Why Dog Clothing Matters: Comfort, Care & a Little Bit of Flair✨
Dog clothing?!
It might sound like a fashion statement and yes, we love a bit of style and fun! But for many dogs, clothing is far more than a cute outfit. It’s comfort, protection, and confidence all rolled into one.
From short-coated, slender breeds to small dogs, seniors, puppies, and those recovering from illness, many pups benefit from a bit of extra insulation.
Whether it’s for warmth, comfort, or practicality, there are lots of reasons a dog might need to wear clothing. Here are some of the most common, and the ways the right layer can make a world of difference for your pup.
1. Warmth & Temperature Regulation
Frog Chérie
Some dogs simply aren’t built for the cold.
• Breeds with slender builds and short coats like sighthounds naturally have less insulation, meaning they lose heat much faster than most dogs.
• Small and toy breeds often struggle to maintain body heat because of their size and low body-fat levels.
• Dogs with clipped coats can lose their natural protection and can feel the chill until their fur regrows.
• Low-to-the-ground breeds (like Dachshunds) can become cold quickly as their bellies brush wet grass, snow, or icy ground.
• Even high-energy, short-coated dogs like Vizslas or German Shorthaired Pointers can become cold once they stop moving.
A well-fitted layer helps maintain body temperature, keeping muscles warm and ready for action.
Puppies and senior dogs also struggle to regulate heat and benefit from added warmth.
And when it’s wet outside, remember: a wet dog is a cold dog. Once fur (or skin) gets soaked, body heat escapes rapidly, and even active dogs can get chilled fast. A warm, dry layer helps keep them comfortable, dry, and ready for more tail-wagging adventures.
2. Skin Protection
Strawbearies
For dogs with sensitive or exposed skin, clothing can make a huge difference.
• Soft, breathable fabrics protect against allergens like pollen and grass seeds.
• Clothing can help prevent scratches or scrapes on thin or delicate skin.
• After medical treatment or surgery, it can stop dogs from licking or irritating wounds while they heal.
3. Cleanliness & Convenience
Bunana
For adventurous pups, clothing makes clean-up easier for everyone.
• clothes keep off mud, dirt, and debris during wet walks.
• A fabric barrier can prevent burrs and brambles from clinging to fur.
• It saves time on post-walk baths, keeps fur or skin in good condition and keeps your car and sofa cleaner.
4. Comfort & Support for Seniors, Puppies & Anxious Dogs
Frog Chérie
Clothing can be a source of both warmth and emotional reassurance.
• Senior dogs benefit from the extra warmth on stiff joints and achy muscles.
• Puppies feel comforted by the gentle pressure of a snug layer, helping them settle more easily.
• Anxious dogs can find calm through the security of fitted clothing, similar to Thundershirts, which use gentle compression to soothe stress.
• Snoods & noise-blocking head wraps can be perfect for storms, fireworks, vet visits, or any new and overwhelming situation.
5. Safety & Visibility
Strawbearies
Smart clothing can make every walk safer.
• Reflective or light-up gear helps keep your dog visible during early mornings or dark evenings.
• Bright colours stand out in open spaces, helping owners keep track of their dogs off-lead.
• Some clothing is used for communication, too for example, yellow dog gear (like jackets or leads) signals that a dog needs space or is nervous, letting others know to approach respectfully.
6. My Why: The Story Behind the Poochie Suit
Chicken in Frog Chérie
Chicken, my hairless Xolo, quickly made me realised how few options truly worked for her.
Thick jumpers were too bulky and irritating on her sensitive skin. Lightweight suits existed, but none struck the right balance between warmth, stretch, and comfort. I wanted something she could wear under coats on cold days or on its own around the house. Something soft enough for snoozing but practical enough for muddy walks.
That gap led me to design the Poochie Suit, the missing piece in her wardrobe.
A 4-legged layer that’s:
💗 Super soft & snuggly (even on hairless skin)
🚽 Toilet Time friendly
🏷️ Label-free for no itches
✋ Easy to slip on
🌧️ Quick-drying for those unexpected showers
🧘 Stretchy, non-restrictive & easy to layer
🧣 Warm enough to replace bulky jumpers
🎨 Fun and unique doodle prints drawn by me
🐾 Adorable, durable & affordable
What started as a personal solution for Chicken became the foundation for Poochie Keen clothing that combines comfort, function, and playful personality for dogs of all kinds.
And let’s be honest! Many dogs adore blankets, but we all know that familiar routine: they get snuggly, the blanket slips off, they get up for water, and suddenly they’re cold again. A soft, wearable layer is like a blanket that stays put offering that same cosy security without constant readjusting.
Because dog clothing shouldn’t just look cute it should make them feel amazing, too.
You can check out our suits, HERE! ✨
Brooke & Chicken
Poochie Keen
xo