How to determine the size of clothes and shoes for dogs

Very often, weather conditions and other factors force the owners to look for warm or waterproof outfits for their pets. This article will help you find out what clothes for four-legged friends are, what breeds usually need them, and how to find out the size of clothes and shoes for a dog. 

In the pet clothing market, you can find a huge variety of styles:

• Waterproof overalls.
• Warm clothes for winter: overalls, jackets or blankets.
• Knitted sweaters and vests. 
• Lightweight T-shirts for sun protection.
• Anti-tick overalls.
• Veterinary blankets for the postoperative period.
• Elegant clothes and carnival costumes.

To choose the right outfit, you need to decide on the occasion and format of the walk, as well as take into account the needs of the pet breed.

What breeds need clothes

Dogs go for a walk every day – in frost, rain or wind. Some breeds can tolerate cold and dampness without harm to health, but in many cases clothing is a must.

• Small decorative breeds (Chihuahua, toy terriers, etc.) do not tolerate cold well.
• Short-haired breeds without undercoat (boxers, pinschers, jack russell terriers) need warming.
• Clothing will protect hunting dogs from ticks, burdock and thorny bushes. 
• Dogs with short legs (Dachshunds, Welsh Corgis, Pekingese) get their stomachs wet in the snow and dirty in the rain.
• Long-haired breeds (collies, cocker spaniels, chow chows) need waterproof overalls to protect them from mud.
• Hairless or short-haired dogs can burn under active sunlight, so light T-shirts are put on them.

Also, pets with trimmed hair, puppies, elderly animals, pregnant and lactating females need additional insulation – regardless of breed and size.

Do dogs need shoes

In the city, roads are often sprinkled with salt and chemicals that can irritate the skin on the paw pads. When paws are licked, they enter the dog’s stomach and can cause irreparable harm. If there is no place nearby for walking with pure snow, and the size of the pet does not allow you to transfer it in your arms to where there is no “chemistry”, it is better to take care of special dog shoes. The material on how to protect dog paws from reagents will help to understand the details.

How to determine the size of a dog for clothes

If you buy clothing for your four-legged friend from a pet store, it’s best to take it with you to try it on. If you place an order in an online store, then you need to focus on three main measurements:

1. The length of the back from the withers to the base of the tail. 
2. Chest at its widest point (just behind the front legs). Add 2cm for loose fit.
3. Neck circumference at widest point. Add 2 cm to avoid excessive friction.

How to measure a dog for clothes:

• use the measuring tape;
• calm the dog so that it stands upright;
• remove the collar or other accessories.

After measuring your pet, check the size chart of the selected manufacturer and find the right size. Different brands of clothing for dogs can vary significantly. If your pet’s measurements are exactly in the middle between two sizes, then it is better to opt for a larger one.

Some owners look for the appropriate dog clothing size in the breed chart. But this is not the most accurate way, because animals of the same breed may differ in size due to age and build.

How to determine the size of a dog’s shoes

Dog shoe size is determined in the same way as in humans: you need to put your paw on a paper sheet and circle around the contour. At the same time, it is important that the dog rests on its paw, and does not hold it on its weight.

Then, using a ruler, measure the distance from the tips of the claws to the heel, as well as the width of the drawn paw. Add 5 mm to each measurement and refer to the dog shoe size chart. Doubt between two neighboring sizes? Choose the one that is bigger.

Dress warmly, warm your pet – and let nothing interfere with long joint walks. After all, the most important thing is that everyone has fun!