Do Dogs Need Clothes?

 

You might wonder about whether dog clothes are necessary for your dogs. You’ve probably seen the cute little pampered pooches with their fancy clothes on YouTube or Instagram, right? Their outfits look pretty, but not very functional. And sometimes, they’re downright frivolous.

Do dogs need dog clothes?

Do you know if your dog needs a coat? They generally have fur, with a few exceptions, as any dog owner knows. They certainly shed enough. However, sometimes the coat they were born with isn’t enough for their living conditions. Maybe we have them living in a different environment than they are built for. And the activities we ask them to participate in create new challenges that they were not prepared for.

History of dogs and people

Centuries ago, when early dog relatives were in the wild, they were suited for the environment in which they lived. If they were near the equator, they didn’t need thick coats and didn’t have them. Likewise, the insulation would help them survive if they lived near the poles, so they had nice thick coats. Their dog coats were well suited to their homes.

Then they started hanging around people. People decided dogs could help them with their work, so they raised dogs for those various jobs by selective breeding, choosing parents specifically to pass on the desirable traits. 

The more dogs were developed, the less they resembled their ancestors. The result has been that, while dogs are very skilled at their assigned jobs, they aren’t suited to live in the wild as they once were. They might have traits from their ancestors who lived in the tropics while residing in the northern reaches or vice versa. For that reason, they need us to help them by providing gear, like dog coats, that help them exist comfortably in the places we have them living.

Not all dogs need a coat. Some are very comfortable, just as they are based on where they live. For example, a Newfoundland in Canada has the perfect jacket for staying warm in those bitter winters. Likewise, a whippet with its lean build and smooth coat suits a desert home.

Why your dog needs a coat?

How about your dog? How can you tell if your dog is comfortable? Just observation and common sense will tell you a lot. Dogs feel cold like we do. Or they overheat. Ways you can know that you need to buy a dog coat:

• Your dog is shivering

• They don’t want to go outside

• Your dog may be all huddled up or curled up, trying to stay warm

• The natural coat is smooth

• Their build is lean, with little fat

• Temperatures are cool enough that you feel chilly or even cold, meaning they will.

  
  

• OR

• They are panting and lying in a puddle rather than going outside.

• They are muscular or brachycephalic and not built for tolerating heat.

• 
  

• MAYBE

• You are asking them to participate in activities they wouldn't normally do, like

• showing in conformation or working as a service dog.

If you see any of these, it’s time to consider dog coats.

Fortunately, many people have noticed that dogs need help staying comfortable

sometimes and have designed products to help them. The choices are almost limitless. Big stores like Walmart, pet specialty stores like Petco, and smaller boutique stores all carry versions of dog coats. You can even get them custom-made for your dog or create your own if you’re handy. 

Finding the right dog coat

If you decide to get your dog a dog coat, take a look at Madebyde. I make each coat just for your dog.

No one option is always best. To get the best coat for your dog, consider

• Does your dog need to stay warm, dry, or cool?

• Is your dog going to spend long periods outside or go for potty breaks?

• What activities is your dog going to perform in that coat?

• Does your dog have special health needs, or are they elderly?

Once you’ve figured out what specific needs that new dog coat should fulfill, you can search for a suitable option. The main point is that if your dog needs clothing, they’ll be much more comfortable if you get them whatever they need to feel better. We ask them to do all kinds of things they usually wouldn't do by themselves. If they feel comfortable, you'll both be happier.

Heatstroke; Do you know what to watch out for?

 

What is heatstroke?

If you have a dog, you’ve heard about heatstroke and how it’s dangerous for your dog. But what does it look like, exactly?

Early signs of heatstroke include:

– Panting
– Drooling

If you’re paying attention, you can probably cool your dog down and have no lasting problems. When the symptoms are mild, a dog cool coat or other cooling methods can help control the condition. 

As things gets more serious, you could see these symptoms.

