accessories
Spring ahead
Spring is here, and your pet deserves a wardrobe refresh. Here are the seasonal essentials to keep them comfy this season.
Winter layers are off, but spring in South Africa brings its own challenges: sudden rain, morning chill, midday heat and all that pollen … That means your furkid’ s wardrobe needs an upgrade too. The right spring fabric keeps them comfy, cool and protected without overheating or irritating sensitive skin.
Cotton – The all-rounder
Cotton is breathable, soft and hypoallergenic. It lets air circulate so your dog won’ t overheat on those spring afternoons, but still takes the edge off a chilly morning walk. Be sure to choose 100 % cotton or cotton-blend fabrics. Avoid a thick jersey if your pet runs hot. And skip it on rainy days – cotton gets heavy when wet and takes forever to dry.
Linen – The cool-down fabric
Linen is the MVP of spring. It’ s lighter than cotton, incredibly breathable and naturally wicks away moisture – perfect for pups who pant in the sun. It also has natural antibacterial properties, so it’ s great for pets that are prone to skin irritation.
Keep in mind, linen wrinkles and isn’ t super stretchy, so choose a relaxed fit.
Bamboo – The skin-sensitive MVP
Bamboo fabric is unbelievable soft. It’ s more breathable than cotton, naturally odour-resistant and has built-in UV-protection properties. It’ s also moisture-wicking, so it helps with any humidity associated with the warmer weather.
Bamboo is pricier, though, but well worth it if your pet has particularly sensitive skin. Also, wash on gentle as bamboo wears faster in rough play.
Quick-dry microfibre and mesh – the adventure set
Spring showers are real, and microfibre and sports mesh dry in minutes and don’ t hold water like cotton and linen. Mesh vests are also amazing for airflow on warmer days – look for reflective trim for those early morning trail walks.
Spring beds
Your pet’ s bed needs a seasonal swap too. For warmer days, try an elevated or cooling bed. For chilly spring nights, choose plush sofas or cuddle caves. Top spring bed options include:
• Cooling and elevated beds: Help your pet stay comfortable during rising spring temperatures with elevated frames or cooling mats that require no electricity.
• Plush and cuddle beds: For dogs that love to burrow on cooler spring mornings, soft, elevatededge beds are perfect.
• Waterproof and durable: Ideal for pets coming in from the garden – these come in heavy-duty and waterproof options.
52 www. petpals. co. za