Two main reasons that people dress their pets is for warmth and for fun. While not everyone appreciates the idea of dogs in designer clothes or in costumes, there is a very practical reason for dog clothing. A greyhound is the quintessential dog to benefit greatly from clothing. Being such a lean dog with a very short coat they need extra protection when out in the cold winter months. Other dogs with similar characteristics as well as many small or indoor breeds can also benefit from wearing a sweater or coat in the winter. There is a range to which pets benefit the most from clothing. Obviously dogs such as Husky’s with thick double coats are built for the cold and have little need for clothing. However, other less protected pets that typically handle the cold well may also benefit from clothes when the weather becomes particularly bitter and windy. Dog boots also help a variety of dogs in the winter when bad weather, ice, salt, sand, and snow can cause paw problems.

When choosing pet clothing there are a few things to keep in mind. First is to know when and where your dog will be using clothing. Clothing for outdoor use should be appropriate to the conditions. If your pet will be outside in wet weather, water resistant coats can be a good solution. If a pet just needs moderate protection when going out or is just going out for a short period of time a sweater may be more convenient. Typically sweaters are better for predominantly indoor use as they are less bulky and more comfortable for extended use. For outdoor use it is wise to choose clothing that won’t snag or have hanging parts that may get caught when a pet is running around or playing. If your dog tends to make everything into a toy it may be the best choice to pick a simple fitted piece of clothing whether inside or out as he may decide to chew or play with any fringe, hood, or other added parts. If your main objective is to dress your pet for style there is quite a variety of outfits to choose from. In this case just be aware of what your pet is comfortable with. Allow for mobility, and be cautious of parts that might be chewed off and swallowed, or parts that might become snagged or hooked when a pet is walking around.

Classic Cable Dog Sweater ($9.59 - $16.99)

Puddles Raincoat ($9.99 - $12.99)

Waterproof Wrap ($16.99 - $24.99)

Traditional Fleece Blanket Coat ($19.99 - $22.99)

Dog Blanket ($19.99 - $38.49)

Red Whip Stitch Sweater ($16.99 - $22.99)

Alpine Ski Sweater ($12.55 - $16.39)

Golf Shirt ($11.99 - $15.99)

Dream Dog PJ’s ($11.99 - $15.99)

Everest Snow Parka ($17.99 - $29.99)