It is winter here in Michigan and I don’t leave my house without boots, my huge down coat, gloves, scarf and a hat! Rugby (my boxer) and Patches (mix) get similar treatment. The howling winds and sleet are not friends to our walks-dogs clothes are very important in cold weather. The material protects their bodies from losing all that warmth trapped under their fur. Yes, I know they have fur, but when it is only 2 degrees outside and the wind is blowing hard, pet clothing is welcomed and appreciated by your pet.
Dog sweaters can cost anywhere from $7 to $$100’s of dollars. I saw cashmere dog sweaters at a boutique in New York selling for $398! Rugby and Patches did not get those for Christmas!
You can spend whatever your heart desires on a nice, protective sweater to keep your dog insulated and dry on his walks. Having him covered up is also going to be more pleasant for you because when you come into the house your dog will track less water onto the carpet and furniture. You should keep a towel by the door to dry off paws and faces; otherwise they will head right to your furniture to wipe themselves off.
What is most important when buying your puppy sweater is the fit. Make sure that the sweater does not fit too tightly, especially under your doggies leg’s. If the dog clothing is too tight in the areas where your dog moves (the “armpit” area) the material will bunch up and be uncomfortable and then your dog will be sad. We don’t want that.
Pay close attention to sizing and fit to keep your pet liking their dog sweater. Also, the material is another important factor in choosing the perfect pet clothing. If it is pouring and wet outside you don’t want your pets clothing to be wool or light cotton because then the fabric is just going to get soaked and cling to your dog and make him cold. For wet days make sure you get a water resistant fabric, maybe a dog jacket instead of a dog sweater, to ensure your dog is dry, warm and happy.
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He is wearing the perfect bow tie for his prom date! Just a little puppy fashion can go a long way. I think they’d better snap a picture with his tongue in his mouth for the photo album though. =)
http://ihasahotdog.com/2008/09/28/funny-dog-pictures-pic-u-up-for-promz/
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I was a little angry when I walked into Target the other day and saw the Halloween aisle. I’m in denial that summer is ending.
Halloween is fun and all but being from Michigan, my puppy and I have 6 months of snow and ice to weather through. But, one nice thing about Halloween being here is the costumes!
It is time for dogs to be anything they want! Your dog can be a lizard, pig, cowboy or hot dog! Puppies love Halloween attention and now is the time to find the perfect costume for your poochie.
Got a Bulldog?
Maybe he should be a ballerina!
Got a weiner dog?
Maybe he should become a hot dog!
The idea’s never cease.
What are some of your favorite dog costumes?
I once saw a Weimarener dressed up as Billy the Kidd, complete with gun holster. It was hilarious and the dog loved all his fans.
If you are planning to dress your puppy up for the Halloween shenanigans please be safe and keep these things in mind!
1. Make sure you puppy likes his costume! Once you get your howl-goblin all costumed give him a few moments to adjust. If he cries, whimpers and looks terribly uncomfortable maybe it’s best to remove the costume. It’s only fun if you are both having fun. If your dog is miserable then he is going to hate Halloween. Keep in mind that costumes, just like your regular puppy clothing, should not block your dogs eyes (like bandanna’s, crowns, or eye patches for that puppy pirate). When a dog can’t see they will become more aggressive and we don’t want to make him feel vulnerable and unsafe, that is not nice.
2. Halloween means many people will be out on the street. Keep your puppy close to you if you decide to go outdoors to show of his snazzy cute costume. He should be leashed, collared and tagged with all his information! Dogs have been known to be abducted on Halloween so please keep him nearby so he is not teased or stolen by any non-friendly Halloweenies. Also, if you stay inside and answer the door to pass out candy to your trick-or-treaters be sure your dog is blocked away from the door. People wearing costumes could scare your puppy.
3. Don’t let your dog eat any candy! Candy is not for pets. It messes with their digestion and is toxic to their bodies! Wrappers are also unsafe and can obstruct your doggies intestines. Plus, there will be a huge mess to clean up. Please make sure the candy bowl is high out of reach from sniffy, curious puppy noses!
