Giving dog clothes – a few simple rules

Dog clothes can make a great gift, highly appreciated by both pet and owner. But there are a few basic rules to follow: * If the dog is an avid chewer, you should avoid buying dog clothes with anything tempting: shiny buttons, fringe or feathers. Any object that can be chewed off and swallowed is a choking hazard. * Get dog clothes that fit. Ask the owner for measurements. If you want to make the dog clothes a surprise gift, offer to dog sit or to take the dog for a walk yourself. And bring a tape measure. Or enlist friends or family members to help get you the measurements for the dog clothes. * Finally, make sure the gift of dog clothes is suitable for the dog and the owner. You might think the doggie polo shirt is cute, but it might not work for a big outdoor dog, like a Lab or German Shepherd. On the other hand, a backpack or doggles wouldn't work for a Toy Poodle. How does the owner like to dress or accessorize the dog? Does the dog normally wear dog clothes? Has the owner ever discussed his or her feelings about dog clothes with you? All good questions to ask and think about before going out to make a special purchase of dog clothes.