Summer T-shirt for dogs: “But won’t it be hot?” I’ll explain why it can really protect it

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Are you crazy? It’s already hot… and make the dog wear a t-shirt?”

It’s a phrase that I hear often.

And, I admit, it is a more than legitimate question.

If it’s 30 or 35 degrees outside, why should we dress our dog?

In reality, the answer is very different from what you think.

A summer T-shirt was not created to warm the dog or to make him more “fashionable”. It was born, in some situations, to protect it.

Last week I went up to the mountains with Ciko and Ginger to give us a day away from the heat of the city. Finally we were breathing a little: 22°C, fresh air, clear sky and a wonderful sun. One of those days that make you want to walk for hours.

Just during a walk I met a beautiful poodle just out of grooming. He was completely shaved and the sun was beating down directly on his back.

The first thing I thought was:

“Poor thing… with this sun he really risks getting burned.”

I stopped to talk to his owner and suggested something very simple: during the sunniest walks it would be useful to make him wear a light and breathable cotton T-shirt.

She looked at me surprised.

“Really? I thought with a T-shirt it would be even warmer.”

And this is precisely the reason why I decided to write this article.

Many imagine the T-shirt as a simple aesthetic accessory.

In reality, when it is chosen in the right fabric and used in the correct situations, it can represent a real protection for the dog.

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A summer T-shirt is not good for warming the dog

When I think of a summer T-shirt, I certainly don’t imagine a heavy garment.

I think of a natural, soft and breathable fabric that creates a barrier between the dog’s skin and the sun.

Of course, a T-shirt must never be heavy or not very breathable: it must be light, comfortable and leave the dog completely free to move.

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When is a T-shirt really useful?

There are situations in which a summer T-shirt is not a whim, but a little concrete help.

After grooming

It is probably the most frequent case.

After a summer shearing, especially in Poodles and other breeds that are shaved very short, the skin is suddenly much more exposed to the sun’s rays.

During a summer walk, a simple T-shirt can help protect her.

For short-haired dogs

Breeds such as short-haired Chihuahuas, Pinschers, Italian Greyhounds and other dogs with little hair naturally have less protection than dogs with thick coats.

A light T-shirt can be an extra barrier during walks.

For dogs with white fur or very light skin

Poorly pigmented areas tend to be more sensitive to UV rays.

In these cases, a fabric protector can be particularly useful.

For dogs with delicate skin

If your dog suffers from skin irritation or has particularly sensitive skin, limiting direct sun exposure can be a little help.

Of course, it is always advisable to follow the advice of your veterinarian.

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The fabric really makes the difference

Not only during the day

There is another situation that is often underestimated.

Summer evenings.

Let’s think of a walk along the seafront.

During the day the heat is intense, but as soon as the sun goes down a pleasant sea breeze often arrives.

The same happens in the mountains.

During the day you can walk quietly in a T-shirt, but in the evening the temperature can drop by several degrees.

In these situations, a T-shirt or a light brushed cotton sweatshirt can be very useful, especially for small or short-haired dogs.

They are not used to “cover” the dog, but simply to accompany him during those temperature changes typical of summer evenings.

It is one of those garments that I personally always recommend to keep in your bag when you leave for a vacation.

Maybe it won’t be useful every day.

But when a sudden breeze comes or you decide to stay out late, it will be nice to have it with you.

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It’s not a matter of fashion

I admit it.

I like to create elegant garments.

I love to see a dog with a nice T-shirt.

But when I design a new model, I never start with aesthetics.

The first question I ask myself is always:

“Can this garment really be useful to the dog?”

Only then do I think about the details, the colors and the style.

For me, clothing must accompany the dog in everyday life, always respecting its well-being.

If, in addition to being useful, it also manages to be beautiful to look at…

… So yes, we really hit the nail on the head.

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The Pet Chérie philosophy

Every garment I make is born thinking of my two little companions of adventure, Ciko and Ginger.

They are my first “testers”.

I observe them during walks, on trips, at the seaside, in the mountains and in everyday life.

Many of the ideas that become a Pet Chérie collection are born just like this: from a lived experience, from a concrete need or from a small episode, just like that of the poodle met in the mountains.

For this reason, when I recommend a summer T-shirt, I don’t think of a fashion accessory.

I think of a garment that, in the right situations, can make a walk more comfortable and offer extra protection.

And this is the philosophy with which each Pet Chérie creation was born: combining quality, comfort and elegance, always putting the well-being of the dog first.

If you are looking for a handcrafted cotton T-shirt for small dogs, you can discover the Pet Chérie summer collection