Bundling up in warm clothes during the cold season isn’t just something that humans enjoy. Dogs appreciate it too, with some canines benefiting from wearing cozy sweaters and warm booties more than other breeds. For example, small dogs such as chihuahuas, Yorkshire terriers, and maltese are less capable of maintaining their body temperature. They can feel chilly or become hypothermic in very cold temperatures. The same goes for hairless breeds like the Chinese crested and the American hairless terrier, as well as dogs with sparse short coats such as miniature pinschers and French bulldogs. These dogs may need extra protection against the cold.
While wearing cozy clothes may be a practical necessity for your dog, it’s also a good opportunity for you as a dog owner to dress up your pet in adorable outfits. So if you’re looking for style inspiration to make sure your dog is ready for the cold weather, here are some outfit ideas that will keep them warm and looking chic.
Keep Layers Light on Chilly Days
When the weather is just starting to cool down, your dog might not need to be fully covered up just yet. During the fall season, when temperatures are chilly but aren’t freezing, dressing your pet in light layers should be enough to keep them warm. This makes customizable dog t-shirts, sleeveless hoodies, and sweaters perfect for your dog to wear when spending time outdoors. Choose garments that wrap around your dog’s torso and consider a design with sleeves to keep their front legs warm and protected.
The best thing about dog t-shirts, hoodies, and sweaters is that you can find them in various designs. You might even find a style that matches one of your own outfits so that you and your dog can dress alike. It’s an adorable look that will certainly attract the attention of many onlookers.
Look for Waterproof and Warm Apparel
If you live in an area where it snows or rains a lot, consider purchasing water-resistant protective clothing for your dog. This will make walks more comfortable and safe for your pet, even when the streets are wet. Get a doggie raincoat or rain poncho to keep your dog’s fur dry on rainy days. If your dog seems cold even with a raincoat on, have them wear a sweater or a full-zip hoodie underneath for added warmth.
Alternatively, you can get a winter coat for your dog. This type of doggie apparel features insulation and a waterproof outer shell, providing your pet with warmth and protection from the cold and damp weather. If you live in a region that experiences snow most months of the year, it’s a good idea to get full-body snowsuits for your dog. These garments help protect canines from head to tail. Doggie snowsuits come in vibrant colors too, so your pet will surely stand out while they’re playing in the snow.
Cover Up Your Dog’s Head
While keeping your dog’s body warm is important, you also need to give the same attention to their ears and head. If your pet has long ears or long hair, hooded pet apparel or snoods are best to use for keeping their head protected. Snoods resemble fabric bags that slip over a dog’s head and ears. These garments are usually elastic, which helps keep them in place. They also serve as extra insulation and keep your dog’s ears and hair dry from rain or snow.
In addition to providing warmth, snoods can make mealtimes neater for messy eaters. Since your dog’s ears are tucked inside the snood, you don’t have to worry about their long ears dipping into their food and water bowls. As a bonus, snoods make great accessories as they look sleek and stylish when worn. You can even find one to match with their doggie jacket or coat.
Get Paw Accessories to Match Your Dog’s Outfit
Dog paws are sensitive and they can get frostbitten from walking on snow or icy ground. Your pet could also get ice balls stuck in the hair between their paw pads, which can be painful. Also, snow or ice-covered grounds tend to be slippery, which can cause your dog to slip and fall.
To complete your dog’s outfit, you also need to make sure their paws are warm and dry by having them wear winter dog booties. Apart from keeping paws warm, booties protect your dog’s paws from the elements. They also provide excellent traction, so your pet can run and play during cold weather without the risk of accidentally slipping and hurting themselves. Booties come in different colors and designs that you can match with the rest of your dog’s outfit for a more seamless look. You’ll likely have plenty of options to choose from, so make sure to look for booties that are constructed from water-resistant materials and have textured soles.
Before purchasing dog booties, measure your dog’s front and back paws as they can sometimes be different in size. This way, you can be certain that your dog not only looks good but also feels comfortable wearing the booties.
Depending on how cold the weather is in your area, there are different ways you can keep your dog warm. Functionality and comfort should be your top concerns, but with plenty of options available, you should be able to find stylish pieces as well. Follow the tips above so your pet looks fashionable and feels comfortable at the same time.
Photo by Matthew Henry on Unsplash