Admittedly, when we think of dog clothing or protective dog clothing, we often quickly picture a pug in a pink tutu or a boxer in a suit: a fashion accessory that doesn't benefit the dog, but is only meant to please the owners – horribly often matching the look of the owner. We consider this type of dog fashion, which is solely for looks, to be nonsense and not something we at SABRO approve of or wish to support. Dogs are not accessories, but animals.
Are we strict opponents of dog clothing or protective clothing such as dog rainwear, raincoats, dog sweaters, or dog winter coats? No!
Although dogs naturally have more or less fur, a dog coat, dog rain gear, dog sweater, or a rain cover is often very useful as protective clothing for your dog. We're shedding some light on which dog clothing might be suitable for which dog in which situation. One thing upfront: only use dog clothing or dog sweaters if there's a good reason for it. What many don't know: dogs don't just bark or use their ears or tail as a means of communication – their fur can also be a signal – for example, when the hair on their neck stands up. Therefore, as much of it as possible should be visible and not hidden by dog sweaters or other protective clothing for the dog.
These types of dogs benefit from suitable dog clothing
By now, practically all dog breeds are found all over the world. Climatic differences play no role in the choice of a dog, so it can happen that a dog originally from Southern Europe literally doesn't warm up to the changeable weather in Northern Germany. Especially in the rain, these dogs without rain protection get soaked to the skin, start to freeze, and in the worst case, catch a cold. An example here is the Chihuahua, a Mexican immigrant, who was naturally equipped with short hair because he lives in a warm climate. Due to its very short, smooth fur and small size, this breed struggles with cold and wetness. Especially for dog breeds like this, a dog sweater on cold days or a blanket as rain protection on wet days is highly recommended as protective clothing. Since our rain protection is equipped with a removable teddy fur, you get a dog raincoat and a dog winter coat in one. You can use it for many occasions and weather conditions.
But Dalmatians, Jack Russell Terriers, Boxers, and Greyhounds are in a similar situation. Not to mention special breeds. Or did you know that dogs that live indoors a lot sometimes don't grow a winter coat anymore? For them, dog clothing like a dog sweater or a rain blanket as rain protection and protection against cold is truly useful in our latitudes. Prerequisite: the dog coat or dog sweater does not restrict the four-legged friends in their natural movement and does not cause chafing.
You should also avoid overly colorful dog sweaters to reduce the dog clothing/protective clothing to its purpose: protecting the animal.
How useful dog clothing is for older or sick dogs
Besides short-haired southern breeds, dog clothing is also interesting for two other large groups of dogs: the first are older dogs, regardless of breed. The older the dog, the more its metabolism slows down. The consequence: the senior dog has a harder time keeping warm on its own. Risk group number two: sick dogs. Simply because they need to be protected from cooling down more than others. A dog's body that is fighting against freezing recovers much worse. Equipping these two target groups with dog clothing or rain protection is not only useful but actually a must, as we, as owners, are responsible for the well-being of the animal. We are the ones who see when the dog is trembling from cold. And can react accordingly with a dog sweater.
In addition: with the right dog clothing such as a dog sweater on cold days or protective dog clothing such as rain protection on wet and cold days, many dogs enjoy going out in wet or cold weather more. If you use the included teddy fur, the rain cover becomes a cozy, cold- and moisture-repellent winter coat for your dog.
Dog protective clothing in autumn
Rain protection is, of course, especially appropriate in autumn, as wetness and cold combine here. While many dogs cope wonderfully with gentle summer rain, or a dog sweater is enough as warming clothing for your dog in winter, wetness and cold in combination can have unpleasant consequences. A dog coat or a rain cover is even highly recommended for some long-haired dog breeds that nevertheless have too little warming undercoat.
It is important that your dog does not wear oilskins or generally any dog protective clothing that is not breathable.
What was important to us with our dog protective clothing, the Kappa rain protector
With our handmade Kappa rain protector, in addition to the sophisticated fit, we paid particular attention to the use of high-quality, skin-friendly materials. And to the practical benefit of this dog protective clothing: the cuddly teddy fur inside can be easily attached or detached depending on the temperature, making it suitable for autumn as well as winter, for example as a winter coat for your dog.
Dog clothing and dog protective clothing in winter
In winter, depending on the cold, a stylish dog sweater can be used instead of a dog coat. Our handmade Himalaya dog sweater is made from cozy, Peruvian alpaca wool and fits the dog like a second skin – with this dog protective clothing, nothing pinches or rubs uncomfortably. This means the Himalaya dog sweater is quickly accepted and is even suitable as indoor dog clothing if the dog has to lie on a cooler surface or has arthritis or other back problems that make keeping warm necessary.
A dog sweater like Himalaya is only suitable for dry, cold days – in rain or heavy snowfall, it gets soaked and makes the dog colder.
In this case, a rain blanket or a raincoat for dogs is recommended as additional protection on top.
Top 10 Checklist for Dog Clothing and Dog Protective Clothing (Dog Sweater, Dog Raincoat, Dog Winter Coat...)
- A close-fitting cut with generous leg cutouts does not restrict the dog's movement when wearing a dog sweater.
- Stepless fastening options, such as Velcro, allow for the exact adjustment of a rain cover to the dog's body.
- High-quality materials that are both breathable and windproof/waterproof leave no reactions when wearing the dog's protective clothing.
- Easy on and off of the dog sweater or rain cover prevents stress for the dog even before going for a walk and is a must, especially for older or health-impaired dogs.
- Non-rustling fabrics ensure quick acceptance of the dog's protective clothing.
- Reflective stripes offer the dog more protection, especially during the darker seasons.
- Easy cleaning facilitates the everyday use of dog clothing.
- The purpose, not the appearance, should always be paramount for dog protective clothing.
- Slowly accustom your dog to the dog sweater or rain cover, as it will initially be a foreign object for them.
- Use dog clothing like a rain cover, dog coat, or dog sweater as little as possible, but as often as necessary.
Here's how easy it is to put on protective clothing like our Kappa rain cover for your dog:
When do you use a dog sweater or rain protection for your dog as protective clothing? Or is dog clothing a no-go for you? We look forward to your comment.
