Helpful Tips For Choosing Dog Clothes | Pet Fashion Ideas

As much as we enjoy dressing our kids, we can’t resist the idea of dressing our fur babies in fun and adorable pieces of clothing. The joy of seeing them in cute outfits can instantly warm our hearts and put a smile on our faces.

But before we talk more about dog fashion, first, let’s deal with the elephant in the room (and that cute doggo that just wants to be petted, thank you). Should dogs wear clothes, or are they better off without them? In the next section, we’ll answer that question and give you some fashion tips to consider when choosing the best clothes for dogs.

Should Dogs Wear Clothes?

If you are wondering if dogs need clothes the same way humans do, the short answer is yes – some dogs need an extra layer of protection from the cold weather.

The long answer is it is generally okay for pets to wear proper clothes, but whether they “should” wear clothes or not depends on several factors that we will discuss below.

Unlike humans, dogs don’t need clothes to keep them warm in their natural environment. However, many domesticated dogs are imported breeds that are not well-adapted to changing climates and indoor temperature conditions. Whether short or long-haired, some breeds need help to keep warm during the cold months.

In addition, furry dogs usually get their fur trimmed or shaved down to the skin to maintain their hygiene. This causes dogs to lose their ability to adapt to the cold naturally. Dressing your dog can actually help them regulate their body temperature. The key is to find the appropriate clothing for the weather, comfort, and the size of the dog.

How To Choose A Dress For Your Dog

The most important concern a pet owner should have when dressing a pup is whether the outfit is safe for them to wear. But with just a few considerations, you can safely turn your dog into a Pup Star.

Here are some tips:

Consider the weather.

Making your pup wear thick and heavy clothing in the summer can cause overheating, while summer outfits may not provide the appropriate cover for the winter season.

Depending on the weather, here are the types of clothing to consider for your pup:

• Suitable for the cold season: cardigan, hoodie, sweater, jacket, polo, or this holiday sweater that comes with a cutesy scarf.
• Suitable for warm climates: jersey, t-shirt, dress
• Suitable for photo shoots and dog shows: nothing spells “fancy” better than this dog fur costume. So cute!

Consider your dog’s breed.

Most winter dogs, such as Siberian Husky, Shiba Inu, and German Shepherds, don’t need extra covering even when temperatures dropped below freezing. They have thick fur and are conditioned to survive in extremely low temperatures. If you have a cold-weather dog, you can choose clothing with light, breathable fabric. During the summer, it’s best not to make them wear clothing for long periods or just don’t dress them at all.

If you have a small or short-haired dog, such as a Chihuahua, or a Dachshund, go ahead and dress them up to your liking. Your furry friend will thank you for it.

Choose an outfit that fits your dog nicely.

Before purchasing an outfit for your pup, make sure to measure your pup's size and refer to the shop's size chart to ensure that you get a nice-fitting piece. Making pups wear clothes that are too tight or too big for them can cause them discomfort and pose a risk to their safety. Also, consider clothing that won’t be a hindrance during potty breaks.

Choose quality clothing.

Our pups deserve the best, so dress them in quality garments. When shopping, choose clothes that are made from comfortable and durable fabrics such as cotton and bamboo. Avoid clothes with rough fabric and sharp seams or other parts that may cause discomfort, rashes, or irritation to your pup’s skin.

Purchase an outfit that’s convenient to wear.

If you’ve ever tried dressing a dog, you know how challenging it is, especially if they are not accustomed to it. Choosing an outfit that is specially designed for easy and convenient wearing will make things a lot easier and less stressful for you and your pup.

Flaunt your fashion sense.

Sadly for them, lucky for us, our furry family can’t really choose their own fashion style. It’s fairly up to us to make them look like the fashionista of the Pup crowd. As long as you choose the right outfit, dressing your pups in fashionable outfits will not harm them in any way.

Looking for high-quality, comfy, and adorable outfits for your pups? Lola and the Pups got you covered. Shop our doggie collection today.