A sweater for your dog? Here are cozy clothing tips for your pup
By Alex Kilpatrick, BestReviews
In the chilly weather months, dogs get cold, too, especially puppies. You may already have an outdoor coat for your pup, but if you notice them hanging out near a heating source, burrowing under blankets or shivering, they may benefit from wearing a sweater indoors.
Dog sweaters or hoodies are great for extra warmth and comfort when lounging, and can also work for walks on days when a raincoat or a thick coat is not warranted.
Dog clothing selections nowadays include styles in all colors, shapes and sizes, so you’re sure to find something cute for your pup.
Here are five things to think about when buying a sweater for your dog, plus shopping suggestions for three puppy sweaters to try.
Size
Check the size chart for a clothing item to determine the right size for your dog. Measure around their chest and along their back, from the base of their tail to the base of their neck.
Leash compatibility
Some puppy clothes have D-rings or holes on the back of the neck that you can use with a leash. This works best for small dogs, since the D-ring can tear if your puppy pulls at the leash.
Cost
You could spend anywhere from $10 to $30 for dog clothes, but higher-end items could go for as much as $50.
Care instructions
Most puppy clothes are made of cotton or polyester and are machine washable. Follow the washing and drying instructions listed on the clothing’s tag, look up the care instructions for the type of fabric used.
Comfort
Dog clothing needs to be comfortable for them to wear for a long time. The most comfortable puppy clothes don’t have any buckles, zippers or other hardware that can dig into their skin while they lie down. The clothing also shouldn’t be too loose or too tight and should be composed of soft materials. However, if you dog suffers from anxiety, a snug, thick shirt can help ease their stress.
A sweater for your dog? Here are cozy clothing tips for your pup
Though my dog likes to body slam the door when he needs to go out, this seems so much more civilized. With the Mighty Paw Smart Bell 2.0 Potty Training Dog Doorbell, you just teach your dog to ring the bell when he has to go outside. It also works outdoors, so he can let you know when he’s ready to come back inside. $27.99 at chewy.com
Though my dog likes to body slam the door when he needs to go out, this seems so much more civilized. With the Mighty Paw Smart Bell 2.0 Potty Training Dog Doorbell, you just teach your dog to ring the bell when he has to go outside. It also works outdoors, so he can let you know when he’s ready to come back inside. $27.99 at chewy.com
A sweater for your dog? Here are cozy clothing tips for your pup
There’s a GPS tracker built right into this Fi Series 2 collar, so your dog will never be lost again. In an open area, it can track a dog to within 7 feet. Plus, it works as a doggy Fitbit, so you can be sure your pooch is getting enough exercise every day. We got one for our dog before we went on vacation, and we set the base to the cabin we rented. You establish a perimeter on the phone app, and it lets you know if your dog gets outside the perimeter. Even in a wooded area, it worked like a charm, and we felt confident letting him out off leash. There is also a lost feature, in which you can activate a flashing light on the collar so you can find your dog easier. $149 at tryfi.com plus $99 a year for the app
There’s a GPS tracker built right into this Fi Series 2 collar, so your dog will never be lost again. In an open area, it can track a dog to within 7 feet. Plus, it works as a doggy Fitbit, so you can be sure your pooch is getting enough exercise every day. We got one for our dog before we went on vacation, and we set the base to the cabin we rented. You establish a perimeter on the phone app, and it lets you know if your dog gets outside the perimeter. Even in a wooded area, it worked like a charm, and we felt confident letting him out off leash. There is also a lost feature, in which you can activate a flashing light on the collar so you can find your dog easier. $149 at tryfi.com plus $99 a year for the app
A sweater for your dog? Here are cozy clothing tips for your pup
When Fluffy comes in from playing outside, it can be frustrating seeing all those messy paw prints on your floor. Enter the Paw Plunger. Just add warm water to the top row of bristles and insert a dirty paw, moving it in and out of the plunger while the bristles wash away the dirt, mud or salt.
Use a towel to dry each soggy foot and pour away dirty water.
$29.99 at amazon.com
When Fluffy comes in from playing outside, it can be frustrating seeing all those messy paw prints on your floor. Enter the Paw Plunger. Just add warm water to the top row of bristles and insert a dirty paw, moving it in and out of the plunger while the bristles wash away the dirt, mud or salt.
Use a towel to dry each soggy foot and pour away dirty water.
A sweater for your dog? Here are cozy clothing tips for your pup
Perfect for outings, this collapsible bowl easily fits into pockets, purses, knapsacks, suitcases and even glove compartments. It collapses to a flat disc and can attach to anything. $8.99 at shop.fourmuddypaws.com
Perfect for outings, this collapsible bowl easily fits into pockets, purses, knapsacks, suitcases and even glove compartments. It collapses to a flat disc and can attach to anything. $8.99 at shop.fourmuddypaws.com
A sweater for your dog? Here are cozy clothing tips for your pup
Squeeze the AutoDogMug and water fills the bowl for your pup to drink, release and the remaining water returns to the bottle. It’s so perfect for on-the-go that it fits in your car’s cup holder. And it comes with a carabiner that can attach to a pack or your belt loop. $20 at highwave.com
Squeeze the AutoDogMug and water fills the bowl for your pup to drink, release and the remaining water returns to the bottle. It’s so perfect for on-the-go that it fits in your car’s cup holder. And it comes with a carabiner that can attach to a pack or your belt loop. $20 at highwave.com
A sweater for your dog? Here are cozy clothing tips for your pup
Admit it, you want to spy on your dog when you aren’t home. Also admit, you feel guilty for leaving him alone. This genius Furbo dog camera sends livestream video to your phone and allows you to interact with your dog by talking to him or tossing him a treat. Just fill the device with his favorite snacks and hit the button on the free app to pop one out. $169 at amazon.com
Admit it, you want to spy on your dog when you aren’t home. Also admit, you feel guilty for leaving him alone. This genius Furbo dog camera sends livestream video to your phone and allows you to interact with your dog by talking to him or tossing him a treat. Just fill the device with his favorite snacks and hit the button on the free app to pop one out. $169 at amazon.com
A sweater for your dog? Here are cozy clothing tips for your pup
Dogs need brain exercise as much as physical exercise, and this puzzle toy from Nina Ottosson means you don’t even have to leave the house. Just hide treats and your dog must complete a series of steps in the correct order to earn a tasty reward. The MultiPuzzle is ideal for super smart and motivated dogs that need more challenging games. $39.99 at shop.fourmuddypaws.com
Dogs need brain exercise as much as physical exercise, and this puzzle toy from Nina Ottosson means you don’t even have to leave the house. Just hide treats and your dog must complete a series of steps in the correct order to earn a tasty reward. The MultiPuzzle is ideal for super smart and motivated dogs that need more challenging games. $39.99 at shop.fourmuddypaws.com
A sweater for your dog? Here are cozy clothing tips for your pup
If your dog is a little wiggly at bath time, try smearing the Aquapaw lick mat with peanut butter, stick it to the bathtub wall and get ready for some relatively peaceful dog bathing. $10.95 at amazon.com
If your dog is a little wiggly at bath time, try smearing the Aquapaw lick mat with peanut butter, stick it to the bathtub wall and get ready for some relatively peaceful dog bathing. $10.95 at amazon.com
This can depend on your dog’s fur coat and temperament. Dogs with long, dense coats keep warmer than ones with short coats. Additionally, some dogs are happy to spend time in the cold, while others like snuggling a warm blanket.
Alex Kilpatrick writes for BestReviews, which has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Some go to extremes to spoil their pets: designer collars, fancy bags. Here are some really cool, practical, useful products to spoil yours:
