Contrary to what some people may think, putting clothes on your dog serves as more than just a fashion statement. Even if most canines possess fur coats that keep them warm, they still benefit from wearing apparel like sweaters and customizable dog T-shirts. High-quality clothes designed especially for dogs will not only look great on your pooch, but also promote better health, hygiene, and safety.
If you live in a place with chilly winters or sweltering summers, clothing can provide your pooch with additional insulation or keep them cool. Moreover, certain canines, like senior dogs, have health conditions that may require you to watch out for their body temperature—which is something you can regulate using dog clothes.
Dogs that often go outdoors also benefit from an added layer of clothing that can shield them from the hot sun and other elements as well as protect their fur from dirt.
To learn more, below are five things that wearing clothes can do for your dog:
1) Dog Clothes Keep Your Pooch Comfy in Hot or Cold Weather
Some dogs, like Siberian huskies and Samoyeds, have naturally thick coats that are meant to withstand colder temperatures. However, other breeds may have difficulty handling frigid weather, especially small and short-haired canines. Without proper insulation, your own dog may be susceptible to hypothermia. There are also hairless breeds, like the Chinese crested dog and the Mexican Hairless, that by default need to wear an extra layer of clothing to regulate their body temperatures.
If you live in a country with colder climates, dress your dog appropriately for the weather. Clothing pieces like sweaters, hoodies, and coats are ideal for keeping your pup warm when winter comes.
Similarly, dogs with thick coats, like Chow-Chows and Newfoundlands, may feel uncomfortable during the summer months and may be prone to overheating. If you have a dog with a thick and plush coat, besides providing them with enough water and giving their fur a good trim, you can have them wear a cooling jacket or vest that’s designed to deflect the sunlight and evaporate heat.
2) Dog Clothes Can Mitigate Your Dog’s Health Conditions
Clothes can also mitigate certain health conditions that your canine may be experiencing. If you own a senior dog with arthritis, for example, cold weather can make their joints ache even worse than usual. Additionally, dogs that experience Cushing’s disease are prone to losing a lot of fur, which means they may need some clothes to help protect their body and keep them at normal temperatures.
In both cases, dog clothes will be a welcome reprieve. To prevent joint stiffness, pain, and fur loss, among others, make sure to put some clothes on a geriatric canine or a canine with special needs when temperatures hit extremes.
3) Dog Clothes Can Protect Your Canine’s Skin
Even if your dog isn’t experiencing any health conditions, having them wear clothes is still a great way to protect their skin from the elements. Parkas will keep your pooch dry when they’re out in the rain or snow. On hot sunny days, you dog will also need extra protection from UV rays, as these can be damaging to their skin.
A dog T-shirt made of lightweight and breathable fabric can be just what you need to protect your fur baby’s skin while keeping them cool. For good measure, you can also shield your pup’s head from the sun’s rays with a comfy hat.
Clothes can also provide your dog with substantial protection from ticks and fleas. This is especially important if you often take them to grassy or wooded areas. While it’s still necessary to apply anti-flea and anti-tick treatments on your pooch’s fur, a T-shirt or dog bandana can definitely deter bugs from biting your dog or making a home in their fur.
4) Clothes Can Keep Your Dog (and House) Clean
While it can be a joy to see your canine playing outdoors, activities like digging or rolling in the soil can make grooming a particularly challenging task. Thankfully, clothes are great at keeping dirt away from your dog’s fur.
Once they’ve finished playing, you can easily remove their garment and toss it into the wash. Plus, clothes are also great for containing their shedding. They can trap most of the fur inside, preventing pet hair from spreading all over your house. Thanks to dog clothes, you can enjoy a tidier home while also being able to maintain your dog’s hygiene.
5) Clothes Can Promote Your Pup’s Safety
Your dog’s clothing pieces can also act as safety measures. For instance, if you’re taking your dog out for a walk at night, it’s best to have them wear outfits with reflective materials. Bikers or drivers will have an easier time seeing your pooch in dark when they’re outfitted with these clothes, which can in turn prevent accidents from happening.
Additionally, if your pooch manages to escape during your walk, reflective outfits will allow you to spot them easily. And if you’re planning on going swimming with your dog, consider getting them a life vest to wear—especially if they aren’t familiar with the water or can’t swim on their own.
As shown above, dog clothes go beyond fashionable purposes. They can also do a lot to help keep your dog healthy and safe. With these reasons in mind, make sure that your fur baby wears clothes with the best comfortable fit. After all, you’d want your pooch to go out of the house confident and comfortable in their spiffy outfit of the day.
Dress up your pooch in stylish, but functional dog clothes from PrideBites. Check out our catalog for wholesale dog clothes with customization options, from dog T-shirts and dog hoodies to dog coats and dog hats.
Want a mock-up of your special design? Contact our team and fill in the information form on our website, and we’ll be happy to help execute your design project for clothes that will look awesome on your dog. Get in touch with PrideBites now!