Dog britches; a solution to early spaying

Jan 2

If you’ve heard the debate, maybe you have an opinion on it. For those who aren’t sure that spaying is the best option for young dogs or any dogs for that matter, dog diapers can get them through that first heat cycle and as many more as necessary.

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. 

Heat cycles are going to happen. One way to deal with it is to have your female dog spayed. However, if you’d prefer not to, diapers can contain the mess so you can still hang out with your dog.

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.

If you have a female dog that is intact (unaltered), heat cycles are going to happen. Why not use a diaper that is made to fit your dog well so they can be comfortable and you can contain the mess.

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.  

If you and your dog need to deal with heat cycles, why not do it with diapers that are made to fit. Made by De dog britches use soft cotton flannel in an adjustable design that helps your dog feel as if they aren’t wearing a diaper at all.

 

Why a custom dog coat isn't expensive

Jan 9

You might be able to find clothes to fit your dog at the big box stores. If, however, you have a hard to fit dog or you want something specific, custom dog clothes can be the way to go.

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 or another piece of clothing 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 coat that's made just for your dog allows them 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? 

Dogs aren’t all alike. And the further they are from “average”, the more difficult it can be to get a good fit. Custom clothes are made just for them, using their measurements.

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.

If you need something specific for your dog, custom can be the way to go. You can get the combination of features you need and the comfort your dog needs all at once.

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.

 

What is a custom dog coat?

Your dog will be more comfortable in a coat that’s made just for them.

Definition of a custom dog coat

Custom dog coat.  Do you know what that even means? If you look online, you might see several different items available "custom," but not all of them are the same.  It's essential to know the differences so you can purchase an item that's just what you need for your dog.

A custom coat is one that's made specifically for that dog.  That doesn't mean the whole thing is made from scratch.  It could mean that it's 

-  made for a particular breed of dog. 

-  a coat or another item of dog clothing that can have a variety of features as ordered.  

-  a set design with adjustable measurements. 

-  made one at a time, with specifics as determined by purchaser and maker. This is what you get from Made by De; a totally custom product!

Can your dog go about the business of being a dog in their dog coat? If it fits well, they can.

How does it work?

The process varies from one shop to another.  At Made by De, I have designs listed to help you visualize the possibilities. I can modify them as needed or come up with something completely unique.  

Each product is offered with a variety of fabrics and features.  I also encourage the dog parent to provide me specific measurements and as much other information as possible to create a product that they and their dogs will love.

Have you tried a custom dog coat for your dog? You might be surprised at how much you like it and how affordable it can be.

What to expect from a custom dog coat?

A custom dog coat should be well made, attractive, suitable for the use intended by the dog parent, and most importantly, FIT your dog.  A maker who takes pride in their work and seeks to offer the best product available will offer alteration as needed to fine-tune. They will stand behind their work. Made by De provides all of this.

When you order a custom dog coat, the result you can expect is a quality product that your dog loves. Take a look at my website and see what you find.  

The best kind of dog coat is one that fits your dog and suits your needs.

 

Winter challenges for dogs

Winter can be tough on dogs with short, thin fur. A dog coat can help provide the protection they need.

Winter is a fact of life.

Winter is a fact all over the world. Not all areas experience it the same way, but most places have some seasonal changes. Those changes affect everyone a little differently, canines as well as humans.

If your dog needs help staying warm, there are lots of options. For example, a fleece snood like this one can help keep ears and neck warm.

Problems dogs and their parents face

Many places experience enough seasonal changes to influence how people go about their daily business. While extreme locations like the equator or the poles may not notice much change, the rest of us have to adapt to the changing conditions.

Dogs feel the changes too. While some dogs are so well adapted to the environment they live in that they don't need any help, others can get pretty uncomfortable. Those dogs that feel the winter have problems like

1)  Cold - if dogs can't stay comfortably warm, they shiver, seek shelter, or do whatever they can to warm up.

2)  Wet - cold rain, water buildup, and snow all make dogs wet so that what natural approaches they have to stay warm don't work as well.

3)  Snowballs - not the kind we throw, but the ones that attach to the fur of longer coated dogs. These things are tough to get out and keep your dog wet for a long time.

4)  Chemicals used for melting ice - although helpful for ice removal, these chemicals can irritate your dog's feet or make them sick when they lick.

5)  Shorter days - fewer hours of sunlight can mean fewer hours of play or exercise.

Dog pajamas like these are not only warm but can help prevent snow buildup for longer-haired dogs. They stay much warmer without those little balls of coldness attached to them.

Fixes for the winter challenges of dogs

Mother nature can make conditions pretty extreme, but there are some things you can do to help your dog meet winter's challenges.

1)  If your dog is cold, a coat or pajamas can help them retain body heat.

2)  Wet weather can be combated with waterproof jackets or shelter from the elements.

3)  If your dog has a longer coat, dog pajamas can help prevent the formation of those nasty little snowballs.

4)  Chemicals can be blocked with dog boots. If your dog doesn't want to wear them, or you don't have any, carefully managing where your dog walks can decrease exposure. You can get them through companies like Chewy's.

5)  If you have an active dog, getting enough exercise is essential, even when the daylight hours are minimal. Posts like this can help you find ways to provide the activity your dog needs.

Winter and its challenges are unavoidable. Being prepared with products and a plan can help make it fun!

If your dog needs a little help coping with the challenges of winter, there are lots of things you can do to help. If getting a dog coat or pajamas sounds like a good idea, don't forget to check out my website, Made by De.