It is a good idea to have a rainy day emergency kit in case a big storm hits and you need to save your pup from the rain. Preparedness always pays off! A raincoat for dogs is one of those items that should be on your list.
In this article, I will show you how to make a homemade raincoat for dogs using materials from around the house or from a thrift store. You can also use these instructions as a guide to finding old clothes that will work as well.
How to make a raincoat for dogs
The first step in making a raincoat is to get your materials. You'll need:
- - An old shirt or dress
- - Scissors
- - Tape measure or ruler
- - Sewing machine (optional)
- - Straight pins
- - Thread and needle (optional)
- - Fabric marker (optional)
Should dogs wear raincoats?
Most dogs don't like getting wet. Wet fur can make them shiver and get sick. It's important to keep your pup dry in the rain.
It's also important to be prepared for emergency situations. So, even if you don't anticipate a storm on the horizon, having a raincoat on hand just in case is an excellent idea.
You might need to prepare for different weather conditions depending on where you live, but many places have rainy seasons that are just about guaranteed every year. For this reason, it's good to have some extra gear on hand or handy so you can keep your pup dry during these times of the year. Now let's take a look at how to make a homemade dog raincoat!
Are waterproof coats good for dogs?
A dog raincoat is essential for any dog who does not want to have wet fur all winter long.
It's important to have one for your dogs because dogs are dogs and if they see something interesting outside, they'll go out into the rain without thinking about the consequences.
- A waterproof coat will save your dogs from getting wet in the snow or during a big storm.
- A raincoat will also keep your pup warm when it's chilly outside.
Is a raincoat necessary?
Your dog's coat is meant to be waterproof, but it is not always enough. To avoid the rain causing your dog to get cold and wet, you need to have a raincoat for dogs.
These coats are easy to make with materials that are found in most homes. They are also very cheap when bought at a thrift store.
A homemade coat can be made in any size for an adult or small dog by following the instructions below.
How do you make a dog's coat hood?
The hood is just a piece of cloth that will cover your dog's head and face.
- Cut the front panel of the coat so it reaches from the top of your pup's nose to its neck.
- Cut a piece of fabric for the hood by measuring from the front panel, around your dog's head, and over their ears, until you reach the back panel.
- Line up one edge with a seam on one side and sew it down to make a tube that is open at both ends.
- Line up the edges of the opening with seams on each side and sew them shut, this creates a tube that has the same length as the front panel plus two inches for sewing it to the front panel.
How do I make a raincoat for my dog?
The process of making a raincoat for your dog is very easy. All you will need are old clothes, scissors, and some time.
Take the clothes and cut them in half to make two long strips. It is best to measure your dog's length before cutting the clothes; you want an even amount of material on either side.
Measure out about 24 inches of string to tie off the top of the coat like a belt. Mark both sides with tape or pencil so that it's easier to line up when sewing.
Pin one end of the string onto the center back of each strip; then sew together using an overlapping stitch (if you're using fabric). Sew around for about six stitches all the way down the strip to ensure that it won't come undone later on.
Next, take one strip and fold it over so that it is inside-out. Have your pet wear it so that he can adjust how tight or loose he wants his coat to be before tying up the strings in front or behind him. Once he has found his perfect fit, tie off both ends at the top with string just like you did before.
You have now created a raincoat for dogs!
Do Labradors need a raincoat?
Labradors are the most popular dog breed in America. And while they can stand up to cold weather, they need protection from the rain.
Labradors have a double coat, which means their hair is both straight and wavy. The undercoat is soft and fuzzy while the topcoat is usually more coarse. This helps with keeping them dry because the topcoat will shed water while the undercoat insulates heat.
But having long hair makes them extra susceptible to becoming wet and cold if caught out in the rain without a raincoat for dogs.
How do you measure a dog for a raincoat?
The first thing you want to do is measure your dog from the back of the neck to the base of its tail. One way to do this is by using a tape measure.
Next, you want to estimate how much material you'll need for the coat. A good rule of thumb is to take your measurement and multiply it by two (just like humans!). This will give you an approximate idea of how large of a raincoat you'll need.
