Should Dogs Wear Clothes? Tips for Choosing Dog Clothes

Dogs and clothes – it's a topic that's often debated. Some people say they love to dress their dogs up in cute outfits, while others think it's cruel and unnecessary. But are clothes good for your four-legged friend, or should you avoid dressing up your pup? We're here to help you find out!

Not All Dog Clothes Are Created Equal

First, it's important to point out that not all dog clothes are created equal. Some outfits are designed with a pup's comfort and safety in mind, while others only serve the purpose of human entertainment. To put it simply, dog clothes can be helpful or potentially harmful, depending on the garment.

Necessary Garments for Dogs

Although your furry friend won't necessarily enjoy wearing them, some garments can actually be beneficial for dogs. Let's take a look at some examples and the benefits they offer.

Sweaters & Coats

Sweaters and coats can help protect your dog against the elements. They're a good choice for dogs with short or thin coats, or any pup that's uncomfortable in cold weather. Insulated sweaters and coats are especially useful if you live in a cold climate or have a sick or aging dog.

Sun Shirts

UV-blocking can keep your dog cool and provide them with sun protection. This is especially important for breeds with thin and light-colored coats and dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors. Make sure to choose a sun shirt that has a so your dog is well protected from the sun's harmful rays.

Vests

Several types of vests can be helpful for dogs and their human companions. Reflective vests are perfect for nighttime walks and can help protect your pup against cars and other dangers. If your dog tends to get anxious, consider investing in an . These snugly-fitting garments apply pressure to your dog's body and may help soothe and calm them. Finally, are perfect for hot weather. Most work by using evaporative cooling to draw heat away from your dog's body, lowering their core temperature in the process.

Booties

can be a great way to protect your pup's feet from the cold, ice, and salt on sidewalks and roads in wintertime. Non-slip booties are also helpful for senior dogs who may have difficulty with mobility. In addition, booties can help protect your dog's paws in hot weather and prevent injuries from thorns, sharp rocks, and other hazards.

Life Jackets

If your dog spends a lot of time in the water, a high-quality life jacket is a must. They're perfect for dogs that like to go boating with their family or enjoy swimming at the beach or in the pool. Life jackets are especially helpful for dogs that aren't strong swimmers, and for like Pugs and Bulldogs that have trouble staying afloat.

How to Pick the Perfect Clothes for Your Dog

There are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing clothes for your dog. First, make sure to measure your dog and choose garments of the appropriate size. Clothes that are too tight can be uncomfortable and potentially dangerous, while clothes that are too loose may fall off or get caught on things.

It's also important to choose dog clothes that are made from durable, comfortable, and safe materials. Avoid materials with rough seams or other parts that might rub against your dog's fur and cause irritation or discomfort. You should also steer clear of materials that can be harmful if your pup tries to chew on them.

Finally, it's a good idea to choose clothes with adjustable straps and closures for maximum security and safety. Outfits should also be easy to clean by hand or in the washing machine (on a gentle cycle) after use. If possible, look for dog clothes made from materials that are resistant to stains and odors.

Unnecessary Garments for Dogs

Now that we've looked at some of the most helpful dog clothes out there, let's take a look at some not-so-helpful garments.

Pajamas

Unless your pup has trouble staying warm at night, pajamas are generally unnecessary and may even be uncomfortable for dogs. In addition, most pajama fabrics aren't breathable and can cause your dog to overheat. Instead of dressing your dog up in pajamas, provide plenty of warm bedding in colder weather so they can stay comfortable at night.

Hats & Scarves

Hats are another type of clothing that's generally not necessary for dogs. They can be uncomfortable and difficult to wear, and they may also interfere with your pup's vision and hearing. Dogs should never be left unattended with scarves since they can be a choking hazard. They can also get caught on things and cause your dog to become entangled. Instead, look for a dog coat or sweater with a high collar to keep your pup warm during winter walks.

Costumes & Fashion Clothing

We've saved the most controversial type of dog clothes for last – costumes and fashion clothing. There's no denying that dogs can look cute in these types of clothes, but there are a few reasons you might want to avoid them.

First, many costumes and fashionable items are uncomfortable and restricting. This can cause dogs to become agitated, anxious, and even aggressive. Additionally, most clothing like this isn’t made from breathable materials and could cause your pup to overheat.

Finally, these types of outfits can be a safety hazard if they get caught on something or your dog starts to chew on them. They can also limit your pup's vision and hearing, making it difficult for them to interact with the world around them.

If you do choose to dress your dog in a costume, make sure it's made from comfortable and safe materials, is easy to put on and take off, and doesn't restrict your pup's movement or vision.

