Qualities to Look for when Purchasing Dog Coats and Sweaters
Not all dog coats and sweaters are created equally. Similar to people’s
apparel, dog apparel has both cheap and well-made clothing. So you don’t get
caught paying an ‘arm and a leg’ for poorly designed and badly constructed dog
sweaters and coats, here are 5 major indicators for determining the quality,
longevity and versatility of dog jackets and the like.
1) Lay it on the line. Despite the fact that dogs have ‘coats’ of their
own, it’s still a good idea for small and
large dog jerseys alike to have lining.
Depending on the breed and size of your dog -whether you have thick or thin
lining is discretionary. However, from a quality standpoint, lining will allow
the garment to last longer as well as provide more comfort and warmth for the
dog.
2) Material girl…or guy. Dog coats come in all sorts of materials. As
such, when you’re purchasing your next jacket, take note of the material(s)
used. Any good product description will list whether the garment is 100% cotton,
neoprene,
polar fleece or the like. Material is important as it relates to the
activities you plan on engaging in with your pooch. For example, if you have a
young dog with lots of fur and energy, and you live in a rainy climate, it would
be wise to look for a rain coat with full-back coverage and lightweight material
with a little give.
3) Quality over quantity. Since acrylic pills and polyester doesn’t
breath, it’s important to consider you dog’s comfort as the utmost guide when
purchasing. Sure a polyester bell-bottomed pant suit may look groovy on your pooch,
but warn for prolonged periods of time will make the dog too hot. For those dogs
willing to sport 'dudical duds', it’s better
to have a few good quality pieces than a multitude of cheaper items.
Unfortunately, what many people forget when outfitting their pooch, is it’s more about
the dog, their comfort and range of motion than the owner trying to show them
off –although that’s always a temptation.
4) Churn baby churn. Dogs need their garments washed just as much as babies.
With this in mind, it’s important to buy a sweater or coat which will fare well
in the churning motion of the washer. Before purchasing the garment, ask
yourself "will this _________ look this good after 20 washes?" Note: to ensure
your garment life is maximized -unless otherwise directed by the item’s wash/dry
instructions- always wash in cold water and air-dry.
5) Fasten your velcro belts! Since most dogs reach near their full size in the
first 2 years of life, buying a coat or jacket early on means it will usually
last for the
long-haul. With this in mind, choosing a jacket with adjustability ensures your
dog will be able to wear their garment into their senior years. Having the
option to adjust the coat’s chest and neck size is essential for both the
activity you’re doing with the dog and their natural growth process. Velcro and
button-based straps are common methods for fastening a coat and giving it the
ability to shrink or grow slightly.
|
