Buying Dog Clothing and Accessories

Our beloved Pumpkin is a very small and fragile toy-poodle! When picking clothing for our little girl, we always thoroughly research the products. Who manufactures them, where they are manufactured and most importantly what materials are they made of. In addition, there are a few basic rules we follow.

• Size
• Velcro or buttons
• How they fit with a harness
• Night time visibility

Size

When purchasing pet items like a raincoat, a coat or a life vest, you should ensure it’s not too tight on their belly. Check to make sure it fits snug and tight, but not too tight under the belly and around their legs. Always check the size charts on each vendor’s site and make sure the measurements are in inches. If not, have a conversion chart handy!

Here you can see Pumpkin wearing a High Paw Dog Hat as we prepare to go out for a walk in the rain. The shirt is part of a combo Women’s T-Shirt and Matching Dog Shirt you can find on Amazon.

How to secure the clothes

Another important detail is how the items are secured or strapped around your pup. Do they ‘step in’ the item link the Voyager Harness we used when traveling in Italy, where you will find useful information on how to travel to Italy with your dog. The way it secures to your leash is also important.

Please, NO ZIPPERS!

Look for clothing that don’t use metal zippers or other metal parts. They could harm the puppy’s belly or their hair may get caught, or even worse, pinch their skin! That’s why all pumpkin’s costumes and other wearable items have velcro or buttons, no zippers.

Harnesses & Collars

Besides the comfort, your furry friend’s clothes must also be ‘compatible’ with your walking tools. We have always used a harness vs. a collar, which as you know is just better for them! In either case, when purchasing an item that will cover their neck, like winter coats, vests or costumes, make sure there is a buttonhole to allow for the leash to be connected to the harness so you don’t have to wear the harness over their clothes (if it fits!)

Night time vision

Especially during the winter months, we all have to walk our dogs in the dark. To ensure drivers see your dog at night, buy clothes or harnesses that have plenty of reflectors or battery powered lights. Also make sure you bring a flashlight or your phone so you can easily find the spot, visually alert drivers of your presence, and ultimately have a way to call in case of emergency!