Final Thoughts

Dogs are generally not big fans of dressing up. Clothes can be uncomfortable, restrictive, and may even cause your pup to feel anxious or agitated. However, there are some instances where dog clothing is necessary for safety reasons or if the weather requires it. The tips in this article can help you choose dog clothes that are helpful and safe for your four-legged companion.

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Instagram is overflowing with accounts of dogs who have thousands of followers. Lots of these dogs have daily photos in another cute little outfit. They're not alone—there are many owners who maybe aren't as social media-savvy that like to dress their pup in fun dog clothes. This does court controversy: Many would argue that a dog is a dog and they should not ever be dressed up.

However, some clothing items are truly for the dog's benefit. Even when canine clothing is not necessary, that doesn’t mean that dressing up your dog is terrible. Every dog is an individual, and owners need to approach each situation with common sense and the dog's happiness and comfort at the forefront of their mind.

5 Times It's OK to Dress up Your Dog

Cold Weather

You may hear people argue that a dog doesn’t need to wear a coat—they already have one. Yes, this is true, but every breed is different in terms of their coat types and their ability to cope with wintry weather. A whippet, for example, has a thin coat and very little body fat. Compare them with a Newfoundland that has a thick double coat and has been bred to survive in severe weather conditions, and it is obvious which one is more likely to need to wear a doggy jacket or sweater!

Elderly dogs and puppies are also more likely to feel the cold than a fit, active, and healthy adult dog.

To Help a Nervous Dog Feel More Secure

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If you have a nervous dog, it may respond well to a Thundershirt or a tighter fitting sweater or doggy t-shirt. The "snuggly" pressure created has often been shown to have a calming effect.

It's important to remember, though, that this doesn’t work for every dog, and it's essential to make sure that if your dog is nervous, you should introduce it to the item gradually, when your dog is relaxed and in conjunction with lots of tasty rewards.

After an Operation or Illness

If your dog has a nasty skin infection, contact allergy, or surgical incision, sometimes putting them in a little doggy coverall or t-shirt can help protect the skin and stop them from licking and delaying healing.

Don’t forget that this is not a solution for all skin conditions and it is vital to seek advice from a vet if an issue develops.

For a Photo Opp (If Your Dog Is Comfortable)

We all know how much everyone loves a photo of a cute dog in a novelty outfit. If you want to get a photo like this, as long as your dog is comfortable and is not being forced into wearing something it doesn't want to, then why not? Make sure that it's fun for your dog, they are not left in anything cumbersome too long, and always pair the photoshoot with lots of tasty treats. Some dogs do love the attention they get when a dress-up session is happening!

For a Special Occasion

At Halloween, Christmas, and other significant occasions, we often see elaborate costumes for dogs available at the pet stores. Formal wedding attire is even available for the many dogs that now participate in their humans' nuptial ceremonies.

We all want our beloved companions to be part of the festivities. Just make sure that if you're going to put your dog in a holiday outfit, it's comfortable to wear, they are happy to have it on, and that it is not too cumbersome.

When It's Not OK to Dress up Your Dog

If Your Dog Is Fearful or Unhappy

If your dog is showing signs of fear and discomfort, don’t put clothing on your dog unless it is necessary. Be fair and consider the fact that you are doing it for your gratification and not theirs.

If your dog shows signs of being unhappy or fearful, don’t force it. Not only could it start to associate the camera coming out with being shoved into some uncomfortable costume—making the dog less likely to pose happily—but you could end up making your dog mistrustful of you, and it could react negatively.

If the Outfit Will Make Them Uncomfortable

Make sure that whatever clothing you put on your dog is comfortable. A coat has to be the right size for your dog; you don’t want it to rub and cause pain or irritation or be a tripping hazard.

If you are considering a novelty outfit, make sure it's not too cumbersome and that it does not impede their movement or vision. Watch out that the item is not so heavy that it could cause your dog to overheat. Don’t leave it on for long periods or unsupervised. And most of all, only put your dog in the outfit if you are sure that they are happy.

If, for example, a dog feels the cold and needs to wear a coat, it's important to get your pup used to it gradually. Start by placing the coat somewhere in plain view of the dog where it can investigate the item at its own free will. Be sure to administer lots of yummy treats during this time. With each session, slowly bring the item closer to your dog. Gradually move onto touching the coat to your dog's body, before finally putting on the coat for short durations. If at any point your dog becomes uncomfortable or you are moving too fast, you need to go back a step and spend more time at this stage before moving on. The goal is that your dog will associate the coat with lots of treats and views it as something positive and not something that they are frightened of and forced into.

Many dogs can end up loving a dress-up session if introduced in a fun and positive fashion.