"Pants" for dogs are all about keeping pets clean and saving owners a lot of work, says Tim Skelly, co-owner of Muddy Mutts.

"They're designed to be practical, not fashionable, covering all the areas that a dog gets wet and dirty - and no more," Skelly says.

The adjustable waterproof nylon coat has 3 top straps and elastic on the legs and on the top to hold it securely, yet allows unrestricted movement so the dog can run and play.

"The entire top of the dog is open and so is part of the underneath so they can answer the call of nature. I use the coat year around except when it's very dry out. "There is no insulation in the coat; it's made to keep them clean and dry, not add warmth," Skelly says.

Dogs adapt to them quickly. Take them for a walk or throw a ball and they forget about what they're wearing, and it doesn't take a dog long to figure out that putting on the coat means a walk or playing outdoors.

The coats come in yellow or black with reflective tape in sizes for dogs ranging from 3 to 130 lbs. Skelly notes short-legged breeds, such as basset hounds and dachshunds, have been hard to fit, but he hopes to offer a specialty coat for them soon.