FAQ: Clothing for dogs

Most dogs do not need a hat, but in hard frost the ear tips of long-eared or hairless dogs can get frostbite. In that case a stretchy neck and ear warmer is useful and stays on better than a hat.

A snood is a stretchy tube that covers the neck and, if needed, the ears. It is useful for greyhounds and long-necked dogs in the cold, and helps long-eared dogs keep their ears clean while eating.

A bandana is mostly decorative, but a bright or reflective one makes a dog more visible, and a wettable cooling bandana slightly cools the neck on a hot day. It must be tied loosely so it does not press on the neck.

A costume can be safe for a short photo or party if it does not restrict movement, sight or breathing and has no small parts that could be bitten off. Watch the dog and remove the costume if it shows stress: lip licking, yawning or trying to escape.

A festive sweater can be as practical as a regular one if it is the right size and made of comfortable material. Avoid models with bells, pompoms or glitter that the dog could bite off.

Clothing is usually unnecessary in the car, and in a heated interior a dog in a jacket can overheat. Put the jacket on before getting out at rest stops, and dry a wet dog or put on a drying robe after a walk.

For a winter trip it is worth having a warm waterproof jacket or snowsuit, boots or paw balm, a reflector and a towel to dry the dog. A spare garment is handy, as a wet one may not dry overnight.

For active outings such as running with your dog, light, breathable, close-fitting garments work best, usually a reflective vest or a thin softshell jacket. A warm jacket quickly causes overheating when running.

A small dog in a carry bag moves little, so in cold weather it gets cold faster than one that is walking. A light sweater or a blanket in the bag helps, but take the garment off in heated rooms.

Light-coloured, close-fitting clothing can make ticks easier to spot and slightly reduce contact with the coat, but it does not replace vet-recommended parasite prevention. Still check your dog after walks.

Yes, you can sew or knit a garment using your dog's measurements, but use soft, washable materials, flat seams and avoid small decorations. Try the garment on the dog before you finish it.

Yes, second-hand dog clothing can be a good choice, especially for fast-growing puppies. Check that the fastenings work and the waterproof coating is not cracked, and wash the garment before use.

Try the garment on your clean dog briefly at home without removing the tags, so you can return it under the shop's terms if needed. When buying online, check the return period and procedure before purchase.

Check the size chart in centimetres rather than the letter size, and read what the garment is made of, whether it is waterproof, how it fastens and whether it has reflectors. Also check the return terms, as sizes vary between manufacturers.

Price depends on materials such as membrane fabrics or wool, filling, sewing quality, taped seams, reflectors and size. Sometimes the same model costs different amounts in different shops, so it is worth comparing prices.

Not necessarily. What matters most is that the garment fits the dog, suits the weather and is comfortable. A simple, well-fitting raincoat is often more useful than an expensive jacket in the wrong size or that is too warm.

Winter clothes are worth buying in autumn before the cold arrives, so there is time to get the dog used to them and exchange the size if needed. Discounts sometimes appear at the end of the season, so it is worth watching price changes.

No, zoogidas.lt sells nothing. The site compares prices of dog clothing and other pet products across Lithuanian online shops, and once you choose a product you buy it on the shop's own website.

Prices are collected about daily, and each product shows when its price was last checked. Still confirm the final price on the shop's website before buying.

The product page shows price history, so you can see whether the current price is lower or higher than before. This helps you decide whether to buy now or wait, for example until the end of the season.