| You'll want to use protective dog | | | | in place throughout an active day of |
| clothing to keep your active dog safe | | | | hunting or hiking. |
| and warm when adventuring in the great | | | | You'll want a dog coat that will protect |
| outdoors. The right dog clothing will go | | | | your dog from the elements and rough |
| a long way in protecting your dog from | | | | brush found on hunting and hiking |
| cuts, scratches and severe weather | | | | trails. |
| conditions. | | | | How sensitive to the elements your dog |
| Protective dog clothing like dog coats, | | | | is will depend a great deal on the |
| vests, and dog booties are important for | | | | weather conditions, how much time he |
| more than one reason. The main function | | | | spends outside and the type of coat he |
| of dog clothing, like our own clothing, | | | | has. |
| is to keep your dog dry and warm when | | | | Shorthaired breeds tend to be more |
| the weather turns stormy and cold. | | | | sensitive to direct rain and cold. |
| But many people take advantage of the | | | | Whereas the fur of thick-coated breeds |
| newer styles of dog clothing that | | | | are more prone to absorb lots of water. |
| incorporate safety features like | | | | The coat that you choose must be |
| reflective materials stitched into the | | | | designed to keep your dog warm while |
| outfits. They help to make your dog much | | | | providing protection from wind and rain. |
| more visible when the weather darkens | | | | When it's windy and cold outside, fleece |
| the sky. This is an important safety | | | | dog clothing will definitely help keep |
| consideration for the dog that is active | | | | your pooch toasty warm. |
| outdoors. | | | | But remember fleece alone is not the |
| And if you take your dog hunting or | | | | best choice for trail conditions. It |
| hiking through the woods, she'll really | | | | won't provide much protection from the |
| appreciate the protective features of | | | | rain and it won't stand up very well |
| dog clothing designed specifically for | | | | against the rough brush on the trails. |
| active dogs. Even the most user-friendly | | | | A dog coat with a combination of a warm |
| trails through the park are usually | | | | fleece lining and a durable nylon shell |
| somewhat overgrown at the edges with | | | | will provide maximum protection and will |
| sharp sticker bushes and splintering | | | | help maintain your dog's core body heat. |
| bramble. | | | | If there's a chance that you'll be |
| When planning our outdoor activities we | | | | taking your dog into a cold and rainy |
| put a good deal of thought into packing | | | | environment it's probably a good idea to |
| all sorts of protective clothing that | | | | pack a raincoat, too. |
| we'll need to keep ourselves dry, warm | | | | And if you choose a dog coat that covers |
| and comfortable throughout our trip. | | | | the underside of your dog, make sure |
| But are we leaving our canine friends | | | | that it's designed to give your dog |
| out in the cold? Since many of our dogs | | | | enough room to do his business. |
| look so well protected in their natural | | | | Your dog's jacket will also provide some |
| fur coats, most people never consider | | | | protection from thorns and burrs. Dog |
| that they too could benefit from | | | | owners with thick-coated or longhaired |
| protective dog clothing. There are times | | | | breeds will find this a very nice bonus. |
| when the cold weather or sharp thorns | | | | Removing burdocks from fur is no picnic! |
| penetrate even the thickest of coats. | | | | Dog clothing designed for the active |
| Just like us, if our dogs are left | | | | hound should allow your dog to enjoy a |
| unprotected for extended periods of time | | | | full range of motion. So make sure the |
| they can suffer the chilling effects of | | | | leg openings will not restrict your |
| the elements . . . losing their body | | | | dog's movement. |
| heat at an accelerated rate. | | | | Also, look for garments designed with |
| So before your next outing, consider | | | | clean lines that are less likely to get |
| packing some protective clothing for | | | | caught on things. A well-fitting garment |
| your canine pal too! | | | | designed for the shape of your |
| Tips For Selecting Dog Coats, Vests, & | | | | particular breed is best. |
| Dog Booties | | | | Copyright 2005 Dog-Supplies Advisor.com, |
| A good fit is essential. Dog clothing | | | | all rights reserved. Reprinted with |
| like a dog coat, vest or dog boots must | | | | permission. |
| fit well so that it will remain securely | | | | |