Dog clothes can be super functional.It is important to get your dog's measurements right so that they can fit in sweaters, coats, and harnesses that keep them warm in cool weather.Clothes that are too loose could fall off or get caught in their legs.To get your dog's measured, you need a soft tape measure, a pen and paper, and some numbers.You can buy, make, or order new clothes for your dog from there.
Step 1: Determine the top-line measurement for clothing.
The length of your dog is measured from the base of their neck to where their tail starts.Take a soft tape measure and place one end at the base of your dog's neck and the other at their tail.To figure out what size of clothing you should buy for them, or to make one-of-a-kind clothing yourself, use this measurement.If you want an idea of what size sweater or coat your dog might need, check out the following measures.
Step 2: Measure the under-chest area to make sure you fit a sweater.
Measure from the top of the dog's chest, between its legs and at the end of its rib cage.A sweater that ends in the middle of the dog's ribs will not keep them very warm.This measurement can be used to pick the right size of T-shirts.
Step 3: Take the chest measurement to make sure the straps fit.
To find out how big your dog's chest is, use a soft tape measure.Measure behind the dog's legs and around the ribcage.It's important if you're making clothes for your dog or special-ordering a piece of clothing.When selecting a harness for your dog, the girth measurement is important.
Step 4: Measure the width of the dog's neck to make sure it fits.
Take your soft tape measure and put it around your dog's neck, making sure to not pull it too tight.Take a measurement from the top of the dog's chest.You can easily fit 2 fingers underneath it if you leave it loose.If the collar is too tight, it could hurt the dog's windpipe or even cut off their airflow.
Step 5: Measure around the dog's head and neck to find the right hood.
Place the soft tape measure in front of the dog's ears, bring it down around the jaws, and then bring the measure around until it meets the end behind the ears.If the hood is going to be attached to a sweater or coat, make sure that the length of the material is big enough.
Step 6: Get a coat for your dog to wear.
Protect your pup from the elements with a coat.Small dogs that don't have a lot of body fat or thick fur will benefit from a coat in cold weather.Bigger dogs love long walks after the weather cools.It's possible to get a raincoat and a separate coat for your dog in the winter.
Step 7: A sweater is a great way to keep your dog warm during cooler months.
It's possible that your dog needs a little extra warmth in the fall and winter.When the temperature drops, get them a sweater.If there is rain or snow, sweaters aren't the best for dogs to wear outdoors, as the precipitation could make them really cold.Don't make a sweater made of wool.The fabric is itchy to dogs.
Step 8: To keep their face warm, pair your dog's outfits with hats and hoods.
When it's raining, snowing, or getting cooler outdoors, rain hats and warm hoods are great ways to keep your dog safe.Use hats that are made specifically for dogs, make your own, or make alterations to a small hat you already have, and make sure there are holes for your dog's ears to poke out.
Step 9: Make your dog look stylish by putting a cute T-shirt on them.
T-shirts don't keep your dog warm or protect them from bad weather, but they are cute.Pick the right size based off of your dog's top-line measurement and get ready for the compliment to start rolling in!The shirt on your dog could cause them to get overheated.Pick the next size if you're not sure.
Step 10: You can keep your dog safe on walks by choosing the right harness.
There are a lot of different types of harnesses, from mobility harnesses to help you lift your dog if it needs it, to lightweight harnesses which are great for training purposes, and front-clip harnesses for dogs that tend to pull on their lead.Ask someone at a pet store to help you make a decision, or do some research to make sure you pick the best harness for your dog.If you have a puppy, you will need to upgrade their harness from time to time until they are full grown.
Step 11: Add bowties, bandanas and fun collars to your dog's wardrobe.
You can pick out a lot of great accessories for your dog if you know the measurement for his neck.Make sure you fit 2 fingers under the collar so that your dog can breathe easily.Make sure your dog wears an I.D. collar if it goes outside on its own.The tag is attached.