Come rain or shine, dogs need walking all year round. And who would deny that lovely little face its walkies, even in the most testing of conditions?
We’ve had it good this summer, but with autumn on our doorstep and the blustery days and colder weather that comes with it, dog owners across the land are starting to consider which outfits and accessories might make the coming month’s walking more comfortable for our furry friends. Not to mention, raise the pooch poseur levels several notches higher! With that in mind, here are 4 must have pieces of dogwear for Autumn walks.
FLEECE JACKET
Just as walking in the blustery autumn wind may send a chill down your spine, just think about your poor pup. While you’re warm in all that lovely autumn knitwear, your dog has nothing on but their birthday suit.
If it’s not wet outside but there is a chill in the air, we suggest investing in a fleece jacket for an extra layer of warmth. These are an especially good idea for short-haired and elderly dogs who feel the cold just as much as us. Be sure to buy the jacket according to the breed of your dog. Some may need a different shape, size and thickness.
SUNGLASSES
A Manchester glasses firm has caused a stir on social media, after claiming to be launching a collection of sunglasses for dogs. Arlo Wolf, which has been suitably nicknamed “Arlo Woof”, says that our beloved four-legged friends need sunglasses as much as we do, and can look equally as stylish as they wear them.
They say “just like us humans, our pups and pooches spend lots of time exploring the great outdoors.
“Dogs have a much shorter lifespan than humans and therefore don’t develop UV damage in the same way we do. However, sunglasses for dogs can certainly prevent your dog squinting while protecting their eyes from exposure to dirt. Plus, they’re a great fashion accessory!” Hey, we all want to keep those puppy dog eyes protected, right?
Arlo Wolf added: “It’s quite normal to buy doggy jumpers, coats, and even hats and shoes if you look hard enough. Now we are saying you can finish the image with some cool sunnies too!” We couldn’t have put it better ourselves.
WATERPROOF JACKET
When it’s raining cats and dogs outside, you’ll need a waterproof jacket for your canine friend. Some waterproofs are even lined with fleece-like materials for extra warmth, killing two birds with one stone before your dog does just that in a fit of rage in the park.
Look for a jacket which closes under your pup’s belly with velcro or snaps, allowing for easy removal when you both arrive home mucky and wet from a great walk. Keeping your dog happy and healthy starts with simple acts of kindness and comfort such as this.
STUFF THAT GLOWS IN THE DARK
With less daylight hours incoming, and lasting until next year (hey 2021, be good to us, please), chances are you’ll be walking your dog in the dark with much greater frequency. And hey, there’s something so peaceful about those early morning strolls as the sun rises, just the two of you; we wouldn’t have it any other way.
But if you are setting off early morning or late afternoon into evening, then it’s wise to invest in a glow in the dark collar so you can keep track of the little guy.
Take things a step further with some reflective tape. Sticking some reflective strips on those super cute dog garments we mentioned earlier will mean your dog will be fully visible to oncoming traffic and to you. You can’t put a price on peace of mind, right?