What to wear? This is a question that plagues many people every
day. But what about man's best friend? The question of what to
wear can be just as difficult for our four-legged family
members. It's just as important for our dogs to be dressed
appropriately, and to have the right accessories, for different
seasons and occasions as it is for us. Let's take a look at the
summer and winter dog clothes every dog would drool over!
Collar and ID Tag
On the practical side, every dog needs a collar and ID tag.
Sometimes our furry friends get an inclination to wander or
slip out of the house or the yard. A collar tells others that,
though our dog may be taking themselves for a solo walk,
they're not a stray. Usually, in the unfortunate event that
your dog does wander off, a Good Samaritan will check for an ID
tag so that they can help return your
dog home safely. That's why every dog wants his or her
wardrobe to include an ID tag that lists - at a minimum - the
dog's name and your telephone number. These tags are
inexpensive and many retailers have will engrave them for you.
Winter Coat
Warm-up in a winter coat! To some people, this may seem
frivolous, but it can actually be absolutely necessary. In cold
environments, dogs can get chilled just as much as their
owners, and if we wouldn't set foot outside without a warm
coat, why would we expect them to do so? Short-haired dogs are
especially susceptible to cold, as well as older dogs that are
prone to arthritis. Providing
them with that extra layer of warmth saves their joints from
getting stiff and sore.
Reflective Leash
Stay safe with a reflective leash. Many people enjoy taking
their pets for an evening stroll. Luckily, there are leashes
made from a reflective material that glows in the dark. It's
just one more way to keep our beloved dogs safe.
Bandanas
Get festive with bandanas! We like to dress for the holidays and so do our dogs! Okay, maybe
they don't know that it's the 4th of July and that they're
sporting patriotic colors, but other people do notice, and this
grants your pets extra attention, which they are sure to enjoy.
A simple cotton bandana is inexpensive and washable. They come
in all sorts of colors and patterns, so you can find one for
any occasion.
Sweaters for Dogs
Get cozy with a cute sweater. Larger dogs are a bit harder to
shop for because most retail stores only carry clothes for
medium-to-small dogs. But if you happen to have a smaller dog,
why not keep them snug and cozy on a cold winter night with a
cute little sweater?
Sports Gear for Dogs
Make your dog a die-hard fan with sports gear! You love to show
off the jersey or t-shirt of your favorite team, and so will
your dog. Show love for your alma-mater's winning football
team, or the baseball team from your hometown with a scarf,
t-shirt, or jersey that your dog can wear to be a part of the
fun.
Dog Blankets
Add comfort and keep messes at bay with a big blanket. Having a
blanket that's specifically for your dog keeps them comfortable
by having something around (even in unfamiliar places) that has
its own scent on it. They can curl up and take a nap, you can
spread it across your car seat to protect it from fur and dirt,
and soon it will be your dog's most beloved accessory.
Sunglasses for Dogs
Your dog will look bad to the bone in a pair of goggles -
sunglasses made for dogs. They fit comfortably and look super
cool. We keep our eyes protected from the blazing sun, so why
not protect your pup's eyes as well?
Doggie Boots
These boots are made for walking, and your dog will love to
walk in them. Boots for dogs come in all colors, sizes, and
materials. Get a fleece-lined set for cold weather, or a more
multipurpose type to protect your pup's feet from hot and rough
surfaces as well.
With this list in hand, you and your best friend will always be
well prepared and well equipped for a fun-filled day no matter
what the occasion. And your dog is sure to stay stylish!
Hairless dogs, clothes, and freezing weather survival
Winter is wonderful if you have warm clothes. It is horrible if
you do not have layers of clothing or blankets. The same goes
for your hairless dog. Get a pitbull encased in warm wear and
see it walking confidently through the frozen city or
countryside. Apparel made especially for dogs is now a booming
industry. You can buy glossy down jackets, matching booties,
and fisherman's rain jackets. These clothing for warm-weather
dogs are not just fun. They are a necessity. Good quality wear
helps to keep the dogs in the pink of health. To the layperson,
dog clothing can be an oddity. It is a biological fact that
these domesticated canines descend from wolves, an animal that
thrives even in -70 degrees and weather-melting heat in the
desert, exceeding 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Nowhere it can be
seen in paintings or photographs of wolves swearing snug
jackets.
Domestication at
fault
The reason dogs need jackets and warm clothing is a man. Humans
domesticated the wolf about 10,000 years back and made them
into dogs with readily available food. Such docility, however,
came at a cost. The resiliency of these animals went down and
became cute cuddly, and vulnerable creatures. The chosen wolf
subspecies were made into hundreds of different dog breeds.
Since humans lived in different climates, their dogs also
showed the characteristics of a specific climate. Hairless dogs
are usually a native of hot weather. Medium coat dogs are found
in Temperate or Mediterranean. Although dogs differ in their
body fur, the temperature of their bodies is similar- 101 to
102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Keeping dogs like Siberian Huskies in
Temperate or hot climes require highly efficient
air-conditioning. They also require copious amounts of water.
Conversely, hairless dogs need warm zones to survive. A canine
with thin hair will get frostbite or hypothermia if they spend
hours outside in the freezing cold. It is to be mentioned that
you can take your hairless dog for a brief walk in freezing
weather. Anytime more than 10 minutes will require bundling up
the canines to save them from the bitter cold.
Importance of doggie
boots
You should buy clothes for a few hot weather canine breeds.
Purchase a thick scarf or a merino-wool cardigan. Buy doggie
boots too. They not only look cute but they are useful too. The
boots protect the cute paws from the harmful road melt
chemicals. These chemicals have industrial salts known to be
extremely toxic to dog paws. Your dog will lick its feet after
returning home and many ingest the dangerous salts sticking to
their body. It will fall ill as a result, and could possibly be
fatal. Many dog owners do not want to take this risk and thus
buy booties for their canines.
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