When it comes to pet fashion, possibly all dog parents agree that they’re absolutely adorable but are split down the middle when it comes to practicality. But dog clothes aren’t just about playing dress-up. In fact, there are several practical reasons why your dog could benefit from wearing clothes.
Here are some of the most important dog apparel pieces that you should consider:
Dog hoodies are irresistibly adorable and help provide extra warmth in cold weather. These are especially beneficial to small toy dogs like Chihuahuas, Pugs, and Italian Greyhounds. Hoodies can also help keep high-anxiety dogs calm.
@theoandvinci Wearing the "WOOF" Dog Hoodie - White and the "WOOF" Dog Hoodie - Black
@frenchiequilla Wearing the Shark Camo Dog Winbreaker
Whether it’s a downpour or a drizzle, a dog raincoat will keep your pup’s fur from getting wet in the rain. That allows you to avoid the dreaded damp dog smell and also evade the inconvenience of having to dry your pup up when you get home.
High-quality dog shirts are lined with fleece, which helps manage fur from taking over your entire home and car. Shed fur sticks to the inside of dog clothes rather than your seat covers, carpet, and sofa.
A French Bulldog wearing a t-shirt. Photo by Brina Blum
While genetics plays a big role, excessive sun exposure is one of the most common causes of skin cancer in dogs. Dog sweaters will help minimize sun exposure and lower the risk of skin cancer, especially among short-haired and light-skinned dogs.
Dog jackets are useful for colder winter temperatures. Although short-coated dogs have the most to gain from these cold-weather apparel, all types of breeds might need them sometimes.
This is especially true for senior dogs whose arthritis and inflammation may become aggravated by the cold.
Winter coats for dogs are generally for severe winter weather. In negative temperatures, some dogs might need down coats and other winter apparel to survive.
This is true for all breeds but especially for those with shorter snouts who have trouble regulating their internal body temperatures.
There are many different types of cooling vests for dogs, but all of them function to minimize the risk of heatstroke. In the hot summer months, dogs can overheat even when they’re in the shade. So, dog apparel with cooling technology are incredibly useful.
A Border Collie enjoying the summer with a pet cooling vest. Photo by Walmart
Two Frenchies swimming with floating vests. Photo by W.carter
Most dogs are great swimmers. But life jackets made specifically for dogs will guarantee their safety. These are especially important if you’ll be in open water.
As a general rule, if your dog can’t reach the ground while keeping their head above water, they need a life jacket.
Reflective vests or any clothing with reflectorized surfaces are essential when you’re heading out at night. In the dark, it could be hard for drivers to see you and your dog.
Having a reflective vest makes your pup more visible in the dark and so lowers the chances of accidents.
A white puppy wearing a bright orange vest with a reflector strip. Photo by Thomo16
A Pittie wearing dog shoes in the winter. Photo by Wilfried Santer
Dog booties might seem silly, but they’re the best way to protect your pup’s paws from debris and extreme ground temperatures. These are especially helpful in the summer when concrete absorbs enough of the sun’s heat to cause paw burning.
They’re also useful in the winter when sidewalks could be treated with harmful street salts.
All these types of dog apparel have practical functions. The fashion side of it simply makes shopping and going out a whole lot of fun. As you walk down the road with your dog, you get to turn heads, all while keeping your pup safe and comfortable. For the latest styles in canine fashion, check out how streetwear for dogs is taking over the dog apparel industry.
