Nowadays, it isn’t only humans who’ve been showing off their fashion sense. There’s been a boom in sales for clothing made specifically for dogs, from specialty collars and miniature T-shirts to dog-sized sweater vests and wholesale dog bandanas. With that in mind, dog owners may be wondering: are there practical benefits to buying dog clothes, or are they just a fad? Is it actually worth it to buy dog clothing, or will your dog’s collar, leash, and birthday suit always suffice?
If you’re a pooch parent yourself, you may be surprised to know about the practical applications for dog clothing. Beyond serving an aesthetic purpose, specialty clothes can also protect your dog’s body and even ease the stress they’re feeling in certain situations. To illustrate further, here are six of the most compelling reasons to invest in clothes for your dog:
They Can Help Regulate Your Dog’s Body Temperature During Extreme Weather
How comfortable your dog is during extreme weather, like hot summers and icy winters, depends on a number of factors. One of these factors is the length of their coat. Hairless dogs or dogs with short and fine coats may be extra susceptible to a chill during the colder months, as well as sunburn during the hotter months.
That said, a layer of clothing can protect a dog the same way it would a human. A dog sweater can help your pooch regulate their body temperature during the winter. In the same vein, a shirt or vest can protect your dog’s skin from the searing heat and harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. For those reasons alone, you should consider investing in high-quality and weather-appropriate dog clothing.
They Protect Your Dog from Scratches, Pests, and the Elements
The weather isn’t the only thing that dog clothes can shield your dog from. Clothes will also serve as helpful protective layers against physical injury. For example, vests or shirts can keep your dog from getting scratched by bushes or tree branches when the two of you are out for a walk. The same clothes will keep them safe from bugs or ticks. You can also equip your dog with booties to keep their paws from getting bruised or scratched up by rough sidewalks. Booties can also prevent your dog’s paws from being burned by hot concrete.
They’ll Keep Your Dog from Chewing or Scratching Themselves Unnecessarily
Every dog owner knows the stress of keeping their pooches from chewing or scratching themselves, especially if they have ticks or itchy scabs on their bodies. You can supplement the usefulness of a dog cone with a dog shirt or sweater. That will keep them from irritating their scabs, blisters, or rashes, ultimately preventing them from exacerbating any health problems they may have at the moment.
They’ll Make Your Dog Extra Visible to Passersby
Making your dog extra noticeable to the general public isn’t just a matter of showing them off. In certain situations, it can even save their lives. An accessory like a reflective vest or collar can call attention to the dog and make them extra visible to pedestrians, bikers, and drivers. If other people can clearly see your dog, they’ll know to stay out of the way and prevent your dog from getting into an accident. And in the rare case that your dog suddenly sprints, goes off-leash, and gets lost, it will be easier for passersby to identify them and help you look for them.
They Can Help Relieve Your Dog’s Stress or Anxiety
There is some evidence that garments like anxiety vests help dogs cope with stress and anxiety. The science behind these products indicates that the light, soothing pressure they apply on a dog’s body triggers the release of calming hormones. This may be just what your dog needs when it’s storming and thunderous outside. An anxiety vest can also keep them calm whenever there are loud and scary fireworks going off on New Year’s Eve or the fourth of July.
They’re Great for Family Photos, Reunions, and Other Special Occasions
The aesthetic appeal of dog clothes shouldn’t be forgotten, especially during occasions like family reunions. Your dog can join you and your family in dressing up for wacky and memorable photos. Dogs with confident and friendly personalities will also love the extra attention they get from guests when wearing special clothes.
Some Closing Tips for Choosing the Right Dog Clothing for Your Pooch
All these aside, your dog will only be able to enjoy the full benefits of their new clothes if you choose the right apparel for them. Here are some final tips for buying dog clothing that you should take into consideration:
- Your dog’s comfort should be paramount. Don’t overdress them if they don’t seem comfy wearing excessive layers. Adjust their clothing according to their temperament and immediate needs.
- The size of your dog’s clothing also matters. Before buying a product, find out how to get your dog’s measurements. Align their measurements with those specified in the product.
- Get high-quality durable clothing so that your pooch can reuse them for several years.
These tips should help you find comfy, fashionable clothing for your dog to rock at home or on the streets. Now that you know the benefits your pup can gain from wearing dog clothes, invest in quality pieces that will protect your fur baby as well as show off their unique personality!
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