Dress Your Pet

Dress Your Pet

Ever wondered about the terrier in the sweater vest or collie in a coat? Are these just silly ways pet owners express their individuality or do they really keep Spot warm?

Pet Fashion Do’s and Don’ts

As most of you realize, the dedicated pet owner/guardian has a tendency to humanize their pets. And rightly so, since pets are and should be considered part of the family. Sometimes, we let our motherly or fatherly instincts get the best of us when viewing pets as our “children”. Please remember that dogs and cats, with the exception of some, have their natural coats to keep them warm in the winter and insulated in the summer.

A little common sense can do wonders. For example, the origin of a hairless Chihuahua began in a very hot Mexican climate. However, through the ages, many of these dogs have been transported to areas all over the world, including very cold climates. They are ideal candidates for clothing. On the other hand, Alaskan Eskimo dogs, obviously created for cold climates, are living in tropical areas and therefore need not wear clothing. Your “child” will let you know when or if he/she wants to be dressed.

Below Are Do’s and Don’ts When Making the Decision Whether or Not to Dress Your Pet.

Do Dress Your Pets:

  • If they are hairless, short-haired or mid-haired or have a long, thin coat.
  • By slowly breaking them in little by little. Try to combine their coat or sweater along with their leash when taking them for a walk, shopping or other social functions. They will gradually get the idea and will associate the clothes with a good time.
  • If you live in a cold climate where they will be outside for a lengthy duration of time or live in doghouses (which we do not advise as this may cause joint pain such as arthritis and other medical problems, just as in humans, your pet should NEVER be left out in cold weather).
  • When shopping during cool weather, but if you plan to stay in a store for a while, your pet may become overheated, so remember to loosen, unbutton, unzip or remove the clothing during that time.
  • During cool summer evenings, but only in a very lightweight t-shirt.
  • Only if they enjoy wearing the clothes.

Don’t Dress Your Pets:

  • If you live in a hot climate where temperatures exceed the norm. Doing so may cause your pet to encounter heat stroke.
  • If they have a full, thick, dense coat.
  • In tight clothing. Please make sure the clothing is roomy and comfortable.
  • If they struggle with the clothes even after you’ve tried the break-in process. Some pets just don’t want to be dressed, so please DON’T FORCE.