“Should I sew a hat for love? Shouldn't we invent a new scarf? Pug style and socks…” our pets sing something like this, some to themselves, and some who can, and out loud, after going out for a walk with the onset of cold weather.
The puppy's joy from the first piece of ice and the tempting taste of the first snowball are overshadowed by glazed paws and frozen ears. And already your Yorkie or Toy, taxi or pug is running, whining and shaking from the cold, home to the warm rug by the central heating radiator.
Reference! Short and short-haired dogs are especially sensitive to cold, which is more noticeable in close proximity to the ground.
Modern fashion has also reached animals. No one is surprised anymore by dressed-up gentlemen and young ladies on four legs on the street.
To ensure that your pet looks no worse than others, leads an active lifestyle and does not get sick, it is not at all necessary to rush to the store. You can sew or knit a hat for a dog yourself. After all, clothing for animals can cost the same as for people.
If you know how to sew on a sewing machine and hold knitting needles or a hook in your hands, making a simple model will be quite possible. And with the money you save, it’s better to buy your pet his favorite treat and something tasty for yourself.
Why do dogs need hats?
In frosty weather, many owners reduce walking time for dogs to avoid hypothermia. As a result, the animal does not waste the necessary energy and suffers from it. Therefore, it is better to insulate the dog and spend the necessary time outside. A hat will help protect against health problems such as otitis media and meningitis. But not every dog needs it. First of all, decorative breeds with short hair (Chihuahua, pug and others) need it. They have no natural protection from the cold. And during activity, small dogs’ energy reserves are quickly wasted and they freeze.
Hairless breeds and those that come from tropical regions also need hats. Their nature is not designed to withstand low temperatures. A headgear is needed to prevent otitis in animals with cropped ears. It will protect not only from cold, but also from moisture.
Other dogs do not need to wear hats, except in cases of health problems:
- chronic inflammation of the ears,
- weakened immunity,
- postoperative period.
Look at the list of drugs, immunomodulators for dogs, and also find out the rules for using medications.
Photos of Coton de Tulear dogs, description and characteristics of the breed, as well as features of raising a miniature pet can be seen in this article.
Types of hats for dogs
An ideal headdress should meet the following criteria:
- protect from the cold,
- from the wind,
- from humidity.
Before choosing or making a hat, you need to understand what types and styles exist for dogs.
Hooded hats
They look like a helmet and are held on the dog’s head thanks to rivets, ties or buttons. They are suitable for different breeds with different ear sizes.
Closed
They fit tightly to the head and neck, but not all dogs are comfortable in them. Well suited for animals with small or cropped ears.
Coupling caps
They look more like a scarf. They can be worn completely on the head and neck, or cover only the ears. They are fairly easy to put on and take off. But such models are not very comfortable for fold-eared breeds, since they fit tightly.
With visor
They resemble a cap. More suitable for sun protection or as a decorative headdress. Hats with a visor are especially relevant for dogs with dark hair in the summer. They protect against overheating.
With ear slits
They do not protect the ears from the cold because they remain open. They are mostly used as a decorative accessory. Suitable for daily wear in autumn, spring, and wet weather. This option is suitable for dogs with erect ears, but it does not protect from the wind.
Regular hat with closed ears
So let's start our knitting. Hats for dogs, it should be noted, are knitted very quickly and simply, so even a novice knitter can cope with this task. The first option that we offer is considered classic, is very common and looks quite nice.
A similar hat for a dog consists of two elements: a front part and a back part. After knitting, simply sew the two parts together, after which the product is ready to wear.
We take measurements and divide the resulting numbers by three. Two parts will be the front part of the hat, and the third will be the back part. As with knitting most “human” hats, you need to cast on twenty test stitches on the knitting needles and knit them about ten centimeters with the knitting pattern (pattern) that you will use for the main knitting. A knitted sampler, let's call it that, will help you determine the number of loops that are needed specifically for your measurements.
We have calculated the loops, put them on knitting needles and knit a regular 1x1 or 2x2 elastic band. The height of the elastic band may vary, but, as a rule, it does not exceed three centimeters. Here, again, everything will depend on the size of the dog's head. Next you should make increases. It is better to do this through a row so that the product looks harmonious and increases gradually.
When should I finish knitting? Experts advise doing fittings after a certain number of rows. As soon as the canvas lies comfortably on your head and does not put pressure on your ears, you can finish one side and start the other.
Two parts are knitted. Let's start sewing the parts together. To prevent the hat from flying off your pet's head, you can add short strings to it. You can knit them on knitting needles or use a crochet hook (if you know how to use it). Since the corners of the hat end up sticking out, you can attach bright and cheerful pom-poms to their tops.
How to choose
Choosing a hat for your dog is easy. The main thing is to choose the right style and decide on the size. All breeds have different head structures. Therefore, there are no universal models suitable for everyone.
For example, tube hats are suitable for long-necked animals. Representatives with short muzzles (bulldogs, pugs) are better off choosing options with a visor. For breeds with long ears, you can find models with pockets for them.
The lining can be drape, fleece, flannel, or fur. Summer hat models should be made from natural fabrics (cotton, knitwear).
