Five tips for giving a present to a dog that isn't yours.

November 8, 2020|Dog coats, Dog situations

So, you want to give a dog a gift for Christmas or some other special occasion.  If that dog lives with you, you know what works for them.  Probably pretty well. Since they're handy, you can measure them. You know what they like to do, their favorite foods, and their favorite toys.  Most likely, you know what bothers them too.  These are the things that help you give a good gift.  

But if you want to give a gift to the dog of a friend or family member, it's probably a little more complicated.  You may not know them as well. Plus, getting measurements can get tricky, especially if you want to surprise their person too. Since you aren't around them all the time, you can't possibly know all the little details. So what do you do?

Ideas for dog gifts

There are some workarounds so that you can give a gift that will be loved by a dog and their parent. Here are some ideas.  

A gift that a dog can open

If you want a dog to open your gift, you could put something in it that smells good to them, maybe a tasty treat. Make it easy enough for them to open because the gift's opening is probably the main point here.  After that, it probably won't matter to them as much.

A gift for a favorite activity

If you know that the dog enjoys agility, frisbee, scent work, etc., you could give something that can be used in their sport.  

Someone who has a service dog always needs gear to help their dog perform at the highest level. A cool coat can help keep their dog from overheating.

A sentimental gift

Sentimental gifts are more for the dog parent than for the actual dog, but they can be a nice touch.  You could pair it with something that smells good so that the dog can open it, sort of a two-for-one thing. Dog oriented Christmas ornaments or stockings or a cherished photograph could work well.

Gift certificate

Although this one isn't personalized, it can allow you to get things that require knowing measurements or other specifics.  Most companies offer some kind of certificate so that you can prepurchase and let the receiver of the gift (in this case, the dog parent) get the best item for them. Dog coats are a great example here (ahem!) Go to Made by De for more about my gift certificates.

A dog cool coat can make a great gift for your dog or for someone else's dog.

Subscription service

Companies like Chewy or Bark Box have some really cool subscriptions that the dog parent can customize for their dog.  

Giving the perfect gift to a dog

I don't know about you, but my goal is to give a gift that the receiver will really be able to use, which shows some thought and appreciation.  I hope these tips can help you figure out what that looks like for the dogs on your gift list so that you can feel good about the situation. The holiday season can be stressful, so checking things off that to-do list can make you feel downright festive!

What are your go-to gift ideas for dogs when you don't know what to give?  Tell me in the comments below.

When you go to my website, don't forget to sign up for my insider group here. You'll save 20% on all your orders from Made by De!    

A fleece dog coat can serve lots of purposes, from lounging around on the couch to layering under other coats on really cold days.

 

 

Why should you choose a dog cool coat from Made by De?

March 20, 2021|Dog cool coats

Why does your dog need a dog cool coat from Made by De? Read on to find out more.

If you're looking for a dog cool coat, you already know why you need something like that for your dog.  Now you have to decide which cool coat to buy?. You don't want to waste your money.  You also want something that actually works for your dog.  How do you choose?

Made just for your dog

A Made by De dog cool coat is custom-made just for your dog using your measurements and input about what your dog needs in a cool coat.  You can find others, but how well will they fit your dog?  If the cool coat doesn't fit right, it's not likely to be very comfortable for your dog to wear.  

A coat that's custom made means that your dog will be able to move or lie down comfortably. The coat will be the right length and will not bind or be too loose so your dog doesn't have to work against it. When your dog isn't bothered by an incorrect fit, they can concentrate on being a dog.

Your dog can run, play, or work more easily in a cool coat that fits!

The most effective, comfortable fabric

What's that cool coat made of?

You can find cool coats made of terry cloth, high-tech space or reflective materials, or a variety of chamois fabrics. It's important to know what the product is made of because it affects the way a cool coat works, how it feels and how it holds up to use.  

