Dog Sweaters Aren’t Just For Pampered Pups: They Can Help Keep Your Pet Warm, Comfortable, And Protected This Winter Season
Now that it’s fall, it’s officially time for us to start bundling up in long sleeves, coats, and scarves before heading out into the cold. But we can’t forget about our four-legged friends.
You’ve probably seen a dog wearing a sweater before, and perhaps you thought the idea was simply cute or a bit ridiculous.
However, certain canines can become seriously cold or uncomfortable in the fall and winter, particularly if they don’t have a thick coat.
That’s why you should say goodbye to the idea that sweaters are only for pampered pups and consider getting one for your pet this season.
The Upsides Of Dog Sweaters
Aside from keeping your furry friend warm in the colder months, dog sweaters have other, less obvious benefits.
First of all, they aren’t as warm as dog jackets, meaning they can be worn both outside and around the house. This is particularly useful if your living space gets drafty or your dog likes the security a sweater can bring.
Sweaters are less restrictive than dog jackets, too, allowing your pet to move around freely without any mobility issues. Plus, these garments can actually help reduce shedding fur from tracking all over your home.
Last but not least, dog sweaters are great options for protecting irritated and healing skin or for keeping your pet clean while they’re walking outside.
Eudyptula – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual dog – pictured above is a long-haired Chihuahua in a striped sweater
Should Your Dog Wear A Sweater?
Not all canines really need a sweater. For instance, larger breeds that have a thick coat of fur may even overheat from wearing one.
That’s why smaller dogs, or those that most often struggle in chillier temperatures, are the most well-suited for sweaters. Leaner dogs, such as greyhounds and whippets, can benefit as well since they don’t have a lot of body fat or fur to keep them warm.
Finally, hairless breeds, senior dogs, and young puppies can also rely on sweaters to keep them toasty and healthy.
Selecting Your Dog’s Sweater
If you visit your local pet store, you’re bound to find a wide range of clothing options. The most important factors to look out for are size and fit.
If you get a sweater that’s too baggy, your pup runs the risk of getting caught or tangled. This is both uncomfortable and potentially dangerous for your dog. On the flip side, a sweater that’s too small can be restrictive and may also result in injuries.
The right sweater for your pet should fit properly, allowing them to move around normally. Additionally, it should be made of the appropriate material.
Thicker sweaters are ideal for harsher winter temperatures, while lighter sweaters are best for cooler weather. You may have to get a couple of different options to work in varying temperatures, as you never want to let your dog either be too chilly or overheat.
Now, if you’re buying a sweater to prevent shedding, you’ll want to find a full-body garment that covers your pup’s body and legs. This kind of design is helpful for canines recovering from surgery or dealing with skin irritation as well.
One more thing to keep an eye out for is a hole in the sweater for your dog’s leash or harness to go through. This will make slipping the sweater on to go for walks much easier.
Familiarizing Your Pet With Their New Sweater
If your pup has never worn clothing before, they may be apprehensive about wearing a sweater at first, and that’s totally normal.
You can start by introducing your pet to the garment by laying it on the floor. Then, when your dog sniffs and explores it, reward them with praise.
Once your pup appears comfortable around the sweater, you can put it on and, again, give them tons of praise and some small treats. The goal is to form a positive association with wearing sweaters.
In the beginning, you should only leave the sweater on your dog for a short amount of time. Then, each time you put it on your pup, you can increase the amount of time they spend wearing it.
While your dog has their sweater on, engage them in activities they know and love, whether that’s playing fetch or running around the backyard. These distractions will create even more positive associations and get your pet’s mind off the sweater.
Just be sure to avoid leaving your dog without any supervision while they’re wearing a sweater. Even canines that are comfortable in garments can become tangled accidentally.
So, if you have to leave your pup home alone or in their crate, always take off their sweater first.
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