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Being overweight isn’t just for humans. Just like us dogs are tempted with all sorts of treats that just aren’t good for them. And they don’t get enough exercise. I read somewhere that dog owners live longer. It as attributed to going out for walks with your pet and by having a happy companion always ready to greet you when you get home from a long day at work. Having pets usually makes people happier–it gives people a sense of responsibility and therefore increases their fulfillment in life.
Speaking of fulfillment…is your pet overweight? I have talked a lot about puppy fashion on this blog but what if your dog is too overweight to be sporting those sexy Amazon hoodies? Then, I’m afraid it is time for that dreadful 4-letter word. Not cake. Diet. It’s probably time you put your puppy dog on a diet.
Just like us a dogs arteries clog with cholesterol and they need to eat healthy and exercise regularly in order to stay robust and ruling the bark park. If your dog is supposed to be fitting into those size M’s and he’s just not making it it might be time to do a few extra laps around the house. You can tell if your dog is overweight by feeling for his ribs. When a dog is standing up his ribs should be easily felt through his skin, if not, he is most likely overweight. Keep in mind, this does not mean you have to see his ribs, you just have to be able to feel them. If your dog is overweight, take him for some walks–don’t start off with a 5K. This will be hard on your dog and he’ll feel punished for something he doesn’t understand.
I had a Rotweiler once who refused to go for walks. He’d walk about as far as he wanted and then he’d sit down on the gravel road and refuse to move. Since this dog was over 100lbs I couldn’t really do anything to physically move him but I did everything from yelling and screaming to putting my foot under his butt to budge him to cooing soothingly and then walking away to leave him alone. He really hated being alone and he ignored me for a while and let me walk away. (Aren’t rotty’s stubborn??) but then he really thought I was leaving and he gallopped over. AHA! A win for me! In order to get my Rotweiler out I had to cajole him and leave him at the end of every drive-way in order for him to follow me and by Christmas he wasn’t nearly as fat. Rocky (my Rottweiler) also had a recommended serving of dry dog food every day and NO table scraps. I always gave him scraps after dinner to reward him for … well for being a dog since he never really did anything special. So if your dog needs to drop a few pounds don’t be passing him pork chop fat under the table.
This is also a great opportunity for you to diet too if you would like to make a healthier you. Take your dog and yourself for those extra long walks through the neighborhood, eat salads instead of hamburgers and encourage each other. Before you know it your sweet lil pup will be back in Speedo condition…or at least a nice rain coat. =)
If the clothes never fit again, move on to dog jewelry.
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What does your puppy want? Your puppy probably wants to be a puppy. Is there a pile of leaves to roll in? A skunk to chase? A roadkill squirrel pancake to eat? I’m sure your puppy will tell you.
So if you are in the market for some puppy clothing, you are probably wondering, will my puppy like it? Some basic wardrobe must haves are important and your puppy will love the attention.
A couple things to think about:
What kind of climate do you live in?
What types of clothing do you love?
Personally, my must have item is a soft, warm sweater. I’ve had it for years now and it isn’t very pretty anymore…but I can’t live without it. Considering how animals love to snuggle and nestle your puppy would probably love to wear a ’security sweater’. If you live in a colder climate or a very icily air-conditioned house this will keep all your puppy’s body warmth tucked in. They will most likely feel safe inside in and like their sweater. Another must have item for your puppy is ….booties! I know, I know, they have paws with pads on their feet. Aren’t those built-in shoes?
Well…..no. Some pets have serious allergies and the bottoms of their feet are very susceptible to pollen and outside allergens. Having puppy shoes or booties will keep your puppy’s feet free from having to touch The Great Outdoors. Booties also will keep your pets paws safe from the elements. No matter if your feet are furry or not, snow and rain are cold! Having your puppy wear foot protection could also be a benefit for you. After your long muddy walk you don’t have to give your puppy a bath just to let him in the house again.
I hate it when there are muddy prints all over my house…that aren’t mine! Having your puppy wear boots means that when you come in the house you just remove the boots and VOILA–No Mess.
I’d say that is pretty functional.
Puppy clothes don’t have to be over-the-top and excessive. They really do have a logical and functional role for people and for animals. Letting your puppy enjoy his puppydom while you also keep him warm, safe, clean, and don’t forget CUTE, can be done in a thoughtful and down to earth way. Keeping ‘function’ in mind when puppy clothes shopping will help you both be happy fashion guru’s.
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