Dog Sweater :: Getting Your Pets Into The Halloween Spirit

Dog Sweater :: Getting Your Pets Into The Halloween Spirit

People dress up like animals all the time for Halloween - why not go the opposite way and dress your pets up like people? After all, pets are part of the family for a lot of people. They take them everywhere, buy them gifts, get spa treatments for them - why not a Halloween costume too?

Now, it goes without saying that dressing your pet in a Halloween costume is more for the owner's enjoyment than the pet's. Having said that, you'll know your pet better than anyone.

Some pets don't like wearing clothes at all. If they are showing signs of stress or frustration, don't force your pet to wear a costume.

Pets will do best with unrestrictive, flexible costumes. Hats, crowns, and other headgear are usually alright in addition to some sort of clothing that can be tied around their midsection, although it should be loose.

It is best to leave pet costumes simple. If they become too complex, the animal could decide that they don't want to have it on and rip up the outfit in the end anyway.

The Internet is the best place to find Halloween pet costumes, although they are also available in many pet stores as the holiday approaches. Online costume sources often have pages devoted to just pet costumes, whose sizes are usually based off of weight.

Before putting your pet's new costume on them, be sure to look for any pieces that they might be able to get tied up in or swallow. Most costumes are made to be safe for pets, but you should always double check.

After all the hard work you will have done to find a costume and get it onto your pet, the most difficult part is sure to be getting the perfect picture. Though some pets will be good and sit quietly while you take a picture, for most it will require quite some effort to get your pet to calm down long enough for you to enjoy their costume.

Thanks :: http://www.animalpetsandfriends.com/Article/Getting-Your-Pets-Into-The-Halloween-Spirit/2289

Dog Sweater :: Dress Up Your Dog

Dog Sweater :: Dress Up Your Dog

Few things look more adorable than a dog dressed in boots, a sweater and a pom-pom hat, or a dog in a cute or clever costume for Halloween. But there are many reasons to dress your dog besides how precious he or she will look in a fashionable ensemble!

• Some dogs, particularly small breeds, feel the cold more acutely than most people realize. And small dogs tend to get cold faster than larger breeds. A sweater or coat on a cold day can make outdoor time more pleasant for your pet. If you’re shivering in the cold, chances are your dog feels it, too.

• Raincoats aren't just fashionable springtime wear, they protect your dog. Animal fur does protect dogs against water, but it can only protect them so much. Once the dog’s fur gets wet enough to soak through to the skin, the dog can grow cold more quickly than if his or her skin stayed dry. Short-haired breeds are more susceptible to rain and wet conditions than long-haired dogs.

• Snow and ice can damage a dog's pads, so dog boots, while cute, do more than make people giggle. They protect your dog’s feet from the harsh elements. Dogs that walk and run over rugged terrain, like dogs used for hunting or tracking, can benefit from rugged boots designed for rough landscapes. Even the tiniest dogs can be made more comfortable with boots, especially in the winter when it’s necessary to walk on ice, snow and salt. Cracked pads are painful, but prevention in the form of boots can save your doggie’s paws.

• Dogs can sunburn, too. Clothing, whether light garments in the summer or warm coats in the winter, protect your dog from the sun. Dogs with light hair and pink skin are especially sensitive to the sun’s rays, just as we are. You’ve got another reason to dress your pooch in that sassy T-shirt for a day at the park—sun protection! And consider putting sunscreen on your dog’s ears, nose and stomach if you’re planning much time in the sun. Your vet can recommend a brand that will work well on your dog.

Before you write off the idea of dog clothing as something cutesy and unnecessary, consider how you feel when you go from a nice warm house to the cold outdoors. If your dog lives indoors with you, your pet is used to the same toasty, warm environment. You wouldn’t go outside in mid-winter for any length of time wearing only your regular clothes and a pair of thin slippers! So, bundle up your pup against the weather, and make sure outside time is comfortable and fun.

If you love dressing up your pets, check out some of the pet costumes you can find online. You know what is even better? You and your pet dressing up together! Why not find adult costumes that compliment the ones you buy for your pet. Start a new fashion trend with matching costumes and watch the masses turn and stare. It's fun to make you and your pet the center of attention sometimes.

Thanks :: http://www.animalpetsandfriends.com/Article/Dress-Up-Your-Dog/1633

Dog Sweater :: Keeping Your Dog Warm In The Winter

For many dog owners, how to keep their dog warm during the cold winter is a big concern. Luckily for them, there are many ways to do this.

If your dog is small, has short hair, or is older, you may want to consider purchasing a jacket to help keep him warm. In some climates, it is appropriate to choose a sweater for the fall months and a heavier jacket for the colder winter months. When choosing outerwear for your dog choose something simple that is easy for you to put on. You may need to acclimate your dog to wearing a coat as some dogs do not like to be dressed up. To do this, simply put the coat on for short periods each day making sure to give lots of good treats. Your dog will learn to associate wearing his coat with yummy treats making it much easier for you to dress him.

Choose a coat made from durable materials that are easy to care for. Just because it's cute doesn't necessarily mean that it is appropriate. Also, if snow is a concern, look for water resistant materials. Make sure to know your dog's measurements and follow the manufacturer's directions to ensure proper fit.

Dogs that walk a lot, work outside, or are older, may also need to wear boots. Dog boots are available from many manufacturers and help keep feet protected from ice, snow, and salt. As with coats, make sure to follow the manufacturer's directions to ensure proper fit. If you choose not to purchase boots for your dog, make sure to remove ice and snow from between his pads when he comes inside. This will help keep him warm as well as help prevent dry, cracked, irritated pads.

If your dog lives primarily outside, you will want to make sure you get him a good quality shelter of some sort. Many pet supply stores and online manufacturers make great quality dog houses in a variety of styles for every budget. You will want one that will help keep wind, rain, and snow away from your dog. You will want to make sure that the opening to the dog house does not face the wind. You will also want to make sure that you lay down straw or provide a bed or several blankets to help protect your dog from the frozen ground. Make sure to change the straw and/or bedding periodically.

Blankets and beds can get wet and straw, when wet, can get moldy. Moldy straw can lead to upper respiratory and skin infections. Some people like to provide heat to their outside dog houses. It is not a good idea to do this with heating pads or space heaters with electrical cords. Your dog can chew through these cords causing a hazardous accident. If you choose to provide heat to your outdoor dog, it is best to have this done professionally. Some pet stores offer heated beds that contain a disc that can be heated in the microwave or with hot water periodically.

During the winter, it is just as important to keep your dog properly groomed as it is during the summer. Your dog's coat provides natural insulation against the elements. It is important to keep your dog's coat brushed and free of mats and burrs. The hair between the foot pads needs to be trimmed up to help prevent ice balls from forming. Regular grooming will help ensure proper body temperature during the winter months.

Some dogs, especially those kept outside, will require extra food during the winter months. It is important to discuss these nutritional needs with your veterinarian or pet professional. If your dog is kept outside, it is also very important to make sure that he has access to clean, fresh water at all times. Snow and ice are not appropriate for hydration. Be careful to make sure that his water has not frozen over.

There are many things you can do to ensure that your dog stays warm and safe during the winter months. If you have further questions about how to do this, please ask your veterinary staff or pet professionals.


Thanks :: http://www.i-love-dogs.com/dogsarticles/Keeping-Your-Dog-Warm-In-The-Winter.html