Best Dog Bandana Buying Guide & FAQ
What to Look for in Dog Bandanas
Dog bandanas are a popular new fashion trend for dogs and you will have plenty of choice. To make sure that you choose the correct product, here are some things that you should look for before you buy:
- Material and comfort
Bandanas need to be comfortable. Coarse and inflexible material will irritate your dog’s sensitive skin. This could cause hair loss and localized skin irritation. It could also put your pooch off wearing it. Look for bandanas made from natural materials such as cotton and soft material such as nylon.
- Durability and washing
Bandanas need to be durable enough to withstand a day with your dog! It helps if the edges are stitched as it will prevent them from fraying so this is a feature to look out for. Bandanas that can be machine washed are also less work.
- Method of fastening
Bandanas are either tied in a knot or secured with a Velcro fastening. This is a matter of personal choice. You may feel that the tying method is more secure. On the other hand, you may find the Velcro fastening to be quicker to fix.
- Size
It is essential that you get a bandana that fits. Most will fit small and medium breeds but you may find it harder to get one for a large dog. For example, a Rottweiler would need a bandana with a length of around 39 inches to fit comfortably around their neck. It is uncomfortable and dangerous for your dog to wear a bandanna that is too small. If the bandana seems too big, you could try folding it over a few more times.
- Design
This is definitely a matter of personal preference. You may want a bandana for a special occasion such as a birthday or a public holiday like Christmas. There are plenty of appropriate designs for you to chose from. You can even get personalized dog bandanas that will feature your dog’s name or a cute message. Also, a dog birthday bandana makes a perfect doggy gift for your four-legged friend.
Many bandanas come in packs of four or more assorted designs so you have a selection at home to choose from. Also, some are reversible and have one design on the front and another design on the back. This is like getting two bandanas for the price of one.
Bandanas That Don’t Just Look Good
Whilst they may be a fashion accessory, some bandanas are also useful! Here are a few ways in which they do a lot more than just look good:
- Cooling bandanas
Some bandanas are designed to cool dogs down in hot weather. The fabric is soaked in cold water and as the water evaporates, it takes the heat away from your dog’s body.
- Safety at night
Dogs can get injured in road traffic accidents at night and in poor weather conditions when visibility is poor. A bright bandana makes them more visible to road users.
- Ear tip injuries
These can take ages to heal as the wounds constantly reopen. Bandages do not work well on dog’s ears but a bandana may help.
- Parasite control
Some bandanas are coated in flea-repellent and act just like a flea collar. The idea is that they kill and deter parasites including fleas. There are some drawbacks to this method of parasite control as commercial flea products can irritate the skin or even cause more serious health issues especially if the bandana is licked or chewed.
How to Put a Bandana on a Dog
Once you’ve chosen the correct size of bandana for your pooch and chosen an adorable design that you love, the next stage is to put it onto your dog.
- Getting your pooch to love their bandana
Some dogs immediately fall in love with their bandana and strut around the neighborhood thinking that they look very smart. Others are not very keen on their new accessory and may need some coaxing to wear it. The process of getting your dog used to their bandana is exactly the same as getting them used to wearing a collar. It helps if you start when they are young dogs as pups are often more accepting of new things.
It also helps if they only wear it for short periods of time and if you distract them with a toy or treat whilst you are putting it on. Don’t allow the process to become a game of tug of war with your pooch or to get to the stage where you have to physically restrain them to get the bandana around their neck. If things are not going well, the best option is to give up and have another go the next day.
- Checking that the bandana fits
Most owners find that it is best to stand behind their dog. Place the bandana under their chin and secure it at the top of their neck by tying it or with the Velcro fastener. Now check that it is not too tight by trying to fit two fingers between the bandana and your dog’s body. If you cannot fit your fingers in, it is too tight and needs to be adjusted immediately.
Ways to Wear a Bandana
This is where your sense of style kicks in. There are several ways to wear a dog neckerchief. Here are some of the most popular:
- Cowboy style
This is the classic way to wear a triangular bandana. The triangle hangs underneath your dog’s chin and the bandana is tied at the back of their neck.
- Cape style
This is basically a back to front cowboy style. All you have to do is fit the bandana as you would for the cowboy style, check that it fits and then swing it around so it looks like a cape.
- Roll tie style
If you would prefer not to have a bandana style that comes to a point, you could opt for a roll tie style. Lay out the bandana on a flat surface and roll it up starting with the point of the triangle. Now tie it loosely around your dog’s neck and create a double knot which looks very chic.
- Bow tie
This may be the most formal look of all! However, it is also the most difficult so it may take a few attempts for you to perfect it. You need to fold over the bandana so it forms a long strip and then secure it by tying it into a bow underneath your dog’s chin.
Choose the Right Dog Bandana Size
Some owners get very concerned about choosing the correct size of bandana. It is important that you take some time to find a product that will comfortably fit your dog. Some manufacturers supply pet bandanas in several sizes e.g. small, medium and large. Others even give a size chart where it recommends the appropriate size for different breeds.
However, other products are supplied as one single size and simply give a general statement such as “fits most medium breeds”. A bandana that is too big is not reallya problem because you can gather up the excess material when you tie it on. A bandana that is too small is clearly unsafe and uncomfortable for your dog. When your dog is wearing the bandana, you should be able to fit two fingers comfortably inside the gap between the bandana and your dog’s neck. If you can’t do this, it is too tight and you need to remove it immediately.
The only way to be sure that the bandana will fit is to measure your dog’s neck. Then you need another eight inches or so to allow the bandana to be tied. So, if your dog’s actual collar measurement (neck size) is 10 inches, they need a bandana with a length of at least 18 inches. This would be suitable for most small breeds such as a Chihuahua. Bandanas with a length of 20 inches will fit most Yorkies and Pugs. Breeds such as German Shepherds and Labradors need a length of at least 29 inches and a Rottweiler would need a length of at least 39 inches.
Our Top Pick
Our pick of the best dog bandanas is a hand-designed product that is perfect for the festive season. A dog Christmas bandana is a perfect stocking filler for your pooch. It is available in many different designs and two sizes. A medium size suits French Bulldogs and Pugs but you’d need a large size for a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever.
It’s made from 100 % cotton fabric with stitched edges and is fully machine washable.
FAQ
Q:What are dog bandanas?
A:
Dog bandanas are pieces of material that can be fixed around a dog’s neck. They are often triangular in shape and are fixed in place either by tying them or with Velcro. They come in many different sizes and designs and are primarily a fashion item. However, some can also perform a useful function such as protecting the tips of the ears and cooling dogs down on hot days.
Q:Are dog bandanas safe for puppies?
A:
Many pet bandanas are available in smaller sizes so pups can wear them. Even medium-sized bandanas can be folded over and adjusted by tying them so they will fit a smaller dog. It can be useful to introduce pups to bandanas at a young age. They get used to them and soon learn to love their smart new accessory. If your little friend is resistant to wearing puppy bandanas at first, let them wear it for only short periods of time.
Q:Should I remove my dog’s bandana at night?
A:
Pet bandanas are all about looking good so there is no need for your pooch to wear it at night. In fact, wearing a bandana at night could present a hazard. It could get caught on something and strangle them. It could also come off and get chewed by your dog which would present a choking hazard.
Q:Can I wash my dog’s bandana?
A:
It is highly likely that you will need to wash your dog’s bandana after they have worn it. It will get splashed with mud and dirt when you are out on walks and covered in food after a meal. It may be wise to look out for a dog neckerchief that is machine-washable as this is less work for you. Many of the designs include darker textile dyes and these could run during the initial washes. You can avoid this by hand-washing them in cool water to begin with.
