How not to get dirty on a walk?

Autumn is beautiful, but it also has a downside. For example, slush, precipitation, spray from passing cars and puddles. All this makes walking with a dog a real obstacle course. The pet’s coat and skin get dirty quickly, and light cleaning after a walk is not able to remove all the dirt. As a result, the dog soils the apartment, and sometimes an unpleasant smell of dog is formed due to moisture.

Special clothing for dogs helps to solve the problem. But in order for it to serve efficiently and not hinder the movement of the pet, it is very important to choose it correctly.

Special clothing for the dog allows you to protect the dog not only from pollution, but also from hypothermia and injuries to the skin.

9 points will help – take note!

• Seasonality

Clothes for dogs, like clothes for people, are broken down by season. There are demi-season models, autumn-spring, winter and summer: for example, stylish light vests.

To choose the right type of clothing, you need to determine the tasks that it should solve. A light, compact raincoat will do to protect your dog from moisture, but to protect your dog from the cold, you will need more serious clothing: a warm overall with a hood and, possibly, shoes.

Much in the choice of clothing depends on the breed and health of the dog, on the weather conditions in the area where she lives. After all, if the Samoyed feels great at minus 30, then such weather is unacceptable for the Chinese Crested.

For one dog, a vest will suffice for protection from wind and cold. Others – for example, with a tendency to otitis media – will need a jumpsuit with a tight hood.

Choose clothes based on the breed and individual characteristics of the pet and do not hesitate to consult with experts.

• Size

Clothes for dogs are divided into sizes: XS for miniature breeds, S for small breeds, M for medium breeds and L for large breeds. However, relying only on the dimensional grid is not worth it. It is better to take measurements from a particular dog and choose clothes according to them. What parameters are required?

back length: measured from the beginning of the shoulder blades to the base of the tail

– neck girth: measured at the base, i.e. at the widest part of the neck

– bust: measured behind the front paws, at the widest part of the chest

– waist circumference: measured in front of the hind legs, at the narrowest part of the abdomen

– front paw length: measured from the base of the chest to the wrist

– length of the hind legs: measured from the base to the calcaneus.

Be careful when taking measurements. The convenience of your pet depends on the correctness of the values.

• Fitting

In order not to make a mistake with the purchase, it is better to take the dog with you to the store and try on clothes directly on it.

Clothing should not be too tight or too loose. Take your dog to the store. If she is already accustomed to clothes and feels comfortable, then her gait and movements will not change.

• Fabric quality

Here, too, everything is like people. The better the fabric, the longer the item will last. The material should be pleasant to the touch, dense, elastic.

Do a little test: remember the fabric and rub it in your hands, as you would when washing. There will be no marks left on high-quality fabric, and it will quickly straighten out. Test moisture resistance if possible. Drip some clean water on the overalls: the outer fabric should not miss it.

Separately, pay attention to the lining fabric (if any). It should be soft and pleasant to the skin. For long-haired dogs, a satin lining is a good option, and for short-haired dogs, a fleece lining is a good option.

• tailoring quality

The main rule: the fewer seams, the better. If there are a lot of seams on the clothes, they will rub the skin and bring discomfort to the dog. And also such clothes become blown and let moisture through.

It is important that the seams are even, so that the threads do not stick out anywhere, and the cut is symmetrical.

• Clasp

All fasteners on clothing should be comfortable and of high quality. Dogs – like children – do not like to dress up, and long fastening can turn into even more stress. Make sure that the clothes fasten quickly and easily, so that the fastener will not cause discomfort to the dog.

For long-haired dogs, it is better to choose clothes with buttons or hooks, as long hair can get tangled in the zipper and remain on the Velcro.

• Rubber bands

Pay attention to the “sleeves” of clothing for dogs. Elastics on the “sleeves” of the overalls will provide a tight girth and better protect against cold and pollution. But they shouldn’t be too tight.

• Hood

An indispensable attribute for dogs prone to colds and otitis media.

• Reflective elements

A useful “feature” of clothing for dogs, thanks to which your dog will be visible on the road even in the dark. Plus 100 points for safety!

After each walk, be sure to clean and dry your clothes. Then it will protect your dog from pollution and cold for a long, long time.

Friends, tell us what kind of clothes your dogs have?