Q: Which zipper fits pet apparel?
Pet apparel takes a size 4.5 or size 5 plastic coil with a fabric guard over the chain, open-end on a coat and closed-end on a harness cover. Plastic is the right material because it is light, it does not conduct cold and it will not release nickel against an animal's skin. A size 5 suits a large breed coat, while a size 4.5 is enough for a small dog or a cat. Keep the slider small and the pull soft, since a long pendant will swing and be chewed.
- Size 4.5 for small pets, size 5 for large breeds.
- Plastic coil with a fabric guard over the teeth.
- Small slider and a soft, short pull.
The usual pitfall is metal hardware near the skin, which irritates and is a target for chewing. The second is exposed teeth: fur and long hair catch in an open coil and the animal panics. Fit the guard, test the zip on a moving animal rather than a dummy, and check that the harness opening clears the front legs without pulling the chain.