The Best Dog Hoodies (Review) in 2020

Things to Consider When Buying a Dog Hoodie

Most dogs love to wear a hoodie but before you rush out and buy one, take a look at these things that you should consider.

• Will it fit your dog?

This is the most important consideration. If the hoodie is too big or too small for your dog, they will find it uncomfortable and will not wear it. Most dog sweatshirts with hoods are available in at least six sizes. It is not hard to find puppy hoodies for smaller dogs but large dog hoodies are more widely available now too. Just make sure that you are very careful when you are measuring your dog so that you order the correct size. Clear sizing charts are available for all dog hoodies.

• Is it comfortable?

If the dog hoodie is not comfortable, you will struggle to persuade your dog to wear it. Therefore, choose a brand that is made from soft and flexible fabric. You don’t want any sharp seams sticking into them as they move around. Most dog hoodies are made out of sweatshirt material.

• Can your dog move around in it?

Hoodies that restrict a dog’s movement are not appropriate and you should avoid them. You can reduce the chances of this happening by purchasing an appropriate size. When your pup grows out of it, buy a bigger size! Take a look at the reviews and make sure that other owners were happy with the way the hoodie let their dog move.

• Can your dog pee in it?

Check that your dog can pee when they are wearing the hoodie. It is not unusual for dogs to get some pee on the hoodie but it should not restrict any bodily functions!

• Is it durable?

Any garments that are worn by dogs should be built to last. The stitching should be strong and the fabric should not tear. If there are buttons or zippers, they must be built to last.

• How do you wash it?

A pet hoodie is always going to get dirty so the method of cleaning it is an important consideration. If it is hand wash only, do you have the time to do this? Always think about how it needs to be dried and if this fits in with how you do the rest of your laundry.

• Can you use it with a leash or harness?

When you are out and about, it is quite likely that you will want to use a leash or a harness. Check if the pet hoodie is compatible with either of these. Often there is a slit on the back to fit a leash. It is less usual for hoodies to be compatible with a harness.

• How easy is it to get on and off?

A dog zip up hoodie should be fairly easy to get on and off your dog. If you take a long time to put it on, your dog will soon get impatient and will not like the hoodie. Some hoodies have buttons instead of a zipper and you may prefer this. It is a matter of personal preference.

• Design

This really is up to you. You may prefer a plain and classic hoodie or you may prefer something more ornate. Sometimes, the hoods are removable which is a useful feature. Some hoodies have drawstrings just like a human hoodie. This is something that may appeal to you or it may be something that you would rather avoid if your pooch likes wandering in the undergrowth and you are worried that they may get hurt.

Related Post: Best Dog Winter Coats

Why You Should Buy a Dog Hoodie

• Dog clothing is becoming more and more popular

Perhaps you now feel that your pooch is missing out if they do not have some cool threads to show off around town. There are some compelling reasons why you should get a dog hoodie and they are not all to do with vanity! Here are the main ones.

• Dogs love them

Believe it or not, most dogs love wearing their hoodies. They think they look very smart in them and they love to show off to other dogs. Obviously, you want to make your pooch happy so this could be a good start.

• They look great in pics

Who doesn’t want their pooch to look great on Instagram? With a stylish hoodie, the two of you can take the best selfies. You could even buy matching hoodies.

• They make you smile

Some hoodies come in cute designs or have amusing logos such as ‘Addidog’ that will make you and everyone you meet on your evening walk smile.

• They are great in the winter

If your pooch needs a little more insulation to keep them warm in the winter, a hoodie is ideal.

• They are great in spring and fall

Sometimes, a dog vest is just too hot, especially for dogs that have thick coats. Therefore, a hoodie is a great alternative. It provides some protection but is not too hot.

• They can help sick dogs

If your pooch has been unwell and is just starting to go outside again, you will not want them to get a chill. They may have lost weight and be feeling the cold more than they used to. A dog fleece hoodie is the ideal thing to get them back outside and active. They will soon be back to their old active ways. Puppy hoodies are also great for when a young pup first starts to explore the outside but gets a bit chilly!

Best Dog Hoodie FAQ:

Q: What is a dog hoodie?

A: Dog hoodies are not that different to human hoodies. They are an item of dog clothing that is usually made out of a sweatshirt-type material. A cotton or cotton-blend is often used. They cover your dog’s chest and there are often arm holes where they put their front limbs. Some have holes for the back limbs too but most end around the abdominal area.

Their main purpose is to make your pooch look super cute and for you to get some fantastic pics to share with your friends and family. However, they also help to keep your dog warm in cooler seasons. Most dogs love their hoodies and are very proud to wear them.

Q: At what temperature does a dog need a hoodie?

A: There is no fixed temperature at which a dog needs to wear a hoodie because they are all different. Some larger breeds, such as the hunting dogs, have very thick coats and are used to bounding around the country in cold conditions without suffering any ill-effects. On the other hand, some of the smaller lap-dog breeds can suffer in cooler weather and would benefit from a cozy extra layer to keep them warm.

You will be able to tell if your pooch is cold. They will tremble and shake and will appear to be hunched over. Some dogs need a hoodie more when it is raining or windy as well as being cold.

Q: How do I get my dog to wear a hoodie?

A: Most dogs love wearing clothing and will parade around your neighborhood with great pride. They will even want to show off to other dogs. Some, on the other hand, are not so sure at first and may need a little persuading.

There’s plenty that you can do to coax your pooch into wearing their new hoodie. Your aim is for your dog to associate wearing the hoodie with positive things. Tasty treats work very well!

When you first bring the hoodie into your house, it will smell very unfamiliar so let your pooch explore it at their own pace. Let your dog have a good sniff and then give them a reward. Once you have established this, try to drape the hoodie over their back so they can feel the weight of it on their body. Again, give them a tasty treat when you are doing this so that they associate the hoodie with something good.

Next, put the hoodie onto your dog but only leave it on for a few seconds before taking it back off again. Give them a treat when they are wearing it. Gradually, build up the length of time that your dog is wearing the hoodie. Give them plenty of praise and a treat. Eventually, they will love the hoodie just as much as you do.

Our Top Pick

Our top pick for a dog hoodie is available in many sizes and comes with a useful size chart. Unlike some other dog clothes, even larger breeds are catered for.

There are many colors of these large dog hoodies to choose from – each have the ‘Adidog’ logo printed on them. This pet hoodie is made from the same cotton material that is used to make human sweatshirts so it is both comfortable and breathable. On colder days, the soft Sherpa fleece lining will keep your pooch cozy and the elastic is dog-friendly for total comfort. It’s fixed on using durable buttons and is double stitched for strength. Wash it in cold water and dry flat.

Sources:

1. 7 Ways Cold Weather Can Affect Your Dog – Pet MD