Monday, May 18, 2026

 When your dog needs a diaper, fit is important!





Even though they are sometimes necessary, dog diapers are not usually something your dog wants to wear. Made by De dog diapers are designed to allow maximum range of motion and an adjustable fit so your dog can be as comfortable as possible.

Not all dogs need diapers.  If you have a girl who's intact or an incontinent dog, finding a diaper that works for both you and your dog becomes a high priority!





Dogs with big, fluffy tails don’t usually like to have their tails pulled through the tail hole of a diaper. Great Fit dog diapers have a unique design with straps for each side of the tail instead of that uncomfortable hole.



You don’t have to take my word for it. Here is what one of my clients said about Great Fit dog britches. Clients and their dogs love these britches for their fit and ease of use.




Athletic dogs, especially those with a long, lean build, can have a rough time having diapers that fit. Great Fit diapers adjust in several ways to help make the fit more custom. In addition, they are made just for your dog for the best fit possible.


Characteristics of a diaper that works:

1) It keeps the mess contained! That is the number one reason you would use a dog diaper.

2) It stays in position.  This one is important because the diaper won't do any good if it falls off or won't stay in place.

3) Your dog can move freely.  Many diapers rub, bind, or otherwise restrict your dog's movement, leading to soreness, waddling or even refusing to walk.

4) Your dog is comfortable enough to run and play or lie down and chill.  If your dog is comfortable, they'll be happier and a lot less likely to chew off the diaper or run away when you need to put it on.

5) It's worth the money.  Disposable diapers are less expensive than reusable ones in the short run.  However, since they're single-use, the cost adds up quickly. A good reusable diaper can be washed and reused many times, leading to saving money.  It's also easier on the environment since you're not adding to the landfill.




A Great Fit Dog Diaper from Made by De is designed to be extremely adjustable. Each diaper ordered is made to the specifications of your dog. No matter whether you have a pug, a greyhound, a mastiff, or a Heinz 57, you'll get a diaper that fits YOUR dog!

You can find a number of different products on the market; anything from cheap and disposable to expensive and fancy, and everything in between. The thing is they don't all work the same. What are the things you need a dog diaper to do?

If your dog needs a diaper, you have lots of choices available. But will they actually fit your dog! Will your dog be comfortable while wearing them? Are they made to be soft and breathable? Reusable? Great Fit Dog Diapers are all of these, and more!


Take a look at my website for more.


Thursday, May 7, 2026

Why choose a dog cool coat from Made by De?



Why should you choose a dog cool coat from Made by De?


If you're looking for a dog cool coat, you already know why you need it. Now you have to decide which cool coat to buy? You don't want to waste your money.  You also want something that actually works for your dog.  How do you choose?





1) Made just for your dog


A Made by De dog cool coat is custom-made just for your dog using your measurements and input about what your dog needs in a cool coat.  You can find others, but how well will they fit your dog?  If the cool coat doesn't fit right, it's not likely to be very comfortable for your dog to wear.  


A coat that's custom made means that your dog will be able to move or lie down comfortably. The coat will be the right length and will not bind or be too loose so your dog doesn't have to work against it. When your dog isn't bothered by an incorrect fit, they can concentrate on being a dog.





2) The most effective, comfortable fabric


You can find cool coats made of terry cloth, high-tech space or reflective materials, or a variety of chamois fabrics. It's important to know what the product is made of because it affects the way a cool coat works, how it feels, how you care for it and how it holds up to use.  


Most cool coats use evaporation in one way or another since it's a proven method of cooling the air. You can feel evaporative cooling by holding your hand close to something that's wet.  The air around it will be a few degrees cooler because of this natural process.


Terry cloth


-  Terry cloth cool coats are soft and easy to care for.  They cool using evaporation, which definitely works.  However, they get heavy when they're used because they have to be wet.  And they also drip, potentially making a wet mess if you're not careful.


-  Another version of the terry cloth coat uses little beads that are supposed to absorb cool water and extend the cooling time of the coat.  These beads usually shift and cause the coat to get lumpy in places. And if your dog chews it, the beads can be toxic or cause intestinal blockage.  




High tech sources


-  Some companies have started using more space-age technology for their coats. These coats don't use evaporative cooling. Instead, each one has other methods for cooling off your dog.  The problem is that it's difficult to get a good fit if your dog doesn't fit the standard mold.  And with that technology comes a higher price tag.


-  Another approach is to use reflective fabric to deflect the sun's rays and therefore some of its heat.  Deflecting the heat is somewhat effective, but it is only a partial solution.  Plus, the feel of the fabric and the sound your dog hears when it's on can be unnerving for your dog.





Chamois (pronounced sham ee)


The original chamois is a sheepskin that's been tanned.  This type of chamois is soft, durable, and effective.  It has a downside, however,  When the fabric is wet, as is needed to use evaporative cooling, it's soft and pliable. When it's dry, however, it gets stiff and brittle.  This means you have to keep it damp in order to have it ready to use.  If you're not careful about refrigeration, the dampness will lead to mold, leaving your chamois useless.


Automotive shops have a version that's synthetic.  This fabric comes in beautiful colors and can be effective for cooling, it also gets brittle or stiff when dry. It also requires that you keep it damp to make it pliable enough to put on your dog.


Made by De uses a version of chamois that's made of 100% rayon fabric. I chose this fabric because it is washable, it doesn't get stiff when it's dry and it's durable.  It also stays damp without being heavy.  If you wring out the extra water, you can put it on your dog for hours of cooling while your dog stays dry underneath.  These qualities make for the best cool coat, in my opinion at least.  






3) Working with a small company


When you buy a Made by De dog cool coat, you work one on one with the maker of the coat.  You can personally discuss any concerns you have, make requests and ask any questions you need to so you can be sure you're going to get the product you and your dog need.  


Another benefit of working with a small company is their commitment to quality and customer service.  Should you have a problem, need a special order, or wonder how to get accurate measurements, you have someone to ask directly.  You do not have to flip a coin and hope.


Get a Made by De dog cool coat


You won't be sorry. Take a look at my website, www.madebyde.com, to see what I offer.  Message me from the site or email coatsmadebyde@gmail.com with any questions, concerns, etc.  I'll get right back to you.  



Monday, May 4, 2026

 

Dress your show dog for success. Here are some products that can help.



Grooming needs vary

Dog breeds and their grooming needs vary greatly. Show dog products are usually pretty specific to your dog type.  The right products used the right way can make the difference between your dog becoming a champion and just one of the entries. You know your breed and your specific dog, so you want the products to help you make your dog look their best.





Dog slinkies, swimsuits and grooming suits


Grooming items like slinkies are made of stretchy fabric that is snug in all the right areas to smooth fur. These can save lots of time for those who are grooming long-haired dogs or those with wavy hair. Since Made by De creates these custom, they can be designed to solve many of your dog's problem areas.




Dog chamois coats, aka cool coats


Another approach to smoothing fur is a chamois coat.  My cool coats are made of synthetic chamois so they work like the real thing without getting brittle or needing to be kept in the cooler.  Chamois coats have the extra benefit of helping your dog stay cool; an important consideration when showing outside in the summertime.





Special considerations for the boys

Male dogs with long fur can get messy quickly, destroying all that work done to make them look good.  A spandex pee coat or waterproof leggings can help keep them clean. 







If you have show dogs, you want the best tools


Made by De has been making products to help you and your dog since 2009.  I've been to numerous dog shows and talked to countless dog owners in the process of creating my products. Take a look at my website to see what I have to offer.  Let me know if you have any questions or have something different in mind.  I can often alter the design to meet the needs of your dog.