Most cool coats use evaporation in one way or another since it's a proven method of cooling the air.  You can feel evaporative cooling by holding your hand close to something that's wet.  The air around it will be a few degrees cooler because of this natural process.

Terry cloth

-  Terry cloth cool coats are soft and easy to care for.  They cool using evaporation, which definitely provides cooling.  However, they get heavy when they're used because they have to be wet.  And they also drip, potentially making a wet mess if you're not careful.

-  Another version of the terry cloth coat uses little beads that are supposed to absorb cool water and extend the cooling time of the coat.  These beads usually shift and cause the coat to get lumpy in places.  And if your dog chews it, the beads can be toxic or cause intestinal blockage.  

High tech sources

-  Some companies have started using more space-age technology for their coats. These coats don't use evaporative cooling. Instead, each one has other methods for cooling off your dog.  The problem is that it's difficult to get a good fit if your dog doesn't fit the standard mold.  And with that technology comes a higher price tag.

-  Another approach is to use reflective fabric to deflect the sun's rays and therefore some of its heat.  Deflecting the heat is somewhat effective, but it is only a partial solution.  Plus, the feel of the fabric and the sound your dog hears when it's on can be unnerving for your dog.

Chamois (pronounced sham ee)

The original chamois is a sheepskin that's been tanned.  This type of chamois is soft, durable, and effective.  It has a downside, however,  When the fabric is wet, as is needed to use evaporative cooling, it's soft and pliable. When it's dry, however, it gets stiff and brittle.  This means you have to keep it damp in order to have it ready to use.  If you're not careful about refrigeration, the dampness will lead to mold, leaving your chamois useless.

Automotive shops have a version that's synthetic.  This fabric comes in beautiful colors and can be effective for cooling, it also gets brittle or stiff when dry. It also requires that you keep it damp to make it pliable enough to put on your dog.

Made by De uses a version of chamois that's made of 100% rayon fabric. I chose this fabric because it is washable, it doesn't get stiff when it's dry and it's durable.  It also stays damp without being heavy.  If you wring out the extra water, you can put it on your dog for hours of cooling while your dog stays dry underneath.  These qualities make for the best cool coat, in my opinion at least.  

If your dog needs a cool coat, you want to be sure you got the best one for the job. A Made by De dog cool coat is made to fit and cools for hours without getting your dog wet and messy.

Working with a small company

When you buy a Made by De dog cool coat, you work one on one with the maker of the coat.  You can personally discuss any concerns you have, make requests and ask any questions you need to so you can be sure you're going to get the product you and your dog need.  

Another benefit of working with a small company is their commitment to quality and customer service.  Should you have a problem, need a special order, or wonder how to get accurate measurements, you have someone to ask directly.  You do not have to flip a coin and hope.

Get a Made by De dog cool coat. 

You won't be sorry. Take a look at my website, www.madebyde.com, to see what I offer.  Message me from the site or email coatsmadebyde@gmail.com with any questions, concerns, etc.  I'll get right back to you.  And don't forget to sign up for your 20% discount. Just click the header and fill in your email to get your coupon code.

No matter the size of your dog, you can get a cool coat that fits properly and works well.

 

Why a custom dog coat isn't expensive

March 27, 2021|Dog coats

A custom dog coat can fit your dog better than any other coat because it's made just for them!

The term "custom" when used with "dog coat" can sound expensive.  It says "special" or "unique" or "hard-to-come-by."  But that's not exactly the case when you look at the whole picture.  While it's important to get the best value, there are some assumptions made that could be cleared up with a little information.  

What is a custom dog coat?

A custom product is one that is customized to the specifications of the buyer.  In this case, it's a dog coat that's made just for your dog.  Since it's made just for your dog, this coat should fit better than any other coat out there.  It should have all the features and colors too.

A Made by De coat is made specifically for your dog, using your measurements.  I am personally available to answer any questions you might have.  And I work with you to come up with the perfect creation for your dog.  I also alter or repair it as needed.  My goal is to provide you and your dog with a coat that will be well-loved and well-used for years to come.

