Dog Coats

Dog coats for style and fashion are all the rage these days. Any owner worth his or her salt will own a coat or two for their beloved pooch. In many cases, they serve a utilitarian purpose, but some are just made for whimsy and a desire for a little fun and games with the dog. It's a fact that dog's are a real part of the family nowadays, so it's logical that we'd start looking at their wants in a manner that pays homage to their place in our world.

You also can see this fascination with all things dog in people or couples who are "empty nesters," too. Their children have gone off to college or married and left home. The pet becomes a replacement, in some cases, for the child who used to occupy all of their time.

There are a myriad of dog coat types, and they come in all sizes and shapes. Some are special purpose-built in cases where the dog is a hairless breed, and needs protection from the sun's ultraviolet rays. Others may be made especially for instances when the dog has some sort of skin illness or otherwise needs protection from the element. Some coats are just plain flat-out for fun and enjoyment for both the pet and its owner.

Just about all dog coats fall into a few general categories. Most are of the sweater variety, with full or half models being the most popular for more than a few decades. They generally come in natural fabrics such as cotton, or a wool-cotton blend. Most of the time, there's no problem getting them on the dog. It's the owner who tends to fuss about, in reality.

Be careful when the coat has snaps or zippers. A dog's soft underbelly is a sensitive area, and skin caught in a zipper can cause the dog to maybe lash out with a nip or small bit if they're handled roughly or in a cavalier manner.

Raincoats for dogs are also big, these days. More people live in apartments than ever before and who really wants to put up with "wet dog smell?" Keeping the dog warm and dry while out on a walk can be a good way to avoid that problem. Find one that protects the whole body, and see if the dog will tolerate rain booties or paw wear. You can even find rain caps for Fido! Of course, you and your dog will have to decide if it's worth all the bother.

There are dog coats for special occasions. Some are made to resemble tuxedos, for that special high-class event or dinner. Others might look like versions of a human's suit or even a dinner dress, in the case of a female pooch. And accessories for the dog coat are plentiful and creative. There are little hats, booties and even capes or walking sticks. Where the sticks are carried is a question for some other time.

Our dogs are ever-increasingly like extremely close members of our family, especially in cases where the children have grown and moved away. As a fashion industry, dog coats bring in big bucks in a lot of pet supply stores these days. With dogs appreciated the world over, for the most, for their loyalty and dedication to their owners, it's no wonder we've gone the fashion route on them.