How to measure a dog’s chest for a coat?
Dog lovers, we all want to ensure that our dog is comfortable when they are eating, sleeping, and of course walking with their dog coat. Dog coats are sized according to two types of measurements, back length, and torso circumference. If you want to know how a dog coat should fit for a small dog, medium dog, or large dog we have five simple steps of how to measure a dog chest for their dog winter coat, fleece dog coat, a dog raincoat, or any dog coat.
1. Start by getting the supplies you need to hand
To ensure your dog does not get distressed, get all your tools ready. Since you will be measuring your dog’s chest girth and length, you will need a soft measuring tape, a pencil, and a piece of paper. It will also help to have someone assist you in holding your pooch steady while you take the measurements. To encourage your dog to hold still, plenty of treats should also be available to keep them on their best behaviour whilst you take their measurements.
2. Get your dog to stand up straight
Your dog will need to stand up on all four paws. If they are sat down, their weight will shift downwards and (depending on the dog) can result in an inaccurate measurement. You can ask a friend to help you feed your dog treats by holding the treat to your dog’s nose. This will encourage your dog to stand as tall as possible and this will help you to get your dog’s correct measurements.
3. Start by measuring your dog’s chest girth
When your dog is standing as still as is possible, you can measure the circumference around your dog’s rib cage, which is also called the girth. Hold one end of the measuring tape on your dog’s spine, just behind your dog’s shoulders. Then roll the tape measure down the side of your dog until it reaches the bottom of the widest point of the ribcage. The tape measure needs to be snug, but not too tight against your dog’s skin.
Source: How to Measure Dogs for Coats: 10 Steps (with Pictures) – wikiHow
4. Now measure around the dog’s chest
How to measure your dog’s chest is straightforward. Try to measure the widest part of your dog’s chest. You can find your dog’s widest part of your dog’s chest just behind the point of their elbows. At all times reassuring your dog whilst measuring your dog and giving your dog a treat or asking your friend to give your dog a treat or two. Once you have the measuring tape in place and are happy, accurately write down the final measurements.
5. Finish by measuring the length of your dog’s back
Again, you will need to get your dog to stand upright to measure the length of your dog, both between the base of the neck and the beginning of the tail. A friend can again help to encourage your dog to stand upright by feeding a few treats.
Place the edge of the measuring tape at the base of the neck, where it joins the shoulders (the nape of the neck). Then extend the free end of the measuring tape along the length of the spine until it reaches the base of the tail.
How to measure a dog’s chest is important in order to give you an accurate size for your dog’s coat. This will help your dog to enjoy the walks without any discomfort or stress to your dog.