A dog coat that's made just for your dog allows your dog to be a dog. It should fit so well that they can do whatever they do and not worry about the coat.

Is it more expensive to buy a custom dog coat?

Well, the answer is yes and no.  Yes, because the initial cost to buy a custom dog coat from Made by De versus one at PetSmart or Chewy, for example, is probably a bit higher.  And no, because that isn't the whole story.  That less expensive product probably isn't just what you wanted. When you buy a product that has a lower price tag, it doesn't end there.

Sure, that product is less expensive when you first charge your credit card. But then you get it home to try on your dog.  Does it fit well enough that your dog likes wearing it or can you "get by" with it?  Did they have the colors and features you wanted, or did you have to settle for something else that isn't quite it?  

The problem is, if you're not quite satisfied or if your dog doesn't like wearing the coat, you'll be looking for another one before long.  Either your dog will chew it up or refuse to move in it, or you'll try again to get the "perfect" coat.  That means pulling out the credit card again.  Now, was that less expensive coat as inexpensive as you thought? 

Buying custom is an investment that's worth it.

Some people can afford to pay top dollar for their dog stuff and don't worry about the money.  They'll pay for convenience, quality, and status.  

Other people would like to be able to pay top dollar, but they're careful.  They don't want to pay any more than necessary for the quality they're desiring.  They might pay top dollar in a pinch, but they consider pretty carefully what they're buying.

Then there are the people who want to buy at the lowest cost or not at all.  It's sort of a badge of honor to get the lowest price possible.  These people look at paying the lowest price possible.

If you think about it, buying a custom coat meets the needs of all three of these people. The first set of people get something that's quality and unique, meeting the status goal.  The second set of people get something that is, overall, the most product for the money.  And the last set of people end up saving money by not having to purchase again and again.

The size of your dog is not a problem when the pr

Buying a custom dog coat is a good investment.

Buying a custom dog coat sounds like an extravagance, but it's really wise.  The price paid initially is more than made up in the savings of not having to purchase something else because the first item just wasn't quite right. And buying quality the first time around means that you won't have to buy a new dog coat every year (although I'd love to sell it to you).  

If you add up the cost of one custom Made by De dog coat versus the several you'd have to buy because the coat doesn't fit, it wasn't exactly what you and your dog needed, or it just wasn't made to hold up very long, the answer is easy.  Buying custom is actually less expensive!

So......if you're in the market for a dog coat, take a look at Made by De. And while you're there, don't forget to sign up for the Insider Group.  You can save an additional 20% off your orders and get some useful inside information on sales as well as tips for dog parents.

 

A dog cool coat isn't just a coat for cooling your dog

April 11, 2021|Dog cool coats

A Made by De dog cool coat isn't just for cooling your dog. It can do so much more!

A dog cool coat helps with cooling, of course.

Made by De creates dog clothing, all kinds of dog clothing.  One of my more popular products is the dog cool coat.  That's because these coats work really well for keeping your dog cool.

Since dogs are at risk of suffering from heatstroke or just feeling poorly due to overheating, keeping them cool is important.  A Made by De cool coats work for hours at a time, using evaporative cooling. You just soak the coat in water, wring out the extra, and put it on your dog.  

Cooling your dog is an important function, but that's not all these chamois (sham ee) coats can do.  When you're spending money on your dog, you want to get as much use out of it as possible, so it's nice to know that what you're buying can be used in many ways.  Here are some of them.

Since the synthetic chamois I use for these coats is absorbent, it's also good for drying your dog. You can put a dry or damp cool coat on your dog after a bath or swimming to help them dry off.

After a bath or swimming

Chamois, whether it's synthetic or natural (sheepskin), is known to be absorbent.  That means that the dog cool coat made of this fabric is also absorbent.  While it's used as a cool coat, the coat is soaked with water and allowed to dry so that the evaporative cooling can work.  This process can be used in another way.

