Clothes for the dog - Useful or just a fashion accessory?
As the days get shorter and the temperature drops, autumn approaches. With the beginning of this season you can see large and small dogs, which carry a variety of garments. Coats, rain jackets, sweaters, scarves and overalls, lined, unlined, fleece, wool, with and without cap, glittering, just a whole range of clothes for the dog. But is it really useful, or is it just sweet, when the little Chihuahua flits around with a glittering little coat or when the big Doberman frolics in the snow with a coat? Often this is also a controversy among the dog people.
Which dog need a coat?
There are many reasons why a dog needs clothes. We'll show you these.
Protection against cold due to age - puppies and old dogs
Especially in puppies or even in old dogs, the immune system is not so strong or not so strong in old age. Here it makes perfect sense to protect the dog from cold and / or wet. The body of a young dog, has enough work with the growth of bones and training of the organs, so that freezing would mean additional work for the small body and the immune system. Older dogs usually have musculo-skeletal disorders. Here, too, freezing means extra work for the organism.
What clothes are available for dogs?
The range of dog clothes is great. We will go into the functional clothing for dogs and leave fashionable accessories aside.
The dog sweater is classic in knitwear, but also in fleece. This may be useful on dry days or in the car during the waiting period. However, a sweater is not waterproof so it is not recommended to go to the front door on rainy days. Because a soaked sweater does exactly the opposite of warmth and protection.
Dog coat
There are countless variants here: with fleece, normal filling, completely without. With collar or without, as a quilted coat and even with integrated harness. No wish remains open.
Dog raincoat
What is there to add to the word "rain jacket"? Nothing - it protects you from rain and wind! Especially in rain-shy dogs, like many Dobermans, this is a must have!
What should you look for when buying?
Fit
The dog should have enough freedom of movement. He should therefore not too tight, but not too much to slobber, because that is also disturbing. The material should not be too stiff or rub.
Important in my opinion is a belly, which really covers the entire abdomen. This is difficult in dogs with a deep chest like a Doberman or Boxer, but there are now providers tailor made to measure.
For very active, playing dogs, the mantle should be closed at the front. Experience has shown that a hook and loop fastener does not have the necessary strength to keep the coat closed.
Also useful is a neck piece, as it warms and protects the important neck muscles.
In addition, there should be enough possibilities to secure the garment from slipping. Leg loops are normally attached here. These can be shortened individually with knots.
Functionality
Of course, the garment should also meet your wishes regarding functionality. Should the coat only protect against rain or just warm it at low temperatures?
It is also important that the coat is breathable, if it is lined. Otherwise, overheating can threaten!
In small, ground-level dogs, the belly should be water repellent in any case.
After our beloved dog do us not the favor and pay attention to the cleanliness, it is also important that the coat is washable and quick-drying.
Practical is a hole for the harness carriers among our dogs. Otherwise, leashing is difficult. Reflectors for the dark are also useful.
Conclusion
You now have an overview of why dog clothing makes sense. Due to the wide range of articles, there is something for every dog and every weather. There are already cheap clothes, but also high-priced items from certain brands. Or you just try yourself on sewing or knitting. You can already find patterns on the internet or you use an old newspaper and cut out the right dimensions.
