Dog ClothingA dog's fur is a cover so independent of meteorological conditions that all textile companies would like to know the secret of it's production. Therefore no type of dog clothing is necessary. Exceptions: old dogs and/or hairless breeds, as well as small, short-haired, delicate breeds such as Chihuahuas and miniature pinschers can wear a coat to conserve heat on very cold days (specially if they are barely moving) or a rain coat. Nonetheless, remember that very spoiled dogs are more delicate and get sick easily. Underwear: little shorts used for protection during the days a dog is in heat might seem ridiculous, but it avoids stains on carpets in your house. Two Bowls: Every dog must have it's own bowls. It needs one for water, because your dog must always have fresh water available, and another for food. We also recommend:- a heavy ceramic drinker
- a resistant, compact metal food bowl, with rubber studs to avoid sliding
- Likewise, we recommend steel bowls.
- It's important that:
- the bowls are heavy, so that the dog can't play with them while eating.
- they are slide proof, or that they are on a non-slippery surface.
- they are easy to clean
- the bowls are not too small, in that case the dog will get too dirty while eating.
Long eared dogs have special bowls which stretch into a cone shape at the top, therefore avoiding having it's ears hang in the food. It is also very practical to have a frame which supports the food and drink bowls. Make sure it has non-slippery stands. There are also frames with adjustable heights for large breeds, this way they can grow with the puppy. A place to rest: A dog must have it's own private area to rest. It can be a mattress, a basket or a box. It is important to avoid the cold floor. Whichever your decision is, it's important for the housing to be an appropriate size for your dog, who usually sleeps curled up, to stretch and lie in it. For this you measure your dog from the tip of it's nose to the end of it's tail. If you get a specific size for a puppy, you will most likely have to change it after nine months. Dealing with puppies in their first months, baskets are not recommendable, cages are preferred. A blanket to lay on: It has to be a material which can be washed and disinfected, since flees can live in it. Even though the typical yarn blanket is cheap (and useful at first), a special one is preferable, one that is warm, dry and soft. I have very good experience with absorbent blankets, which might not be cheap but has very desirable and appreciated characteristics. "When a dog wants to be left alone it will lie over or under his
mantle or blanket". The Coexistence with Your Dog |
