Dog Sweaters, Ooh La La
Why clothes?: Animals especially dogs wear clothing for many reasons. The main reasons of course being to beat the winter chill as well as to be the cutest, most fashionable dog in the neighborhood. Clothes are a wonder way to show of your doggies best features, personality as well as keeping him or her warm. A mix of fashion and practicality. What on earth is cuter than a Chihuahua with a diamond necklace and pink dog sweater? Dressing dogs to be in-tune with the latest fashion crazes it growing more and more in popularity.
Dressed to impress: Event and occasion matching is extremely in style. Popular occasions include Valentines day, red and pink or St. Patrick’s day, green. Clothing can serve as cover after a grooming session where the isolative layer of fur is washed, clipped or shaven, it will also increase the pace hair re-growth. Light shirts are wonderful during sunny and warm weather to shield the animal from dangerous Ultra Violet rays. Another reason to pop a sweater or shirt on your dog is to act as a barrier for a dog suffering from skin problems, this will significantly reduce tampering with the infected or inflamed areas.
Sweater should be suitable: When choosing a sweater for your dog, make sure that it is suitable for the animals size and breed. A too big or small outfit can cause the animal immense distress and discomfort. Do not force a Chow into a Boston Terrier clothing item. It should be fun for both owner and dog to wear clothing, not a burden.
Male and Bitch: Remember that the male and female body of both humans and animals differ. A male dog will be uncomfortable in a bitch sweater as the tummy area will be less exposed and the bitch will be over exposed in the tummy area if wearing a sweater meant for male.
Easy to make: An array of patterns are available online which can be scaled to fit your dog. Fleece material is recommended. However if you decide to knit a sweater instead of sewing, use a good quality wool, very stretchy wool as well as US size 19 needles.
Learn to wear: Not all dogs will immediately like the feeling of an extra layer of pelt. They need to get use to clothing as well as footwear from an early age of about two to four months. However it is imperative for animals to wear clothing in cold countries or areas such as United Kingdom and Russia. Overcooling and exposure must be avoided and at least a couple of sweaters or coats must form part of the animals wardrobe.
Suppliers: The majority of animal specialty stores and pet shops stock and supply clothes. Shopping online is another great option. The greatest and fussiest fashionista will have a wide variety of couture to select from no matter the taste.
Designer or thrift?: Designer brands also now cater for both animals and their owners. Matching outfits are extremely popular especially among celebrities and royalty. Expensive does not always mean better. An old or thrifted sweater or sock in case of very small breeds or puppies can easily be turned into a smashing little creation. This you can do yourself with no special needling techniques or tricks.
