FAQ: Clothing for dogs

Wash and fully dry the garments before putting them away, then store them in a dry, cool place in a fabric bag or box. Do not store waterproof garments tightly compressed, so the coating does not crease.

A jacket is worth replacing when it has become too small, lets water through, has cracked reflectors, broken fastenings or a worn lining that no longer keeps the dog warm. Puppies need new clothes often as they grow.

First clean hair and lint out of the Velcro, as that is usually why it grips poorly. If that does not help, the Velcro strips can be replaced by sewing on new ones, and a zip can be taken to a tailor for repair.

Children's clothes are not designed for a dog's body shape: they lack tail openings and a belly cut-out and have the wrong leg length, so they can restrict movement and toileting. It is safer to choose clothing made for dogs.

It is a snug, stretchy bodysuit covering the torso after surgery, such as spaying, so the dog cannot lick or scratch the stitches. For many dogs it is a more comfortable alternative to a cone, but whether it suits should be discussed with the vet.

Measure back length and chest girth as for other garments and compare with the manufacturer's chart. The suit should fit snugly and cover the whole wound without pressing, and the dog must be able to toilet freely.

Not always: a suit protects belly and side wounds well, but is unsuitable for wounds on the head, legs or tail, and some dogs manage to chew through it. Decide which protection to use together with your vet.

Change or wash the suit when it gets dirty or damp, and follow your vet's wound-care instructions. It is handy to have two suits so one can be worn while the other dries.

They are pants or briefs with a pad that a female wears during her season so she does not stain furniture and floors. They are not contraception and do not keep males away, so she still needs to be supervised on walks.

Dog nappies or belly bands for males are used for incontinence, in old age, during a season or in house training. They must be changed often and the skin kept clean, and sudden incontinence should be checked by a vet.

Warmth can help a dog with stiff joints feel more comfortable, so in cold weather a warm jacket covering the back and hips can be beneficial. It does not replace treatment, which a vet should prescribe.

A calming vest applies even pressure around the dog's torso, which helps some dogs settle during thunderstorms, fireworks or travel. The effect varies between dogs, and severe fear or anxiety is worth discussing with a vet or behaviourist.

Get the dog used to the vest in advance in calm situations so it is not associated with fear. Put it on before the noise starts, provide a quiet hiding place and do not leave the dog in the vest for many hours.

Chihuahuas are very small and get cold quickly, so they often need a warm jacket or snowsuit for winter, a raincoat for autumn and a light sweater for cool homes. Choose lightweight garments so they do not weigh down the small body.

French bulldogs often need a warm jacket in winter because of their short coat, but they also overheat easily. Choose breathable, broad-chested models and consider a cooling vest in summer.

Yorkshire terriers have no undercoat and are small, so a warm jacket or raincoat helps in cold and wet weather. Their long coat can tangle under clothing, so it is worth brushing after wear.

Smooth-haired dachshunds often need a jacket in winter, as their belly is close to snow and wet ground. Long-haired and wire-haired dachshunds need one less often, but a raincoat helps keep the coat clean.

Huskies, malamutes and Samoyeds usually do not need warm clothing, as their double coat insulates very well and a jacket can cause overheating. At most they benefit from boots on salted streets or a reflective vest.

A poodle's coat has no undercoat and is often clipped, so toy and miniature poodles benefit from a warm jacket in winter. The curly coat easily collects snowballs and mud, so a full-body suit helps keep it clean.

Pugs are short-haired and sensitive to cold, so a warm jacket suits them in winter, but their short muzzle makes them prone to overheating. Choose light, breathable garments and avoid anything that presses on the neck.