Dog Coats; Fashionable or Functional?
So, you've seen the dogs with the cute little bomber jackets or the flouncy dresses with big bows on them, right? Some people love to put these outfits on their dogs. And I suppose some dogs like to wear them. We used to have a dog that absolutely loved the attention she'd receive when she was dressed up. You can find this stuff on sites like Amazon or Chewy.
Not all people and dogs love to dress up just for the sake of dressing up. But is wearing clothes all just for fashion?
As far as people go, general society requires clothing. Just the way it is. Styles change, but the necessity of clothes does not.
For dogs, the process has gone a little differently. Dogs are born with fur, except for a few breeds that are supposed to be naked. Some people think that because they have fur, they don't need a coat.
In some cases, that's true, like in the case of a husky or Newfoundland with their really thick double coats. But in other cases, the dog's natural coat isn't enough. For example, a whippet that finds themselves living in Minnesota or a chihuahua finds themselves living pretty much anywhere north or south of the tropics.
Some people think that people are anthropomorphizing dogs (treating them like people instead of dogs) when they put clothes on them. In the case of clothes for fashion, I suppose that's true, although some dogs do enjoy it anyway. However, there is a purpose far greater than just treating them like people in dog skin when it comes to function.
Dogs do actually get cold. If you see them shivering or hunched over or resisting activities in the cold, they are probably actually cold. You want to help them be comfortable, right? How better to keep them comfortable than to put on a coat that's intended just for them?
Obviously, a human coat wouldn't work very well because of the differences between our species. But that doesn't mean that a dog coat is useless. There are many options available for coats that are suited to the needs of dogs. Durable coats, fit well, allow movement, and feel good can all help a dog be a dog in comfort.
So the next time someone tells you that a dog doesn't need a coat or that dog coats are useless, you'll know that statement isn't always true.
If dog clothes are on your list, go take a look at 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!
Dog britches; the whole story
What are dog diapers or dog britches?
Dog diapers are just that; diapers for dogs. Many people don’t really know or understand them. But if you have a girl dog in heat or you have an incontinent dog, they can be a lifesaver!
Also called dog britches or dog panties, they are intended to help keep things clean by putting a barrier between the mess and the rest of the world. This can be done in several ways, but they aren’t all equal in terms of comfort, cost, and effectiveness.
Why would my dog need dog diapers?
Your dog might need a product like this for a couple of reasons. First, if you have an unaltered (intact) female, she will have heat cycles. Heat cycles vary for each dog as far as the amount of flow, length of cycle, etc., but they involve at least some blood, leading to a smelly mess. If your dog is in your house or car, you’re going to want to contain that mess.
The other reason your dog might need a diaper is if they’re incontinent. This can be from old age, injury, or other reasons. Both boys and girls can be incontinent. Either way, dog pee or poop where it doesn’t belong is not pleasant. Depending on your dog, you’ll have to keep the anatomical difference in mind when choosing a method.
What are my choices?
There are several ways of placing a barrier to not have as much mess from heat cycles or incontinence.
- You can buy disposable diapers for your dog at most pet stores. This makes it easy to find but can get pricey and adds up to a lot of trash.
- You can buy dog diapers that are made to be reused, out of cloth usually. These are a little harder to find and a little more expensive at first, but they’re washable and can be reused repeatedly. Your investment will pay for itself pretty quickly, and you won’t be adding to the trash heap. Plus, you can find people that make them specifically for your dog, so the fit is more correct.
- You can rig something up with human baby diapers or men’s undershorts. This can work in a pinch, but they aren’t designed for dogs, so they may not fit very well and may not contain the mess you’re hoping to contain. See this post for ideas.
What should I look for in a dog diaper?
Of course, it needs to actually catch the mess. In the case of incontinence, the diaper needs to absorb without leaking, or it isn’t much good. If your dog is in heat, it needs to catch the blood but may not need to be as bulky, depending on your dog.
A diaper needs to be easy to use. Whether it’s for a couple of weeks or ongoing, you’re going to have to deal with it several times a day, so you want a product that doesn’t cause extra work. It needs to be easy to put on and take off as well. And washing it or disposing of it should be simple.
You (and your dog) also want a product that doesn’t cause sore spots. If it doesn’t fit right, it will rub at the groin, between the legs, etc., making your dog not want to wear it. The downside of this is that they might chew it off or otherwise seek relief. You might not like the results.
Another downside might be that the diaper comes off. This definitely is counterproductive. You end up with a mess despite your efforts. Any diaper you use on your dog needs to stay in place, or it does no good.
One note about diapers. They are NOT designed to prevent pregnancy. I’ve seen devices supposed to help prevent pregnancy, but even those aren’t 100%. Simple diapers definitely aren’t going to decrease risk.
What’s the best choice?
The best choice is the one that works for you and your dog. When you have a situation that calls for a diaper, it helps to know the options to make the best decision available. Keeping a diaper on your dog when it’s needed will help your fur kid be more a part of the family instead of being banned to the crate, outside, etc. You’ll feel better, and so will they.
Made by De, my online business makes custom dog diapers. Take a look for more information.
For more about helping your relationship with your dog, read my post about nonverbal communication with your dog.
Don't forget to sign up for my insider group here. You'll save 20% on all your orders from Made by De!
