Archive for the ‘Dog Apparel’ Category
Dachshund Stuff
If you are looking for a pet dog, you might want to consider getting a dachshund. This breed is friendly, playful, and fun to be with. It is also a loyal family dog, hence, it is perfect for families with kids around. Dachshunds are also clever animals.
There are a lot of dachshund lovers around the country. In fact, there are even dachshund collectible items such as bumper stickers and house ware items. There are dachshund posters, too. There is also dog tees especially for dachshunds.
Dressing Your Pets Up
There is no denying that people love their dogs. It is unbelievable the amount of attention that true pet owners give to there pets. They will dress their pets in anything. It can be quit entertaining to see.
Holidays are when all the cute outfits come out. Dog dresses are the cutest dog outfits to see. Pet owners will dress their dogs up in little colorful dresses or tough looking crossbone dresses. It is quit a site to see for sure.
Cleaning Dog Clothes
While most people might think dog apparel requires special care and washing, in most cases it can be cared for in the same manner as people clothing. Cleaning and washing dog clothing all depends on the fabric, just like our clothes. For example, it’s not a good idea to put suede or leather in the washing machine, but cotton clothing is just fine for the most part. But with cotton, it is important to be careful of shrinking, as cotton dog clothing tends not to be pre-washed. Most dog clothing can go in the washing machine, but it might be necessary for some items to be dry cleaned. For delicates, washing by hand is also an option. Because dogs are closer to the floor, it’s natural for their clothing to become saturated with dust and grit, and it’s important to perform regular cleanings to keep the clothing looking at its best.
You can use all the standard cleaners on dog apparel including detergent, fabric softener, and bleach (for whites). Just be careful to follow the instructions on the clothing or use your best judgment.
Warm Pups in Winter Months
Just as people need to put on extra layers of clothing when going outside in the winter, sometimes a dog’s natural fur coat just isn’t enough to combat the cold. Particularly for small, shorthaired dogs, significant drops in temperature can be a cause of serious discomfort. However, longhaired dogs can be just as vulnerable in extreme cold.
Dog sweaters come in styles as various as clothing labels, and keep your dog warm when walking in the winter months. Sweaters also offer protection from the various forms of precipitation and from some of the notorious ‘wet dog’ smell. With a variety of choices in sweater design, your dog won’y only be protected from the elements but also be a fashion statement for itself or its owner.
Back with a Vengeance This Halloween
Last Halloween, I was away on business and unable to attend any of my friends’ parties. Since it’s my favorite holiday of the year, I swore that this year would be different. I’m planning to go all out this time around. In order to maximize my Halloween fun, I’ve already sketched out a foolproof costume idea that incorporates my dachshund Ernie into the act.
I’ll be dressing up as a hot dog vendor, complete with miniature cart and paper hat. But it’s Ernie’s costume that should put the look over the top. When searching for dog costumes online, I found the perfect hot dog outfit – complete with an oversized bun for each flank and a swirl of fake mustard for his back. I’m hoping to enter our costume into a contest at one of the parties — there’s no way we won’t win.
Cute Dog Outfits for All Occasions!
When it comes to dressing your dog, it’s important to have an outfit for every occasion. Whether it’s a dinner party, family brunch, or a holiday, it’s important for our dogs to be included in the festivities. For a dinner party, consider elegant dog dresses or dog formal wear. For more family oriented activities, dog t-shirts might be more practical for the event. Holidays are the best times for dog costumes. Dressing your dog in cute dog outfits will make them the center of attention. Spoiled dogs should have an entire wardrobe suited for all kinds of occasions.
Be sure to choose lots of dog accessories to complement their outfits. Just like people, dogs should have enough choices to make any outfit stunning. Just be sure that the outfits come off now and then, because with all that hair, some outfits can become uncomfortable if worn too often!
