Finding the Right Holiday Pajamas For Your Dog

Long winter nights and cozy pajamas go together perfectly. It's hard to imagine winter without thinking of soft, fleecy nightgowns or cozy flannel button-down pajama shirts and pants. As the holidays approach, themed pajamas are fun and make you look festive as you lounge by the fireplace, bake cookies for friends or open presents under the tree.

Dogs can get in on the fun with their own pajamas. On cold winter evenings, your dog will appreciate an extra layer of warmth and comfort, especially if she is elderly or has little body fat. Pajamas can also help contain dander and dog hair, keeping it out of her (or your) bed. Since it's the holiday season, your pooch may as well enjoy festive nightwear just like you.

Going To Bed in Red

Perhaps no other color is more associated with the holiday season than red. Your dog will be ready to greet and "help" Santa in red thermal pajamas that say, " Santa's Lil' Helper ." The waffle design and cuffed sleeves help hold in warmth to protect your pup from an open door's chilly breezes. Another thermal pajama features a tag on the faux flap and has a touch fastener at the neck. Red poplin pajamas are classically styled with white trim on the collar, sleeves and pockets. Poplin made from 100% cotton adds a light layer to wear on a not-so-chilly night but still looks holiday-ready.

Some red pajamas feature wintry patterns. A snowflake design highlights a long-john style of pajama, embroidered on a cozy sweatshirt-style material. Openings make before-bed bathroom breaks easier. If your dog is mad for plaid, a cotton set of red plaid pajamas provide soft cotton against her skin as dreams of sugarplum treats dance in her head.

Looking Keen in Holiday Green

Holly, pine trees and balsam-scented candles evoke holiday cheer with green. It's a soothing color, yet vibrant in brighter shades. Dog pajamas with a pattern of Christmas trees feature several shades of green, a lighter background against several colors of trees in the pattern along with reindeer, snowmen and Santa faces. Soft cotton material offers full coverage and keeps your dog cozy and warm.

Few materials feels as cozy as flannel in the winter. Your pooch will appreciate its soothing warmth in dark green, plaid flannel pajamas. The classic styling is timeless as well as comfortable. Another cozy fabric choice is fleece, as featured on a fuzzy, dark green jumper with a Fair Isle-inspired snowflake pattern.

Pajamas with a lighter material may be what you're looking for. If so, green pajamas with a gingerbread-man pattern are constructed from knit fabric that is 100% cotton, like a comfortable T-shirt.

Keeping Away the Holiday Blues

Perhaps a full set of pajamas isn't what your dog is looking for. A winter-themed night shirt featuring a blue owl design is loose and lightweight. It's just enough coverage without being too constricting, and it features a high-cut belly to prevent messes during bathroom breaks.

Soft cotton pajamas give full coverage without adding bulk. A dark blue plaid set makes sure your dog is not too hot while sitting by the fire. Easy to put on, these pajamas allow your dog to step into the legs as you fasten the back with a touch closure. For a more wintry look, snowmen dancing on an antique blue background are another soft cotton option.

Flannel pajamas with a snowman and snowflake design provide extra warmth for dogs who need more protection from the cold. Functional pockets are not only cute, but can also hide a bedtime snack or two. For a nontraditional style, look no further than a penguin pattern on turquoise blue flannel pajamas. Both patterns feature classic white trim.

Measuring Your Dog for Pajamas

It's important that your dog's pajamas fit her well so that they are comfortable and don't cause chafing. Before ordering clothing for your dog, take her measurements. It's best not to guess her size based on her breed; each dog is different.

Measure her neck first, around the part where the collar rests. This is usually the widest part above the shoulders. Next, run the measuring tape from the base of the neck to the base of the tail for the back measurement. Finally, the chest measurement is most important. The broadest part of the dog's chest, just behind the front legs, is where to wrap the tape measure. If your dog is between sizes, consider ordering the larger size to give her extra room.

What Are the Advantages of Dog Pajamas?

Some dog owners might think, at first, that pajamas are just for dressing up and looking cute. While it's certainly true that pajamas will multiply your pooch's adorable factor, pajamas can serve an important function. Some short-haired breeds are less resistant to the cold than those with thicker coats, and pajamas can help them regulate their body temperature and sleep comfortably. Other breeds have low body fat and are also susceptible to the cold. Dogs with skin conditions or allergies may need the protection of pajamas to keep them from biting or scratching irritated areas and making things worse. If your dog has been ill, she may appreciate the comfort of pajamas. Illness can lead to weight loss, which results in decreased body fat and, sometimes, a loss of fur.

The holidays are a great time to buy pajamas for the whole family. Your dog can get in on the fun, too, and sleep cozily all winter long.