How to Measure Your Pet: A Guide to Perfectly Fitting Apparel and Accessories
How to Measure Your Pet: A Guide to Perfectly Fitting Apparel and Accessories
When it comes to buying pet products like coats, dresses, skirts, snowsuits, harnesses, collars, or necklaces, getting the perfect fit is essential for your pet’s comfort and style. To help you make the best purchase decisions and avoid common sizing mistakes, we’ve created this step-by-step guide to measuring your pet.
What You’ll Need
- A soft measuring tape (a flexible fabric tape works best).
- A notebook or phone to jot down measurements.
- A helper if your pet is squirmy.
- Treats to keep your pet calm and happy during the process.
Step 1: Measure the Back Length
- Have your pet stand upright, ensuring their back is straight.
- Measure from the base of the neck (where the collar typically sits) to the base of the tail.
- For pets with thick fur, gently flatten the fur to get an accurate measurement.
- Tip for growing puppies: Allow extra room for growth when choosing products.
Step 2: Measure the Neck
- Wrap the tape snugly around the thickest part of your pet’s neck, typically just above the shoulders.
- Make sure there’s enough room to fit two fingers between the tape and the neck to ensure a comfortable fit.
- Record the measurement in inches or centimeters.
Step 3: Measure the Chest (Girth)
- Find the widest part of your pet’s chest, typically just behind their front legs.
- Wrap the measuring tape all the way around, ensuring it’s snug but not tight.
- This measurement is critical for harnesses, snowsuits, and fitted clothing.
Step 4: Measure the Waist (for Skirts)
- Measure around the narrowest part of your pet’s waist, just in front of their hind legs.
- Keep the tape snug but allow enough room for comfort, especially if your pet has a rounder midsection.
Step 5: Consider Fur Type
- For pets with thick or fluffy fur, take measurements close to the skin but account for the extra bulk when choosing sizes.
- Short-haired pets usually require more exact measurements as there’s no additional fur volume.
Additional Tips:
- Check Breed Considerations: Some breeds may have unique shapes that require special attention, such as dachshunds’ long backs or bulldogs’ broad chests.
- Recheck Measurements: Pets often move during measuring. Double-check your numbers to ensure accuracy.
- Age Matters: Puppies and young pets grow quickly, so consider adjustable or slightly larger apparel sizes to accommodate growth. Please order a harness that can be adjusted to fit to be sure your puppy cannot escape.
- Weight Changes: If your pet’s weight fluctuates, it’s a good idea to re-measure periodically to ensure their accessories fit comfortably.
How Measurements Apply to Products:
- Coats and Snowsuits: Use back length, chest, and neck measurements.
- Dresses and Skirts: Use back length, waist, and chest measurements.
- Collars and Necklaces: Use neck measurements. Perfect-fit custom collars rely on precise neck sizes.
- Harnesses: Use chest and neck measurements, focusing on a secure but comfortable fit.
We’re Here to Help!
We have several size charts for brands such as Susan Lanci, Hello Doggie, Dog In The Closet, UpCountry, and The Dog Squad. Click here to view them. (Opens In New Window). Include your pet’s measurements in the notes at checkout. We will review the notes before processing the order. You may also contact us for assistance with your order.
Make Measuring Fun
- Reward your pet with treats or playtime after measuring to keep the experience positive.
- For anxious pets, take breaks and keep the session short.
By taking the time to measure your pet correctly, you’ll ensure their new accessories not only look great but also feel great! Properly fitted products will keep your pet comfortable, safe, and ready to strut their stuff.
