Fall on Long Island tends to be crisp, cool and vibrant. Whether you’re taking your dog on long walks in the country or strolling down a city street, they’ll look especially photogenic in their very own sweater. Sweaters aren’t just for looks — they can help provide comfort and insulation, too. An extra layer can be just what your dog needs to stay cozy as the air gets colder.

At Dan’s Pet Care, we love dressing our furry friends up in seasonal outfits. But the wrong dog attire can cause discomfort, stress or even danger for your pet. In this article, we’ll share tips for finding the perfect sweater for your dog this fall.

Keep your dog’s build in mind when shopping

Before you even start shopping for a canine sweater, it’s important to have accurate measurements. It can be frustrating to fall in love with an outfit you see online or in a storefront, only to discover that it’s not carried in your dog’s size. Each manufacturer will have slightly different sizing, so you’ll need to check individual size charts for each brand you shop. Common sense can help you make fairly accurate judgements (your Chihuahua won’t be wearing an XL in any brand), but going by the manufacturer’s size charts will save you the hassle of returning and re-buying.

Choose the material for your dog’s sweater intentionally

Some owners assume that sweater material doesn’t really matter, since your dog has a coat of fur that will protect them from making direct contact with their clothes. However, material is still an important factor to keep in mind when shopping for a dog sweater. Fabric that’s not soft or breathable enough can restrict your dog’s movement or cause them to overheat. A wool an acrylic blend might provide the right balance of warmth and softness for your pet.

Dogs get their clothes dirty, and you’ll need a fabric that can stand up to frequent washings. If you’re shopping for the colder months, you may also want a fleece liner on the inside of the garment to provide added insulation.

Choose styles that are practical and easy to remove

Dog sweaters can be a fun way to express your personality, and your pet’s personality too! But while fashion is definitely a relevant factor, don’t forget to balance it with practicality as you make your selection. Sweaters that require tiny buttons to fully close, have narrow openings, or have to be removed every time you need to leash your dog, might become more frustrating than they’re worth. Look for Velcro, snaps, and other easy-to-open fasteners.

Make safety a priority when picking out a dog sweater

You want your dog to look lovable in their new outfit, but the most important consideration is keeping them safe. Here are some red flags to avoid when it comes to dog sweater safety:

• buttons, snaps, or other closures that aren’t sewn on well and can easily become detached and swallowed

• sweaters that fit too loosely and can get caught or snagged on your dog’s surroundings

• sweaters that fit too tightly and may cause your dog to panic

Double check the return policy before you buy

You can do your very best to pick out the perfect dog sweater, but still be disappointed when you actually try to dress your pet. If at all possible, try to test the sweater out before you buy. Make sure you can get your dog in and out comfortably, and observe your dog’s behavior to make sure they feel at home in it.

Keep versatility in mind to make a sustainable purchase

Too many human clothes end up in the landfill each year. Sadly, the same can be said of canine clothes, too. When purchasing dog sweaters, it’s best to focus on quality over quantity. A sweater with a very specific seasonal pattern (like Halloween pumpkins or Thanksgiving turkeys) can only be worn during certain months. Instead, opt for versatile designs that can be tweaked to fit a variety of occasions.

For example, if you purchase a simple yellow sweater for your pet, they can wear it on everyday walks. But with a few added touches, they can dress up to become a bee for Halloween or a light bulb during the winter holidays.

Meet Dan’s Pet Care!

Do you need a helping hand with your dog’s care? The fully licensed and experienced professionals at Dan’s Pet Care can meet all your pet care needs, from walking to grooming to boarding and more. Contact us today to get started!