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