Clothing in dogs is usually seen as unnecessary. People would mainly put on clothes because it looks so cute on the dog, most dog clothes are also made for that. However, there are indeed items of clothing that have a good function for the dog or for the safety of your dog. Take the time to get the dog used to a piece of clothing.
Reflection
When it gets dark early again in winter, it is wise to make your dog clearly visible. The main reason for giving the dog something reflective is for safety. Who knows, you may be walking along a road, on a cycle path or there are dogs in the area that do not get along well with other dogs. You can choose a light on the collar, a luminous collar or a reflective collar, but there are also reflective vests for sale. Especially if the dog has quite a bit of hair, the collars are not always clearly visible and you can go for a vest. These are attached with Velcro around the neck and behind the front legs.
Shoes or socks
It sounds crazy, dogs wearing shoes or socks, but it is not always a luxury. Dog shoes are mainly used by the active dog owners. The dog shoes often have a sturdy sole that prevents wear on the soles of the dog’s paws, gives a good grip on rough surfaces and prevents paws from being damaged by, for example, brine or sharp objects. Shoes can therefore be used well when you go for a walk on rough terrain.
The socks usually have a medical reason. For example, there are socks available that you can put on bandages so that the dog cannot take the bandage off so easily. Or socks with grip that make it easier for your dog to get up on slippery surfaces when he is older or has undergone surgery.
Running shorts
About twice a year females come into heat. Heat can be compared to the menstruation of humans, but dogs lose much less blood. Although they lose less blood it does. To combat stains, you can purchase heat pants. These are kind of underpants with a hole in them for the dog’s tail to pass through. This prevents the dog from accidentally leaving blood on the couch, for example. Please note, heat pants are of no use with regard to covering. It doesn’t stop males from covering the bitch. You can just walk your bitch without pants and keep a close eye on a leash, do not let a male come near her.
Dog coat
For some dogs, a coat is not a superfluous luxury. This mainly concerns dogs that do not have a good coat for medical reasons or because of old age. In addition, crested dogs are not made for the Dutch winters. Take a good look at the quality and shape of a jacket. A water-repellent jacket naturally ensures that your dog stays warmer. Get the right size so that the coat doesn’t get in the way of the dog.
Backpack for dogs
Some people carry their dogs in a bag, but there are also bags that are specially made for the dog to carry. There are different types of bags for sale that the dog can carry himself. The bags are often a bit like bicycle bags, so there is a compartment on both sides of the back where things can go. Such backpacks can, for example, come in very handy when owner and dog take long walks together or go backpacking. Make sure that you build up the backpack slowly and that you never let the dog lift more than 25% of its own weight. Divide the weight into the two compartments. For example, you can let the dog take some food, a hiking map, a flashlight, a toy or other items that fit in the backpack and are not too heavy. If you have a large dog, you will have to carry a little less while backpacking.
