Dog clothes are often derided as unnecessary imposition of human fashion on canines. While there is no doubt that dog owners find it very cute to dress up their pet dogs, dog clothes are not all about fashion and style.

 Dog clothes have practical benefits for the dog. Some are listed below:

 · The elements of nature affect animals more than it affects us humans. While animals have been given extra protection by nature, it does not hurt to protect the animals we love from extreme temperatures.

 · Dogs lose body heat very quickly. They are susceptible to extreme variations in temperature. Dog clothes will definitely help the dog retain body heat.

 · Further, the dog clothes can be made of different material to suit different conditions. This will offer comprehensive protection to the dog.

 · Clothes help protect the skin of the dog from wear and tear. A dog that rolls around in the dirt faces the risk of rashes and other skin injuries.

 · While it is not possible to prevent your pet dog from rolling in the dirt, you always can ensure that the skin of the dog is safe from harm.

 · Dog clothes help prevent infestation of fleas and other such pets. Since the fur of the pet dog is covered by the clothes, it is safe from the danger of pests.

 · Getting easy to clean dog clothes will help you keep your dog clean. A neat and clean dog will be safe from illnesses. Would you not opt for clothes if it helps in preventing medical problems in the dog?

 Despite the fact that dog clothes offer so many advantages, why do some people deride the use of clothes on dog as cruelty on animals?

 It is not easy to get used to the idea of an animal wearing clothes. Some people take it upon themselves to play the role of judge and determine what is good for dogs and what is not.

 There is no denying that one should not make a pet dog wear clothes if the dog is not comfortable in clothes.

 However, if the pet dog too is enthusiastic about the whole idea and if it too enjoys wearing clothes, does it make sense to adopt a holier than thou attitude?

 Just follow the precautions laid down below when choosing clothes for your pet dog.

  - Avoid clothes that the dog is not comfortable in. The question is- how to determine whether the dog is comfortable or not? Simply try them on the dog. If the dog is comfortable in a matter of a few minutes, it is a safe buy.

 - Avoid clothes that can harm the dog. Getting a jacket with metal rivets may sound like a good idea. However, there is the possibility of the pet dog swallowing the accessories. Keep this in mind when making the decision.

 - Do not focus on fashion alone. Always strike a balance between good looks and functionality.

Bottom line: do not buy very expensive clothes until the dog is used to wearing them. Start with inexpensive and simple clothes and slowly raise the bar.