Home / Dog Clothes / Protective Dog Clothing Options For Your Active Dog

You’ll want to use protective dog clothing to keep your active dog safe and warm when adventuring in the great outdoors. The right dog clothes will go a long way in protecting your dog from cuts, scratches and severe weather conditions. Protective clothing for dogs like dog coats, vests, and dog booties are important for more than one reason.

The main function of these clothes, like our own clothing, is to keep your dog dry and warm when the weather turns stormy and cold. But many people also take advantage of the newer styles of dog clothing that incorporate safety features like reflective materials and stitching into the outfits. They help to make your dog much more visible when the weather darkens the sky. This is an important safety consideration for the dog that is active outdoors.

And if you take your dog hunting or hiking through the woods, she’ll really appreciate the protective features of dog clothing designed specifically for active dogs. Even the most user-friendly trails through the park are usually somewhat overgrown at the edges with sharp sticker bushes and splintering bramble.

When planning our outdoor activities we put a good deal of thought into packing all sorts of protective clothing that we’ll need to keep ourselves comfortable, dry, and warm throughout our trip. But are we leaving our canine friends out in the cold? Since many of our dogs look so well protected in their natural fur coats, most people never consider that they too could benefit from protective dog clothing. There are times when the cold weather or sharp thorns penetrate even the thickest of coats. Just like us, if our dogs are left unprotected for extended periods of time they can suffer the chilling effects of the elements losing their body heat at an accelerated rate. So before your next outing, consider packing some protective clothing for your canine pal too!

Tips For Selecting Dog Coats, Vests, & Dog Booties

A good fit is essential. Dog clothing like a dog coat, vest or dog boots must fit well so that it will remain securely in place throughout an active day of hunting or hiking. You’ll want a dog coat that will protect your dog from the elements and rough brush found on hunting and hiking trails. How sensitive to the elements your dog is will depend a great deal on the weather conditions, how much time he spends outside and the type of coat he has.

Shorthaired breeds tend to be more sensitive to direct rain and cold. Whereas the fur of thick-coated breeds are more prone to absorb lots of water. The coat that you choose must be designed to keep your dog warm while providing protection from wind and rain. When it’s windy and cold outside, fleece dog clothing will definitely help keep your pooch toasty warm. But remember fleece alone is not the best choice for trail conditions. It won’t provide much protection from the rain and it won’t stand up very well against the rough brush on the trails. A dog coat with a combination of a warm fleece lining and a durable nylon shell will provide maximum protection and will help maintain your dog’s core body heat.

If there’s a chance that you’ll be taking your dog into a cold and rainy environment it’s probably a good idea to pack a raincoat, too. And if you choose a dog coat that covers the underside of your dog, make sure that it’s designed to give your dog enough room to do his business. Your dog’s jacket will also provide some protection from thorns and burrs. Dog owners with thick-coated or longhaired breeds will find this a very nice bonus. Removing burdocks from fur is no picnic!

Dog clothing designed for the active hound should allow your dog to enjoy a full range of motion. So make sure the leg openings will not restrict your dog’s movement. Also, look for garments designed with clean lines that are less likely to get caught on things. Well-fitting clothing for dogs designed for the shape of your particular breed is best.

Convenient Dog Clothing Features And Accessories

• Closures and Adjustment StrapsLook for quick release Velcro closures or adjustable straps with snap-clip fasteners. These features are very convenient for fast donning and removal of dog sweaters, dog coats, or anything that needs the size adjusted.
• Leash & Harness OpeningsAlways make sure that there is an opening in the coat that will accommodate your dog’s leash or harness.
• Don’t Forget The Safety FeaturesLook for reflective patches for added safety and nighttime visibility. If you and your canine pal will be out after dark you may also want to consider getting your dog a lighted collar or a clip-on strobe light for added safety.A safety vest is a good investment for all outdoor activities. And they are a necessity if you plan on taking your dog hunting. A popular color is fluorescent orange with reflective tape for maximum visibility.
• Dog Boots Help Protect Your Dogs PawsDon’t forget to protect your dog’s feet from winter salt and rough surfaces. Even the tough surface of your dog’s paws can crack when subjected to extreme conditions.A durable set of dog boots will go a long way in protecting your dog’s paws. As with all dog clothing, correct sizing is essential for a proper fit. If you buy the wrong size boots they may not stay on your dog’s paws!
• Doggles Bet you wouldn’t think of leaving for a hiking trip without your favorite pair of sunglasses. We all know first hand how fatiguing the strong glaring sunlight can be on our eyes.So how does it affect our dogs? Yep, you guessed it the same way it affects our eyes. But now you can give your dog the same level of eye protection that your sunglasses have provided you all these years.Doggles or sun goggles for dogs actually work well to protect your dog’s eyes. And most dogs adjust to them quickly and seem to like to wear them. And they love the extra attention!

Will My Dog Like Her New Dog Clothes?

If a dog coat fits properly most dogs won’t even notice they’re wearing it a few minutes after you put it on them. But there are some dogs that will resist wearing dog clothes so you may need to spend a little time getting your dog used to her new coat. The first time you put a collar and leash on your puppy she’ll resist it. But over time your puppy slowly grows accustomed to walking on a lead.

If your dog resists her new coat try this. Once her coat is on and all fastened up, take her outside immediately so that she doesn’t overheat. Then get her involved in an activity that she loves to do like a game of catch or take her for a brisk walk. This activity will help to distract her from the coat. And at the same time she’ll be learning to associate wearing her new coat with a pleasurable experience or activity. And don’t forget to have some tasty dog treats available to reward and reinforce her good behavior.