweaters
made of knitted fabric, available in the version with turtleneck. They provide warmth, but don’t actually protect against strong wind and moisture. Dog sweaters usually have a head-hole to put them on. We often use dog sweaters during the first cold days or when we see our dog freezing and shaking at home. A high- quality dog sweater should contain the natural wool, and have the cut that provides comfort and does not restrict pet’s movement.
2. dog jackets and dog suit
can be made from fleece, but usually they have several-layers and are the combination of the warm material and some water-resistant fabric, such as polyamide. They can additionally have a hood, however, it is more of a visual than a practical element.
When it comes to dog clothes, there are many fastening systems to choose from (including snap buttons, Velcro straps, zippers) –it’s a good idea to pay attention to that details. If we choose the right product for our pet, it can make dressing our dog much easier.
Dog jacket is the warmest solution among all the dog clothes. It protects against wind and frost, as well as the rain or snow. Dog jackets are the best choice for active dogs, that like long winter walks or love playing in the snow.
3. dog hoodie
is made mostly of cotton knitted fabric. Just like sweaters, dog hoodies are good idea for the transitional periods (spring/autumn), when it’s cold outside. They provide the greatest comfort and freedom of movement because they do not stick so close to the dog’s body as dog jackets or sweaters. Often they do not cover the entire back of the dog and end right behind the kidneys. In addition, dog hoodie ensure our dog not only with the warmth and comfort, but also gives him a fashionable look thanks to various designer accessories such as writings, patches or embroidery.
Other than those, there’re many dog clothes with useful functions, such as: special panties for bitches in heat, reflective dog vests for dogs that walk next to busy streets in the evenings, bathrobes that help to quickly dry the dog after bathing, or anti-slip dog socks to prevent from slipping on the floor.
What’s more, we can buy winter dog boots that help to protect sensitive paw pads from irritation caused by the salt-strewn pavement. It may also be useful to wear a dog raincoat that keeps his fur dry on rainy days (especially for long-haired breeds) or a special dog life jacket if we are planning a vacation by the water or a boat trip with our pet.