5 Tips on Choosing a Vest for Your Dog

5 Tips on Choosing a Vest for Your Dog

Guest Blog

Dog vests come in all shapes and sizes. It’s used primarily for protection but it’s also become a fashion accessory for some. Choosing a vest for your dog may seem like a very simple shopping activity, but it’s not all that. Depending on the type of dog you have, its size, purpose (pet, service, or guard), and so much more, considerations may vary. Don’t know where to start? Here are 5 tips to choosing a vest for your dog that you should know.

1. What do you need a vest for?

A vest can serve many functions depending on what you need it for. If it’s summer time, you may go look for any type of dog cooling vests. There are raincoats, snow suits, and reflective jackets too. It’s wise to invest in different types of vests for your dog. Not only are you gearing up your pet properly according to the seasons, you also give it an additional layer of protection.

2. Learn how to measure your dog.

Knowing the correct measurement of your dog is beneficial in ensuring the vest it gets is the perfect fit. When measuring your dog, make sure that the tape is snug so it’s more accurate. Measure your dog in 3 areas, at the neck, the girth (behind the front legs), and the waist around the flank area. Start measuring from the spine, and go all the way around the dog’s chest until the tape comes back on top. If you’re having difficulty determining the right vest size for your dog, consider getting a large one so you can adjust it yourself as needed.

3. Know the different types of vests.

Vests, dog coats, and jackets come in different types. There are weather-specific items such as raincoats, cooling coats, snowsuits, and windbreakers. There are also protective vests. You’ll see it being worn by K9 dogs, or hunting dogs. They’re usually made of strong and lightweight fabric and equipped with harnesses. Apart from that there’s sun-protection coats and insect-repellent coats too.

4. Consider customized vests.

Customized vests are a cute way to dress up your dog. There are several suppliers that make made-to-measure vests that are totally unique and super comfy. How about a patterned fabric of your choice? A simple vest with your dog’s name embroidered on it? How about something that matches some of your clothes so that you can go twinning with your dog once in a while? Custom vests are a great way to identify your dog as well instead of using a dog collar. Custom designs would usually range from $15 to $30 depending on the complexity. Or if you’re feeling crafty, you can always make your own!

5. Check the fabric.

Given that dog vests come in different types and functions, it’s understandable that it also uses a variety of fabric. Technically, there’s no rule saying dog vests should only come in cotton or something. But it’s good to consider the type of fabric to get specially if you are to consider the weather. During cold season, when our dogs like to keep warm, it’s nice to have a full body thermal coat, or maybe even a fur coat. When the sun is very hot during the summer, it’s nice to invest in UV-blocking body suits to avoid overexposure to the sun, which could lead to skin cancer.

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