Choosing Clothes for Fido

Winter is on the way! As you start storing away all of your summer shorts and sandals, don’t forget about your canine buddy. If your pooch has thin fur, he’ll need a bit of extra protection from the cold. However, there are some things to keep in mind when dressing and shopping for Fido. An Oconomowoc, WI vet offers some tips on buying doggy clothes in this article.

Make sure that Fido’s clothes fit well. Measure your furry pal’s chest, legs, torso and neck circumference, and the length of his spine from neck to tail. We recommend keeping these measurements with you. If you have a smartphone, you can take a photo of them or add them to a notebook app. Otherwise, just jot them down on a piece of paper and keep that in your wallet.

Your canine friend may need a few different outfits. Fido should have a warm sweater for cold winter days. He may also need a lighter jacket for chilly days, and a raincoat for soggy weather. It’s a good idea to have at least two of everything. That way, if one gets ripped or stained, your four-legged friend will still have something to wear.

Fido’s clothes should never restrict his vision or movements. They should also not make tempting snacks. As you have probably noticed, our canine companions will eat pretty much anything and everything. Avoid buying pieces with small parts, such as buttons. Fido could choke if he tries to chew on his outfit! It’s also best to pass on anything with zippers. They can catch in your pup’s fur, which can be quite painful.

You’ll need to wash Fido’s clothes regularly. Don’t forget to check the label for care instructions. Unless you don’t mind hand washing your furry buddy’s things or bringing them to the dry cleaner, pick clothes that you can just toss into the washing machine. Inspect your dog’s clothes regularly, and repair or replace anything that’s torn or wearing thin.

Dogs with double coats, such as huskies and retrievers, can actually overheat in clothes. Make sure Fido doesn’t get too hot. Last but not least, don’t force your pet to wear clothes if he seems scared or uncomfortable in them.

Please contact us, your Oconomowoc, WI vet clinic, for all your dog’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!