Dog Clothes - More Than Just Looks!

Warmth, Comfort, Safety and Style for Your Dog

You wear clothes and shoes for function and form - the same thing goes for your dog. Dog clothes and shoes serve several very important practical functions in addition to being attention-getting, fashionable, and fun for both owner and dog.

The first important practical function of dog clothes and shoes is that they keep your dog from freezing or suffering other discomfort when it goes out into cold weather or other bad conditions. This is especially true for small breeds or shorthaired dogs. Most of these dogs do not have the warm fur that some other dogs have. Dogs do not only need protection from the elements while on a walk in the park, some dogs really freeze when you open up the door to let them out to do their business and they step out into the snow for the first time. Dog sweaters, coats, and boots can help to keep your dog warm for these activities and for any other outdoor activities throughout the cold months.

Sometimes even longhaired dogs may need some protection if they are going to be out in the rain. For these situations, there are water-repellant or water-resistant rain apparel for dogs. If you think rain and wetness does not bother your dog, try this to get an idea of how it feels: put on a heavy wool sweater, stand in the shower until wet, come out and shake vigorously, and then lounge around the house for the rest of the day! Speaking of shaking vigorously, rain gear for your dog will also help keep your house clean since your dog will not feel the need to shake the mud and rain off itself if it is dry.

Dog clothing can serve yet another important function by keeping your dog safe. Bright, visible, or even reflective clothing should be worn by both dog and owner when walking after dark or even during the day near roadways. Finally, dog shoes or boots complete the picture. Think how messed up your feet would be if you went out barefoot or just wearing socks with no shoes on to cold, wet ground with snow, ice, or rain. Dog shoes and boots will protect the feet of dogs who have to go out in snowy and icy conditions or even when on hot pavement during the searing summer months.

Besides practical function, as you can imagine dogs can look pretty good and "happening" in these dog sweaters and coats. You and your dog can have a lot of fun dressing up in style. Dog clothes can make a dog look fashionable and show personality by displaying the latest colors, your favorite sports team logos or just about anything else you can think of for some major visual impact! Let your dog reflect your personal opinion and values, or help with event or organization promotion by wearing corporate/company logos, military service branch identification, musical group adoration, political party or church affiliation and the favorite fund raiser event.

Like many babies or young kids, a lot of dogs will try to resist when you first put dog shoes and/or clothes on them. They may try to take the clothes off or otherwise fight it. You may remember that your dog probably did not go for the collar and leash thing at first either. Give some praise and maybe a treat at first if necessary. Your dog will get used to it and leave it alone once it realizes that the clothes and shoes will help keep it warm and dry during the coldest months. There will be no more angst and frustration about not being able to go out because of cold weather for owner and dog!

If you have any more questions regarding dog clothes and shoes, just ask us and we will help you any way we can.

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