On a note! Depending on the weather conditions in which the hat will be worn, it is important to choose the right material. The outer layer of demi-season and winter hats should be made of water-repellent fabric. It should be strong enough and still allow air to pass through. Oilcloth materials will create a greenhouse effect under the hat and harm the health of the ears. Due to increased humidity and heat, microbes begin to actively multiply and become a source of infection.
Manufacturers and cost
There are different manufacturers of hats on our pet products market. These are both global brands and products from small domestic manufacturers. The price range is very diverse and can vary from 400-1200 rubles or more. The formation of cost depends not only on the popularity of the brand, but also on the quality of the material, the complexity of the pattern and other factors.
Popular brands of hats for dogs:
- Dog Fashion,
- PuppyAngel,
- Boris House.
How to train a dog to wear a hat
If the dog is already an adult, it is unlikely that it will calmly react to the fact that a headdress is put on it. You need to do this carefully, without causing pain. The animal should not associate bad emotions with the hat. Give it some time to walk around the house in it. Take off the hat and give the dog a treat. Gradually increase the time you wear the headdress. Reward for obedience every time. The animal must understand that this accessory is necessary and very important for it.
Puppies should be trained in the same way as adult pets. But it is easier to do this at an early age. Puppies get used to any innovations faster. If all efforts to accustom your pet to a hat are unsuccessful, he feels discomfort, there is no need to do it by force. This will further strengthen the hostility towards hats and cause psychological trauma. It is better to consult a dog handler and choose an individual approach to the dog.
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On the page https://melkiesobaki.com/veterinariya/lechenie/liarsin.html you can find instructions for using the veterinary drug Liarsin for small breed dogs.
Knitting a hat for a dog
So that later we do not have to re-knit the hat several times, since we incorrectly calculated the number of loops on the knitting needles, I advise you to start with a test fragment. We cast on several loops and knit a small fragment of exactly the pattern with which we will knit the main product.
One important point! It is necessary to knit a trial version with exactly the same knitting needles and the same yarn that will be used in the future.
Our dog hat will be knitted with a 2x2 elastic band. I cast on 18 stitches and knitted a small piece with a 2x2 rib. Then I measured the length. I got exactly 10cm.
Well, then, using simple calculations, we determine how many loops need to be cast on.
Don't forget to try the hat on your pet from time to time to determine the desired length.
The length of Jack’s and my hat is about 20cm.
I think this is quite enough for a Jack Russell Terrier.
Advice! When you knit the last stitch in the main fabric of the hat, I recommend not cutting the thread too short. If you pull the thread longer, you can then use the same thread to sew the edges together.
We will crochet the horns and ears of the deer hat.
In order for the horns to be dense and hold their shape well, they must be stuffed with padding polyester.
When all the parts of the hat are connected, take your time to sew them together. Pre-mark the location of the ears and horns. I did this using regular toothpicks.
Well, then all we have to do is connect all the parts together.
OK it's all over Now. Our dog hat is completely ready.
When you walk with your pet in such a hat through the forest, be careful not to confuse your furry pet with a real deer!
How to make it yourself
Not everyone can afford to buy a headdress for a dog. In addition, without trying it on, the product may sit uncomfortably on your head. Therefore, an alternative for many may be to make a hat with your own hands. It can be sewn, knitted, or remade from old children's things.
Taking measurements
To make the garment comfortable and convenient, you need to make it according to your measurements. Required parameters:
- distance from the inner base of the right ear to the left,
- vertical and horizontal head circumference.
It is better to take measurements several times to obtain more accurate data.
Material selection
It is selected based on what weather the hat will be intended for and for what time of year. The main thing is that the material is hypoallergenic and does not rub or squeeze the skin. For wet weather, materials that do not absorb moisture are suitable. But only for the outside. The lining should be soft and natural. Warm winter hats can be knitted from wool blend yarn or sewn with a warm lining.
Sewing a hat with your own hands
First you need to prepare a pattern. You can find it on the Internet. Adjust the dimensions to the dog's measurements. Lay the fabric out on a flat surface, place the pattern on top, and trace it with chalk. Cut out the details. Always leave seam allowances.
Hat cap
Fold the edges indicated by the dotted line. Process the remaining cuts of the headdress. Sew in the visor using non-woven fabric. Insert a ribbon into the hem that will secure the cap on your head.
Video, instructions for making a simple hat for a pet:
Let's start with the hook
There are many techniques for crocheting. Let's look at two of them:
- Moroccan technology;
The use of this technique provides such advantages as the tightness of the knitted clothing and retention of shape for a long time. Typically, sleeveless vests, blankets and capes are knitted using this technique, which turn out very beautiful.
- Freeform knitting technique.
In this technique, first, a full-size pattern is drawn up and only then the elements of the future clothing are knitted. As a result, all elements are connected to each other using a thread or hook. The freeform knitting technique will take a little more time, but it will be worth it. Clothes made using this technique are absolutely original and unique.
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But what to do with the fact that crocheted dog clothes are not warm? This problem can also be solved, and there are several options for getting out of this situation:
- You can use a lining that is sewn from the inside out. It is important to note that this option will significantly complicate the washing process. However, if your pet also has other clothes, this will not be a problem;
- The second option is to decorate products with ornaments that can be embroidered on the finished item or knitted - this will help retain heat.
