Practical Dog Clothing

Standing before the craft fair display of handcrafted dog clothes created by “People Against Animal Nakedness,” I couldn’t resist a giggle. Few things entertain me more than the type of people who will purchase a complete wardrobe of essentially useless clothes, and then have the nerve to complain about the cost of keeping a dog. While many people think these clothes are cute, add character, or whatever the attraction may be, I have to wonder how many dogs hold the same opinion about these superfluous articles of clothing.

Don’t get me wrong, some types of dog clothes are absolutely essential to keep on hand. Not everything is impractical, nor is it all designed to simply empty pet owners’ pockets of their hard-won cash without actually benefiting the dog.

Sweaters and Coats

These are probably the most obvious piece of useful dog clothing. Especially with diverse breeds and increased globalization, some dogs just don’t have the kind of natural protection they may need to withstand bitter winters, and they still need to be able to go outside during the cold months. For example, Redbone Coonhounds are very popular throughout much of the United States, including the Mountain States such as Montana, Colorado, and Wyoming. These dogs were developed in Brazil, and they simply don’t have the cold tolerance for some of these climates. If your dog shivers whenever it goes outside during certain seasons, it may be time to invest in a coat or sweater.

Vests

The simply dog vest has a number of important functions. For instance, in rural areas where there may be hunting, a hunter’s orange vest with reflector strips may help keep your canine companion safe. Even apart from hunting areas, orange vests allow you to see an off-leash dog more easily (for instance, if you habitually take a popular-breed dog to an off-leash dog park) and helps cars see your dog more clearly while walking along roadsides. In addition, vests are commonly used to convey a message, or indicate a service dog. For instance, your dog’s vest might say, “Please ask before you pet my dog,” or, “Please don’t pet me, I’m working.”

Show Sheets

Especially if you own a long-haired dog, or are involved in showing your dog, a show sheet or show jacket may be the most useful piece of practical dog clothing in the bunch. These loose jackets keep a freshly-groomed dog’s coat clean and neat. Rather than wasting hours of preparation before a family get-together when Scruffy decides to roll in the pile of dead leaves out back after his bath, a small investment could save you a lot of stress and headaches.

Body Suits

Commonly made of a seersucker fabric that stretches to be comfortably form-fitting, body suits are used for many purposes. Vets often recommend these suits if a dog has a wound, sore, or skin condition where it may attempt to worry the injuries. Light-skinned dogs with short hair, or that have recently been clipped short, may be susceptible to sunburn if they’re not covered with a body suit. If your dog loves water, this simple suit can help keep ticks and leeches from latching on to your dog’s body.

Dog Boots

By far the most practical piece of dog clothing for all dogs in areas that have snowy or icy winters, or areas where dogs will be traveling over rough terrain that could cut their pads, dog boots are a must for people who love to be on the go with their dogs. They even make doggie snowshoes so that your dog can enjoy that trip through deep, powdery snow with you without having to go through exhausting leaps and bounds at every step. For being on the go, another piece of practical dog clothing may be a dog backpack so that your precious pup can pack their own food and water on long hiking trips, ensuring that these essentials can never be lost on the trail.

Practical dog clothing abounds throughout the market, and these are just a few items that tend to be the most useful for people who spend a lot of time with their dog. If you really want those cute dog clothes, they sell them too, and in practical types that ensure your pet care dollars are well-spent. The right dog clothes can actually fulfill a vital role in ensuring your beloved dog’s health and comfort.