Does Your Dog Need A Sweater Or Jacket?

A lot of pet owners believe that dog clothing does not have any practical or physical relevance to their pets. However, this is not the case, dog clothing can be very practical, especially in Canada and other parts of the world which are routinely subjected to cold temperatures and harsh winds and precipitation. Some dogs are naturally more adapted than others to the cold. For those dogs which aren’t, a dog jacket, sweater or coat can make for a more comfortable walk during the winter, spring, and autumn months.

So how to figure out if your dog needs a sweater or jacket?

Breed
As a rule of thumb, if your dog has a single coat of very short hair, he probably could benefit from a dog coat for winter. Short-haired dogs do not have as much natural protection as many breeds of long-haired dogs. What is not as commonly recognized is that many long-haired breeds which only have a single coat can also benefit from a dog coat or sweater.

Individual Disposition
Just as human beings have varying responses to temperatures, so do dogs. Maybe you feel perfectly comfortable in 60-degree weather, but you have a friend or family member who can’t stand it. Likewise, you could have two dogs of the same breed that react differently to different temperatures. You might have one dog that feels perfectly comfortable outside in 50-degree weather, and another of the same breed that is uncomfortable going out without some kind of protection.

Size & Age
Larger dogs can better handle the cold than smaller dogs. Smaller dogs are more likely to benefit from dog jackets for snow and rain. At the same time, very young dogs should be protected from the weather, and so should very old dogs.

Another major giveaway is the behaviour of your dog. If your pet doesnt feel warm enough when going outside, you would observe resistance in leaving the house and wanting to stay indoors.

Another thing to take note of is that not every pet will take to wearing clothing. Your pet’s acceptance of the garment depends partly on your approach to introducing it. Dog jackets and coats are new and unfamiliar when they are first introduced, and your dog will regard a new garment as potentially threatening until you gradually train him to approach it, and eventually, to wear it.

What to Consider while buying a sweater or jacket for your dog?

How do you pick out a dog jacket, sweater, or hoodie? Consider the following aspects of dog clothing design while you are shopping:

· Size. You absolutely must take your dog’s measurements and then check the sizing charts before you buy. Just as brands of clothing for you and me fit differently, there are different sizing guidelines for different brands of dog clothing. So make sure you understand how a particular brand of clothing will fit your dog before you make a purchase.

· Fabric. If you are looking for a garment for snowy or rainy conditions, choose a jacket or hoodie that is waterproof. A garment like a sweater for a dog is best for indoor wear or wear during dry days since a sweater can soak up water. The last thing you want is to make your dog more uncomfortable on a rainy day.

To conclude, the best way to pick the perfect size for your dog is to bring your dog to the store and try it on the spot. If that is not possible for some reasons, use the size chart provided on the website by each company as a guideline and take the measurement of your dog. Just as different brands of clothing have a different size chart and measurement guidelines for people, there are different sizing guidelines for different brands of dog clothing. Make sure you understand how a particular brand of clothing will fit your dog before you make a purchase.

If you are looking to buy dog jackets or sweaters or buy dog apparel in Markham, visit Sweetie Paw Pets to get jackets and sweaters which are ideal for different conditions and that your pooch will love!