On average, people spend about $140 on their dogs every month. And while the majority of that money is spent on food, bones, and treats, many dog owners also choose to spend it on clothing for their four-legged friends.
There are so many different clothes for dogs available today. From heavy coats and sweaters to T-shirts and track jackets, you can buy your dog almost any type of clothing that you want.
There are some things you’ll want to keep in mind when shopping for clothes for dogs, though. Take a look at 8 tips for buying the best outfits for your pup.
1. Start Slow
When you first decide that you’re going to buy clothes for dogs, you might be tempted to grab everything in sight. Many dog owners get completely carried away when they shop for clothing for their pups.
If your dog has never worn clothes before, you should be aware of the fact that there’s a chance they might hate wearing clothing. And if you don’t discover that until it’s too late, you’re going to be left with a giant pile of clothes your dog doesn’t like.
Start off slow by putting a bandanna or a T-shirt on your dog and work your way up from there if your dog seems to enjoy wearing clothes.
2. Shop for the Right Sizes
You don’t want clothes for dogs to be too tight or too loose when a dog is wearing them. If they’re too tight, they could make it hard for your dog to move around, and if they’re too loose, your dog could get tangled up while it’s walking.
Places like Berties Boutique that sell clothing for dogs will outline the measurements that go along with certain sizes. Measure your dog before ordering clothes for it to ensure that they’ll fit.
3. Choose the Best Fabrics
Dog clothing is made out of all kinds of fabrics. You should pay close attention to which fabrics were used to make a piece of dog clothing before you buy it.
Here are some of the best fabrics for dogs:
- Cotton
- Fleece
- Blended fabrics
Generally speaking, 100 percent cotton dog clothing is often best for your pup. But if you want to keep your dog warm, something heavier like fleece will also do the trick.
4. Avoid Zippers and Snaps
Dog clothes that have zippers and snaps on them will make it easier for you to put them on your dog. But—and this is a big but, so please pay attention—zippers and snaps can also put your dog at risk if you’re not careful.
There are some zippers and snaps on dog clothing that will pinch your pup’s skin and cause it to yelp. Zippers and snaps can also get caught up on things out in the world and lead to your dog getting stuck.
Avoid zippers and snaps if you can and stick to clothes for dogs that won’t put your pup into any potential trouble.
5. Steer Clear of Outlandish Embellishments
In addition to doing what you can to avoid zippers and snaps on dog clothes, you should also steer clear of any outlandish embellishments that you might find on clothing for dogs. That includes things like rhinestones, spikes, and more.
While these things will usually stay put, there is a chance they can poke through your dog clothes and come into contact with your dog’s skin. This can cause irritation and itching.
6. Consider the Weather
There are a lot of dog owners who dress their pups up strictly for show. But there are also some who do it to protect their dogs from the elements during the winter.
If you want to make sure your dog is warm enough when it gets cold out in the wintertime, find a nice fleece shirt or some kind of sweater or jacket to put on it. This will ensure that your dog isn’t exposed to too much cold weather.
At the same time, try not to put these kinds of heavy clothing onto dogs in the middle of the summer. Doing so will trap heat near your dog’s body and could cause it to overheat.
7. Keep Your Dog Comfortable
Observe your dog while it’s walking around with clothes for dogs on. Is your dog limping or having a hard time running around in your yard?
These are both indications that your dog isn’t as comfortable as it could and should be. You may either need to find a better size for your dog or do away with the clothing. Your dog shouldn’t ever look like it’s in noticeable discomfort due to the clothes it has on.
8. Work With a Budget
It’s very easy to spend way too much money when you start buying clothing for your dog. One T-shirt turns into two T-shirts—and two T-shirts turns into ten T-shirts, eight sweaters, six jackets, two heavy coats, and more.
Before you know it, you’re going to be coming up short in other areas of your life as far as money is concerned because of your dog’s clothing. It can spiral out of control.
Set a spending limit for your dog’s clothing and stick to it each and every month to save money. Your dog can only wear one thing at a time anyway, so what’s the sense in buying it a closet full of clothes while putting yourself into financial danger?
Invest in Clothes for Dogs Today
There are so many amazing benefits that come with having a dog. You’ll love having a loyal companion by your side, and you’ll also love how much exercise your dog encourages you to get.
One of the other benefits is that it’s fun to provide clothes for dogs. You’ll enjoy the process of picking out the right outfits and dressing your dog up before a fun day at the park.
Show your dog how much it means to you by buying it clothes and throwing parties for it. Read our blog for tips on throwing the perfect shindig for your dog.