– Decreased responsiveness
– Dark red gums
– Confusion and/or anxiety
– Glazed eyes
– Rapid heart rate
– Labored breathing
– Temperature above 103
– Vomiting or diarrhea, possibly with blood in them

What do you do if you are concerned about overheating or heatstroke?

 

If you see the above symptoms, you need to try to cool your dog off a.s.a.p.!  What you can do:

– Get them out of the heat
– Let them stand or lay in cool water and bath them in it
– Encourage them to drink cool (not ice cold) water

If these steps don’t get your dog to normal quickly, or if you see seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, or minimal consciousness, you need the vet’s help as quickly as possible. Organ damage quickly starts in and makes rescue much more difficult.

Which dogs are at risk?

Since dogs can't sweat except through the pads of their feet, any dog can become overheated and suffer from heatstroke.  However, some dogs are at increased risk due to their physical makeup.

Dogs at risk:

– Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds like pugs or French bulldogs
– Darker colored dogs (since black absorbs heat)
– Heavily muscled dogs (since muscle produces extra heat)
– Very young or very old dogs
– Dogs with other pre-existing health issues
– Very high-drive dogs that don’t self-limit

How do you prevent heatstroke?

Heatstroke can be prevented if you are prepared. Since any dog has the potential to suffer from heatstroke, it’s a good idea to be aware of the weather and risk factors.  If your dog is especially prone to overheat, this becomes vital.

To make sure your outing doesn’t turn into a tragedy, pay attention to your dog and:

– Plan extreme activity for cooler times of the day
– Offer plenty of water
– Limit activity to shorter periods of time during the hot part of the day
– Provide a kiddie pool or other water for cooling off
– Use cooling mats, cooling coats, etc. to keep body temperature at a healthy level

Consider buying a cool coat

A cool coat like the ones I make is an effective option for helping keep your dog safe from heatstroke.  Just soak in water, wring out the extra, and put on your dog for hours of cooling. The great thing about a cool coat is that they are mobile. You can carry one with you to use whenever things are getting too hot. If you'd like to find out more about Made by De cool coats, please check out my website, www.madebyde.com.  

Why a custom dog coat is NOT expensive

 

Have you considered getting a custom coat for your dog?

Buying a custom product often comes with the expectation of being expensive.  But that's not always the case, especially with Made by De products. Here's why a custom creation for your dog is a smart investment.

1) A custom coat is built to last

If you've purchased clothing for your dog on Amazon or at one of the big box stores, you may have paid less than the asking price of one of my coats.  Once.  But how long did that item last for you and your dog?  If you have to buy every year, the cost adds up.  Before you know it, you've spent two or even three times what that custom item would have cost.  

2) You get a coat that fits

You may have struggled with not having the right fit for your dog. If a product is made using your dog's measurements and keeping their breed and other specifics in mind, it is much more likely to fit correctly; keeping your dog comfortable.

3) The features you want

Buying custom dog clothes from Made by De means that you get a say in the features of your coat.  The products from the ready made stores are intended to suit the average need.  But most dogs aren't average. 

Custom Dog Clothing is a good investment

Although the cost of a custom dog product might be a little more up front than something at PetSmart or another store with pet products, that isn't the whole story. A product that's made for your dog will fit, have the features you want, and be made to last. If you're looking for dog clothing, whether it be cool coats, rain coats, dog diapers, or winter coats, please take a look at Made by De. 

Are you looking for dog clothes? The benefits of shopping small

Big box stores, whether in person or online, are a common place to buy for your dogs.  They can be extremely convenient, but there is a downside. Here are a few reasons why you might want to consider shopping with a small company instead.

Big store versus small business

1) Big stores are geared toward the "average" dog, which your dog may not be. Since they are trying to suit as many dogs as possible, they don't try to fit every dog, but just the most common ones.

A small company has a greater ability to individualize products, since they are sold on a smaller scale. 

 2) A large company works with hundreds or thousands of people and their dog every day.  The odds of being able to work directly with someone to come up with a specific solution is almost impossible.

