Dressing up your dog with a dog sweater is not just for fun, but it actually protects her/him from cold atmosphere as the temperature drops and keeps her/him healthy. Whether your dog could benefit from a dog sweater or not depends also on her/his breed and the climate in which you live.
Some dogs’ coats are thicker. But some others are with a fine coat and if they are living in a cold climate, they cannot necessarily bear the atmospheric temperature, and in that case, dog sweaters can protect them well from cold.
And of course, your dog looks cute and fun wearing a cozy, colorful sweater. You should, however, ensure that your best four-legged friend is comfortable in her/his sweater. Here are some tips.
When should You Dress up Your Dog with a Sweater?
Every dog doesn’t need an extra protection against atmospheric temperature. Some breeds like St. Bernards or Malamutes have heavy coats of their own, so they don’t need an extra sweater or jackets. Actually, if you make them wear a sweater, they may feel uncomfortable and overheated.
However, for a small dog or a dog with naturally a fine coat, such as a small Terrier or Chihuahua, extra layer of a sweater or jacket will make a big difference.
Also dogs who are older and have a weakened immunity or suffering from diseases like arthritis may require an extra layer for warmth.
If you are not sure whether to make your dog wear a sweater, it’s best to consult with your vet and check if your dog will become comfortable and healthy or uncomfortable and heated in a dog sweater.
Taking Measurements
Once it is confirmed that your dog can wear a sweater, you will need to take her/his measurement so that her/his sweater fits her/him appropriately. If the sweater is too loose, it will drag on the ground, or your dog could easily take it off. If it is too tight, it will become difficult while wearing and taking off.
Ideally the dog sweater should be sung against her/his skin, but should not be too tight. Measure the neck of your dog, the length from neck to the waist and around the largest portion of her/his chest. The length of the sweater should ideally go from the neck to the waist, so that legs remain free.
Material
Wool is considered to be the best material for humans as well as dogs, due to the warmth it provides, its strength and insulating ability. However, it may be sometimes the most irritating for some dogs because of itching. Instead, cotton and washable wool mixes and synthetic materials like acrylic are more preferable.
Visit DogSweaters.org for getting the best sweaters for your dog. The cute picture in this article is their courtesy.