She Loves Her Dog Coat
Now that I live in an area that can get very cold during the winter I find myself looking for a really good dog coat to fit Baby. Don’t let the name fool you, Baby is a 13 year old 90lb lapdog. She is also the type of “puppy “ that doesn’t like to get wet. Hmm… how many others like her are out there? I am guessing a lot. Dog coats vary in cost and style, so you’ll have to find your dogs.
Anyway, she is in love with her dog coat that is light and waterproof. She also has it in a few different colors so she can look good in any type of weather. No she is not spoiled…but do you know of another dog that totally avoids puddles, jumping them when necessary?
Keeping Your Dog Warm in the Winter
Dogs get cold too. People who say that dogs have “their own coats” are simply uneducated. Many dogs, especially toy breeds, aren’t hearty enough to stand up to cold winter temperatures for extended time periods. Older dogs and short-haired dogs also get cold more easily. Humans understand just how uncomfortable it can be to go outside without a jacket during the winter, so why would they want to put their canine companions through the same torture.
Consider buying dog coats for your furry companion. Dogs may take a while to get used to wearing a coat, but they will eventually recognize that the covering is protecting them from the cold. Making a nice, warm bed can help keep your elderly dog warm during the night.
One of the worst things you can do is leave your dog chained to a fence. Dogs that are chained to fences aren’t able to move around enough to promote the blood circulation that would otherwise keep them warm. And many dogs die of hypothermia each year chained to fences. This is also animal cruelty and can result in hefty fines and arrests.
Costumes for All Occasions
It’s a shame for your dog to only wear his or her Halloween costume one day a year. I’ve found that having your dog in costume for all kinds of family events not only makes him or her the center of attention, but illustrates your commitment to fashion. After Halloween is also a great time to buy Halloween dog costumes at a discount. I found a delightful hotdog costume that I used for a summer barbeque, and a priest costume I used for an Easter Sunday get together.
Dog costumes are great for all occasions, your pet appreciates the attention, and you get recognition for your fashion efforts.
Special Dog Harness Part 2
As stated in part 1 the specialized dog harness, Bottom’s Up, is a special leash that helps your pet walk when they are having some problems with their joints or have a neurological problem. The Bottom’s Up leash help to support the rear end of your dog by looping straps around their hinds legs so that you can help hold up the rear end. The leash supports your pet but does not hinder their ability to relieve themselves.
I previously stated some medical reasons that you may need this leash. I wanted to continue on with one last one that is extremely important to me.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive disease of the spinal cord in older dogs. The disease has an insidious onset typically between 8 and 14 years of age. It begins with a loss of coordination (ataxia) in the hind limbs. The affected dog will wobble when walking, knuckle over or drag the feet. This can first occur in one hind limb and then affect the other. As the disease progresses, the limbs become weak and the dog begins to buckle and has difficulty standing. The weakness gets progressively worse until the dog is unable to walk. The clinical course can range from 6 months to 1 year before dogs become paraplegic. If signs progress for a longer period of time, urinary and fecal incontinence may occur and eventually weakness will develop in the front limbs. Another key feature of DM is that it is not a painful disease. It is also usually the last diagnosis after all other tests have been performed.
There is no cure for DM at this time and it is so heartbreaking to see you four-legged family member go through this. But they are not in pain so that can be some consolation.
DM is the reason I began the hunt for specialty items such as the rear harness and dog carts (wheel chairs). I have been through DM with my lovable dog Charlie who developed DM when he was 8 yrs old and progressed over the following year to where he needed assistance walking to go outside. This disease however did not deter him from wanting to chase squirrels! I couldn’t run that fast. Watching him made my heart melt and want to do something to help him. So like I stated, I purchased the rear harness and helped him get where he wanted to go. It was the best purchase I have ever made as it also relieved the pressure on my shoulders and back from trying to hold him up from behind and more convenient than using a towel which didn’t sit in the right places for him to relieve himself.
So if you are ever in doubt check out the rear harnesses to assist your pet through some hard times.