A small shop doesn't work on the same scale. The chances are that when you contact them, you'll either talk directly to the owner or to someone who talks to the owner every day. This means you work with someone who is more personally invested in the satisfaction of each client.

3) A large company gets many sales all the time.  So many, that they can't really pay attention to each client. 

The people in a small company are more likely to notice each sale and be able to connect with the buyer.

4) A large shop can sell you something right away because they have a large inventory of "average" products.

A small one might take a bit more time to get just what you need. However, the time is well spent if you find a product that is well-suited to your needs

Dog diapers, as well as any other dog clothing, work much better if they fit. A small company like Made by De can give each dog the individual attention they need.

When you buy from a small business, you are buying from someone who is working to keep a roof over them, feed their family, get their kids what they need. If you don't know them personally, they're probably just like people you know.  

Why you should consider a small  business for buying dog clothes, or anything else for that matter.

Most small business owners take great pride in giving their clients the best products and services available. The price may be a bit higher, but that's often because they are making sure whatever they provide is made well. In the long run, you save money because their products will last.

Made by De is a one-person shop.  When you contact my company, you talk to me.  My goal is to meet or exceed the needs of my clients and their dogs. Take a look to see how I can help you.

Heatstroke is Real! How Dog Cool Coats Can Help.

Preventing heatstroke for your dog will be an important precaution for you to take as summertime approaches. You're probably aware of the risk of dogs suffering from heatstroke.  Since dogs can't sweat except through the pads of their feet, with a little help from panting, when conditions get hot, they can run into trouble pretty quickly.

What does heatstroke look like?

Signs of heatstroke include:

– Panting
– Decreased responsiveness
– Drooling
– Dark red gums
– Confusion and/or anxiety
– Glazed eyes
– Rapid heart rate
– Labored breathing
– Temperature above 103
– Vomiting or diarrhea, possibly with blood in them

If you see these symptoms, you need to try to cool your dog off a.s.a.p.!  What you can do:

– Get them out of the heat
– Let them stand or lay in cool water and bath them in it
– Encourage them to drink cool (not ice cold) water

If these steps don’t get your dog to a normal state quickly, or if you see seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, or minimal consciousness, you need the vet’s help as quickly as possible. Organ damage quickly starts in and makes rescue much more difficult.

Helping your dog stay cool

Since your dog can suffer drastically from becoming overheated, you'll want to prevent it as much as possible. There are several ways you can help your dog cool off.  You can:

-  Keep them in an air-conditioned environment

-  Let them have access to pools or lakes

-  Use fans to circulate and cool air

-  Provide cooling pads for them to lie down on

-  Plan outings for later in the evening or early morning

-  Put cooling coats on them

Why a cool coat is an important tool for preventing heatstroke

All of these methods help in one way or another.  However, they're all used in different ways and have different benefits. Cool coats have the ability to be worn by the dog, so they go wherever your dog goes, allowing for cooling in any location.  

While they can be very effective, the other approaches listed are much less mobile. Unless you don't plan to go anywhere, mobility is a consideration. Having a cool coat can allow you and your dog to go outdoor dog events, on hikes, or parks with more freedom from worry.

When it's really hot, you may want to use several approaches so you can keep your dog as cool and comfortable as possible.

We love our cool coats!

If you're in the market for a cool coat, take a look at Made by De.  I make each coat just for your dog, so it will fit just right. And it'll have all the features you and your dog want to make it the best cool coat you can buy.  

What are dog britches?

 

What are dog diapers, aka dog britches?

If you have a female dog that is intact or an incontinent dog, you know what dog diapers are. They are an article of clothing that your dog wears to keep the mess contained. There are several different ways to attempt to accomplish this, but they are not all equal in terms of comfort, cost and effectiveness.

Why would my dog need a diaper?

The main reasons for needing a diaper are 

1) If a female dog is intact, she's going to have heat cycles, which involves at least some blood and can get pretty smelly.

