Dog Sweaters, Ooh La La
Fashionable canines: Dogs especially puppies and small breeds look super cute in sweaters. The dog sweater reflects the little animals personality, best traits as well keeping him or her cosy and warm. In the olden days the primary use of sweaters where to keep the canine warm, now it is great fashion to dress your best friend in beautiful clothes no matter what season or temperature. Come rain or shine.
Dressed for the occasion: Occasion and event dressing is very in now for example dressing your little friend in green and red for Christmas or Red and White for Valentines day. Clothes can also be used as insulation after grooming sessions where the protective layer of pelt is washed, clipped or shaven or after surgery or medication that caused hair loss. The clothing will help the hair grow back much quicker. In intense warm weather conditions a light shirt is excellent protection from harmful UV rays. Dog sweaters can act as an barrier where the dog has a skin condition to reduce tampering and scratching the area.
Suitable gear: Pick the correct outfit to suit your animals’ size and breed. You don’t want your dog to be a laughing stock or uncomfortable. The incorrect size clothing can be more of a burden than a joy for the animal to wear. It should be a fun and comfortable experience for both animal and owner. Do not squeeze a large dog into medium or small sized dogs’ clothing.
Male and Bitch: Remember that the male and female body of both humans and animals differ. A male dog will be uncomfortable in a bitch sweater as the tummy area will be less exposed and the bitch will be over exposed in the tummy area if wearing a sweater meant for male.
Home made: It is quick and easy to make great dog clothes yourself in the comfort of your own home. No special sewing or knitting expertise required. The internet is a wonderful source for pattern and design ideas. Should you decide on sewing, invest in a stretchy, quality and warm material such as fleece. If you opt for knitting instead buy quality wool with a good stretch. Use at least American size 19 needles.
Get use to: Wearing clothing does not come natural to any animal including dogs. It will take some time getting use to the feeling of an extra layer of skin in either fleece or wool. Start dress training from as early as ages two to four months. In certain countries and regions animals have no choice but to get use to boots and sweaters as the weather conditions don’t allow over cooling. Over cooling and temperature exposure is a total no-no and a least a couple of dog sweaters, coats and boots must form part of the wardrobe.
Availability: Animal clothing is available from specialty stores, modern pet shops as well as online. The fussiest of clients either being owner or pet has an endless list of beautiful and tasteful outfits to choose from.
Designer or thrift?: Designer brands also now cater for both animals and their owners. Matching outfits are extremely popular especially among celebrities and royalty. Expensive does not always mean better. An old or thrifted sweater or sock in case of very small breeds or puppies can easily be turned into a smashing little creation. This you can do yourself with no special needling techniques or tricks.
