The pet industry has introduced a new direction ─ creating outfits for dogs of different breeds. In large cities, ateliers for sewing clothes for pets are appearing. And if decorative animals buy clothes for beauty and other purposes, then whether clothes are needed for large dogs is a very important and interesting question. Each owner decides it independently, but it is still worth understanding the feasibility of a dog's wardrobe.
What is it for?
Dogs have their own internal thermoregulation system. But some breeds do not have thick fur and dense undercoat. Therefore, such dogs feel discomfort in cold weather. The larger the breed of dog, the more warmth it has in its body. For a large dog with thick fur, additional heating in winter is not needed. This applies to Siberian huskies, malamutes and St. Bernards, shepherds. But to preserve the fur of such animals in rainy weather, owners use waterproof capes, blankets that cover the body by 1/3. For short-haired dogs of large breeds, owners can use warm clothes to warm up in rainy weather and on a frosty day.
"Animal" outfits protect pets not only from cold weather, but also in other situations:
- For example, after an operation. It protects the wound from licking and injury;
- The presence of reflectors on the dog's clothing can prolong the life of the animal. Since reflective signals at night serve as a warning to drivers - "Be careful, there is an animal nearby!"
Types
Pet shops offer seasonal collections of vests, blankets, capes, overalls. Today, no one will be surprised if the owner leads a dressed pet to meet you. This is not a whim or a desire to "humanize" the pet. The clothes are practical, useful and protect the animal from precipitation, dirt and chemicals. The material of clothing for large breeds differs from the fabric used for models of decorative small dogs. Large dogs are energetic, their outfits should not be tight, restricting movement, should be quick to put on and easily fixed on the body.
Dog clothing should be:
- functional;
- durable;
- comfortable.
Taking these aspects into account, a material is selected that should be easy to wash, dry and not tear. For example, popular overalls can be made of raincoat fabric or bologna, which protects wool from rain and dirt, and also has water-repellent properties.
For cold weather, insulated overalls are designed to protect the coat from the reagents that are used to treat city streets in winter. Many owners put special shoes on their dog's paws to protect the animal from allergies, irritation, and skin ulcers. The main types of clothing for dogs can be divided into categories:
- Warm - this includes coats and jackets. They protect pets from the cold. They are sewn from raincoat fabric, woolen fabric, artificial sheepskin coat - insulated with synthetic padding or silicone;
- Waterproof - with the help of raincoats and blankets, pets stay dry in rainy weather. For use in the summer, you can buy a lightweight version made of thin polyethylene, nylon or bologna;
- Headgear - it is used at any time and in any weather. It is recommended for dogs with sore ears or as protection on a sunny day;
- Shoes come in different types – booties, boots, uggs. They are used to protect the dog's paws from damage and dirt. But you shouldn't wear them without a special need – during a walk, the dog's claws wear down naturally and do not cause discomfort to the animal.
Manufacturers offer a wide range of clothing for large dog breeds. In stores, you can choose seasonal clothing in a variety of colors:
- Trixie Paris jacket — the product is designed for large dogs. This model has a removable fleece lining, Velcro fastener. Wear-resistant material ─ nylon was used for production. The cost of such a product is about 1 thousand rubles;
- Orleans blanket - this model with a reflective belt is used for walks in the dark. The product has a Velcro fastener, as well as loops for the hind legs. The product is made of durable nylon with a fleece lining. The price of the model is 650 rubles;
- Portofino pullover — the model has a polo collar, beautiful trim on the back, and loops for the hind legs. The product is made of synthetics with the addition of cotton. The price of the pullover is 600 rubles;
- Rainsuit - the product is made of waterproof nylon material. It is fastened with a zipper on the back, there is a lacing on the neck for a tight fit and a long sleeve. This model is available in three color options. The cost of the overalls is from 720 to 790 rubles.
For large breeds of dogs, as well as for decorative ones, they sew elegant dresses, jewelry, carnival costumes, tuxedos, but these attributes are used for the participation of large dogs in exhibitions and photo sessions.
How to determine the size
When choosing clothes for a dog, you need to know its size. For it to feel comfortable, the clothes should be loose and not restrict the movements of the pet. Modern manufacturers mark clothes for animals with Latin letters ─ XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL.
The markings on the labels indicate what breed the model is intended for.
It is advisable to try on an outfit when buying it. Since items from the same manufacturer and size may look different. In order not to make a mistake with the size, you need to take the measurements correctly. To do this, you need to do the following with your dog.
- Back length - position the dog so that you can approach it from all sides. Since this is a large dog, more space will be needed. Measure the distance from the shoulder blades (withers) to the base of the tail with a tape measure. The main thing is that the animal stands straight on a flat, hard surface. If the dog has a dense build and a wide chest, you need to add 1 cm to the measurements for greater convenience;
- Chest circumference - measured at the widest point of the chest. The tape measure goes behind the front legs. Add 3-4 cm to the resulting size. The increase depends on the style of clothing - tight or loose;
- Neck circumference - measure slightly loosely, do not wrap the tape tightly around the neck. Add 1-2 cm to the result. The neck circumference is equal to the collar size. The product should not put pressure on the animal's neck, no matter what collar model it is: high or low;
- Waist size - (waist circumference) is the narrowest part of a person's figure. And in an animal, it is located in front of the hind legs;
- Head size - to buy a hat for a dog, you need to correctly determine the size of the animal's head. To do this, you need to take two measurements:
- Width between ears;
- Head circumference - for this you need to take two measurements - horizontal and vertical. First, measure the distance under the ears with a tape measure, without tightening the tape and leaving it to fit loosely. And then, with the tape vertically, measure the distance from the chin around the head and connect the tape at the highest part of the head.
Cynologists believe that owners make a mistake when dressing dogs. Clothes for dogs of the following breeds: boxers, staffies, cane corso, Great Danes and others negatively affect the thermoregulation process and the pet's fur. But veterinarians have a different opinion. They believe that dogs with short fur need clothes.
Care instructions
In dry, cool or frosty weather, the clothes of a pet do not get very dirty, so there is no need to wash them every time. It is enough to take a brush and clean minor dirt. If the walk is done on a rainy, dirty day, then you cannot do without washing. In the washing machine, dog clothes are washed on the "delicate" wash mode. Do not use powder, it can provoke an allergy. For large dogs, clothes are washed with special products that do not emit specific odors. For clothes made of natural materials, only hand wash is used. Clean things are dried naturally.
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