2) A dog is elderly, has been injured or for some other reason, can't control their bladder or bowel movements. Both males and females can be incontinent, although anatomy leads to some differences in how to contain it.

What are my choices?

You can buy disposable diapers for your dog at most pet stores.  This makes it easy to find but can get pricey and adds up to a lot of trash.

You can buy dog diapers that are made to be reused, out of cloth usually.  These are a little harder to find and a little more expensive at first, but they’re washable and can be reused.  The benefit is that your investment will pay for itself pretty quickly, and you won’t be adding to the trash heap. Plus, you can find people that make them specifically for your dog, so the fit is more correct.

You can rig something up with human baby diapers or men’s undershorts.  This can work in a pinch, but they aren’t designed for dogs, so they may not fit very well and may not contain the mess you’re hoping to contain.

What should I look for in a dog diaper?

1) A diaper needs to be easy to use. Whether it's for a coupe of weeks or ongoing you're going to have to deal with it several times a day, so you want a product that doesn't cause extra work  It needs to be easy to put on and take off as well.  And clean up should be simple.

2) You (and your dog) want a product that doesn't cause irritation or sore spots.  If it doesn't fit right, a diaper will rub at the groin, between the legs or otherwise cause discomfort.  If your dog isn't comfortable, they are likely to try to remove the diaper in any way they can. 

3) The diaper needs to stay in place in order to serve it's purpose.  If the fit isn't right, the chances of it coming off increase greatly, leading to a mess.

FYI, diapers or britches are NOT designed to prevent pregnancy.  

What’s the best choice?

The best choice is the one that works for you and your dog.  When you have a situation that calls for a diaper, it helps to know the options to make the best decision available.  Keeping a diaper on your dog when it’s needed will help your fur kid be more a part of the family instead of being banned to the crate, outside, etc. You’ll feel better, and so will they.

Made by De, my online business, makes custom dog diapers.  Take a look for more information.

How Does a Dog Cool Coat Help Them Cool Off?

Summertime means the temperatures are going up. Here in Wyoming, we are hovering around 90-100 degrees most days during the summer. Many parts of the northern hemisphere are in the same range or higher. I kind of like the heat. Not too bad for me, but it makes people sweat a lot. Dogs don’t like it nearly as much as humans do since they don’t sweat like we do.

To cool off, they can sweat through the pads of their feet. While it’s not sweating, the other thing they can do is pant. Panting allows evaporation through the saliva of the mouth. Since these are such small areas, they don’t work very quickly and are not very effective for keeping your dog cool in higher temperatures. That's why they are at such high risk of overheating and even heat stroke.

What is evaporation and how does it help with cooling?

Evaporation is a process in which liquid turns to gas. It happens naturally with no help from us. While evaporation is taking place, the temperature of the air around it goes down several degrees. Maybe you remember something about that in high school physics class? 

For me, that was quite a while ago, but you can look it up at this site. And more importantly, you can feel it. Put your hand next to but not directly on something that’s wet and in the process of drying.

This process can be used to help your dog cool off in places where they can’t sweat, which is most of their body. Putting a wet towel on them can help, although it’s pretty messy. Your dog ends up drippy, and that dripping water ends up anywhere close to your dog. 

How can you use evaporation to keep your dog cool?

What if you could find something that allows evaporative cooling but doesn’t cause the mess of a wet dog. A few years ago, I started to experiment with this methods. I found this synthetic chamois made out of 100% rayon. It was being sold as a cleaning product but could be repurposed into clothing. Specifically dog clothing. 

It turns out that this fabric holds onto water for several hours. It can be wrung out so that it doesn’t drip and still keep cooling. And when the extra water is gone, the dog wearing the coat doesn’t get wet either. 

While there are many brands of cool coats out there, here's why a Made by De coat is better.

1) Made just for your dog

2) Constructed of quality materials

3) They really work

Find out more on my website, Made by De.