If your dog is wet, they're probably dripping water everywhere.  By putting a dog cool coat on them, that drippy water is absorbed instead of falling wherever it may.  

If your dog is wet, they could also be cold. Putting a dry chamois coat on them wicks the water away from your dog so that they stay a bit warmer. Of course, as when you dry off with a towel, keeping that damp coat on your dog can allow them to get chilled, so the coat should come off before that happens.

A chamois coat like this one can help smooth unruly fur, especially important in the show ring.

Smoothing the fur

If you have a dog with longer fur, like this one, sometimes it's important to have that coat behave and lie down nicely.  This is especially important if you show your dog.  Conformation judges can appreciate your dog's qualities more if they're presented with an attractive grooming job.

If your dog is sensitive to the sun, or their coat fades with the sun, these cool coats help protect while they cool.

Sun protection

Some dogs are sensitive to the sun.  If your dog is light in color or has sensitivities aggravated by the sun, keeping them protected from it becomes important. The great thing about using a cool coat for this is that it can also be cooling your dog while it's blocking the sun.  

Light jacket

Finally, a chamois coat works as a light jacket when it's not damp.  If you find that your dog needs a jacket, you can put a dry chamois coat on them and help keep them warm.

A dog cool coat from Made by De can serve many different functions so you get more for your money.

A Made by De dog cool coat can do so much!

Take a look at Made by De dog cool coats. While you're on my site, don't forget to sign up for the Insider Group and get your coupon code for 20% off.

 

A solution to early spaying; dog britches

May 2, 2021|Dog diapers

One of the biggest problems with waiting to spay is dealing with heat cycles. Having the right britches can make the wait easier.

The debate about spaying

One of the questions that parents of female dogs deal with is whether to spay or not. For those who decide to have their female dog spayed, the question is "when is the right time?"

Evidence has become available about possible problems a dog can experience if she's spayed too early. This post from DogsNaturally.com explains some of the potential issues involved. 

You can also find evidence to support the case for not spaying your dog at all.  Or maybe you come from the camp of spaying as population control.  No matter your thoughts, anyone who has had to deal with a dog in heat knows the inconvenience involved there.

Arguments can be made for or against spaying.  I have my opinions about this, but each dog parent has to make their own decision. 

Dog heat cycles often start before the dog is fully grown. Dog diapers that adjust can make it easier to use them for the first cycle as well as future cycles.

Deciding not to spay your dog before their first heat cycle

If you've decided to wait until your dog has had at least one heat cycle, that means you're going to have to deal with the mess and inconvenience.  Things can get messy.  Your patience will probably be tried.

However, having a diaper that's easy to use and comfortable for your dog can greatly reduce the amount of frustration you have to deal with. Benefits of using a diaper like this, 

- a pad is placed to contain the mess and then changed as needed, reducing laundering.   

- made of soft cotton flannel to decrease the occurrence of sores or worn areas.

- adjustable, so you can use them when your dog is a puppy and later as an adult.

Dog britches that fit mean that you won't have to keep pulling them up, and your dog won't mind wearing them, at least not much.

Finding the best dog diaper

There are many types of dog diapers available. I've tried to come up with the most comfortable, easiest-to-use britches possible at Made by De. Take a look at my site or contact me to find out more at coatsmadebyde@gmail.com.  

While you're on my website, don't forget to sign up for the Insider Group.  You'll get a coupon code for 20% off all orders!

 

Is it worth buying clothing for your dog?

May 27, 2021|Dog coats

A custom dog coat is designed to fit the unique needs of your dog.

Does your dog need clothing?

It's true that not all dogs need clothing.  Whether your dog needs clothing depends on what type of dog you have, where you live, and what you do with your dog. Each dog parent has to make the decision about dog clothing for themselves.

