by Katherine Wells

Created on: January 07, 2007   Last Updated: April 30, 2007

Dog clothing is not necessary at all in most cases. Dogs should only be dressed in a coat if they really need one due to the cold, not as a fashion accessory. A dog that is put in a coat or jumper if they do not need one will be uncomfortable, they may also get caught on things, or get a claw caught when trying to itch through the garment.

My 13 year old springer spaniel cross does have a coat. This is because, being elderly, he feels elements and needs one to stop him shivering when it is very cold. He also has a life-jacket - we live on a boat so even though he can swim I feel this is an absolute necessity if I let him out on deck.

The main things to consider when clothing for your dog are:

1. That the jacket is safe (no bits that they could chew, that if they got caught on something they would be able to wriggle out of it).
2. That they have enough movement in it to enable them to run but not enough so the clothing slips off.
3. And finally, that the clothing is engineered to allow them to empty their bladder without wetting it!

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