Who says only man can be trendy? Pets, especially dogs, are giving their human friends a run for their money when it comes to fashion. And one of the most popular fashion accessories for these four-legged creatures is dog sunglasses. But these sunglasses are not only meant to make dogs look cute, they are also there to protect the eyes of man's best friend from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. Just like humans, dogs can acquire sun-caused damage to the eyes if exposed directly to its rays for extensive periods.

Dog sunglasses come in various colors, designs and sizes. Shopping for one can be really fun, but it can also be tricky since a perfect fit should be purchased to make sure that dogs will feel comfortable when wearing them and at the same time, get ample protection against the glare of the sun's rays. Some might think that sunglasses for dogs are just an indulgence, but hey, you can't let your best friend suffer from poor eyesight can you? To make sure that a perfect purchase, or as close to it as possible can be made, here are some tips.

The market for sunglasses for dogs has expanded in the last few years. The emergence of businesses like pet grooming shops, pet accessory stores and other pet care-related companies has opened consumers' eyes to the increased need of dogs and other household pets to be pampered and their health protected. In the sunglasses sector, companies like Doggles, seeFIDO and Dog-Goes are just a few of the names. If you have a dog and you care for his or her eyesight, a visit to one of these shops will be a wise move. But before embarking on a sunglass shopping spree for your dog, there are a few things that you need to know.

First, a spot-on measurement of your dog's head circumference is needed to get the sunglasses that will fit him perfectly. Remember that dogs love to run, roll around and jump, and any accessory or clothing that they have on might easily get dislodged if they do not fit snugly. To get the circumference of your dog's head, measure across the eyes and around under the ears to get the back strap and frame length. To get the correct chin strap length, measure your dog from under one ear, round the chin and back up to under the opposite ear. Remember that inches are the most common form of measurement used by sunglasses manufacturers. These manufacturers offer sizes from extra small to extra large. Typical extra small goggles will fit a ten-pound dog while extra large sunglasses are for those who weigh above 90 lbs. But since some dogs are not exactly typical, measuring them before buying a pair of sunglasses is still the best way to get the perfect fit.

Most dog sunglasses that are sold commercially are made of polycarbonate or shatterproof lenses and elastic straps. They also come in various colors and designs that fit different dog breeds. Another thing that a pet owner should remember is to choose the type that blocks 99 to 100 percent of ultraviolet radiation. After all, protecting the eyes of your dog is still the primary reason for buying him a pair of sunglasses.