If you have a Newfoundland and live in Canada, your dog is suited for the cold weather and probably doesn't need a winter coat.  But they might need a cool coat.

If you have a whippet and live in Florida, they might need a cool coat, but probably not a winter coat.  However, if you move that same whippet to Minnesota, they will need a warm coat since their smooth coat isn't adapted to the climate.

To answer the question of whether dog clothing is needed, you should consider:

-   Size of your dog

-   Characteristics of your dog

-   The climate you live in

-   The activities you intend to do with your dog

A custom dog coat is made just for your dog, so it will fit just right.

Does your dog need custom dog clothes?

If you've decided that your dog needs clothing for specific reasons, the next question is where to get it.  Can you find what you're looking for at a store or online?  Is that product made to fit your dog well?  Does it meet all the needs you and your dog have for a coat?  

Maybe you can find something that's already made that you're happy with.  But the chances of finding something that fits just right and does what you need it to do are small.  Now, it's time to take a look at custom options.

Custom dog products are usually made to last.

Why buy custom dog clothes?

Have you considered buying custom stuff for your dog?  Maybe the word "custom" makes you think "expensive."  An item that's made just for your dog might be more expensive than something you buy from PetSmart.  Until you think about it a little bit.

Your initial investment into a dog coat might be higher with custom than readymade.  But if your dog doesn't like it, you might have to buy another coat.  In addition, a coat that's made custom is often made to hold up better.  Being made individually means that those little flaws which cause a product to break down aren't there.  So your coat lasts longer.

Take a look at Made by De

Made by De creates each item just for your dog using your measurements.  Take a look at www.madebyde.com to see what's available.  And while you're there, don't forget to sign up for the Made by De Insider Group to get your 20% off coupon, good for all orders.

 

Can a dog coat help your dog with anxiety?

May 31, 2021|Dog coats, Dog situations

A dog slinkie can do double duty. If applied snugly, it can also help with anxiety.

Do you have a dog with anxiety?

Does your dog have anxiety?  Maybe it's just at certain times. How do you know? 

Here are some things you might see that indicate that your dog has a problem.

      -  pacing

      -  drooling excessively

      -  eyes unnaturally wide

      -  trying to hide

      -  tucking the tail

      -  trembling

These are some of the most common symptoms, but each dog is different.  Paying attention to what your dog does and how they act in certain situations will help you be prepared for when they have troubles.  Read this post about helping your anxious dog for more info.

Any dog coat that fastens around the ribcage snugly can help your dog with their anxiety.

Ways to help your anxious dog

If you have an anxious dog, you'll want to know what to do to help them cope better.  You may have heard about anti-anxiety medications from your vet.  CBD products can also be helpful.  In addition, there are strategies you can use that can help your dog deal with their stressful situation.  

But there is another method that might be worth trying.  Would you believe that a dog coat can sometimes help? Here's how.

A dog coat can work like swaddling for a baby to ease anxiety for your dog.

How a dog coat can work to help your dog with anxiety

Have you heard about the "thunder shirt?" The idea behind the thunder shirt is that when pressure is applied to certain areas of your dog's body, it has a relaxing, soothing effect.  It's much the same as when you swaddle a newborn baby.  

A dog coat can provide the same type of effect if it's applied snugly.  When you and your dog find yourself in an anxiety-producing situation, you can put a cool coat or a slinkie or even a winter coat on and fasten it securely around the ribcage.  

This is something that you can try instead of or in addition to medications or distractions.  The effect is quick to start but doesn't generally last more than 30 minutes to an hour.  Your dog might get enough relief to get them through while one of the other methods is starting to work.  

Made by De can help

One of the nice things about using a dog coat is that you can have it available for its intended use and also use it to help relieve anxiety; double duty! Read this post for more ways to use a dog coat. 

Take a look at my website to get a cool coat, slinkie, or other product for your dog.  Don't forget to sign up for the Insider Group so you can get your 20% off coupon code, good for all purchases.