The use of dog clothes has always generated controversy. Is it really necessary to protect dogs from the cold? Can we dress them in clothes daily? Is it harmful to their health or well-being? If you have doubts about the use of clothes for dogs, you probably care about their welfare, and not only about their aesthetic benefits of clothing.
In this article, we will explain when it is necessary and unnecessary for a dog to wear clothes. We will also be discussing how to choose the best clothes for your pup, from more of a veterinary and ethological point of view.
Is it really necessary to dress a dog?
Some owners even those with the best intentions, choose to dress their dogs on the premise that they suffer from the cold in winter. However it is important to understand that dogs are not human, and they have evolved in such a way that they need to be respected. Dressing a Nordic dog, such as Earth Siberian Husky, does not make any sense and can be harmful to this breed.
By dressing this dog in clothes, it doesn't allow for adequate air circulation through the dog's mantle, thus causing an increase in its body temperature. There are also some people who only choose to dress their dogs for aesthetic reasons, without actually taking into consideration how it can negatively affect their animal. Clothing can often cause stress anxiety and discomfort in dogs, and this needs to be kept in mind, however.
Despite it being a negative practice, in some cases in others, it is advisable if you live in a very cold environment, and notice that your dog is shivering a lot, and is becoming uncomfortable in the cold. We suggest dressing your dog in clothes.
We recommend this specifically for dogs who sleep outside in kennels. This clothing can keep them warm at night, allowing for a more comfortable sleep.
If you want to dress your dog in clothes, we suggest first considering whether you choose proper clothes for your dog. If you do decide to dress your dog, make sure that it is always comfortable and its natural movements are comfortable.
When should we dress a dog?
During the winter, it may be advisable to dress a dog, especially if they are puppies, elderly dogs dogs with health problems, or dogs with very short or no hair such as a chihuahua or a Chinese Crescent. We can also use raincoats to protect our animals from the rain.
How to choose dogs clothes?
The most important thing is that your dog feels comfortable. Not only do tight clothes bother the dog, but it can prevent it from carrying out its normal movements. You must also take into the count the type of hair and the physical size of your dog.
You need to choose different types of dog clothes for different dogs, and consider the purpose the clothes will serve. For example, dogs like Pugs and Frenchies might need dog hoodies in colder temperatures. Older dogs also need clothes; they might suffer from joint pain when exposed to the cold.
Clothes material is an important factor. The Dog clothes made of soft, breathable fabric are better choices. Construction is also just as important as the materials used. Some animals can overheat if they are put in clothes, they might need cooling clothes that helps evaporate heat and block sunlight.
It’s not always easy to get our dogs to wear clothes. So when we need them to suit up, we need to have dog clothes that are easy to put on and just as easy to remove. Otherwise, you might end up with a real struggle.
It is also important to avoid clothes that have buttons zippers or that, this is because the dog could ingest these clothing bits or unintentionally hurt itself. Cheap is really expensive, ever heard the saying? Cheap is expensive, if we do not consider investing in good quality clothes dogs, which are more sensitive, can manifest allergic reactions to materials.
The type of detergent which you use to wash your dog's clothes can also cause allergies. Therefore, it is important to always wash your dog's clothing with neutral soap, avoiding the use of chemicals.
Another common problem when people put clothes on their animal is when the dog is not completely dry, a wet dog favors the proliferation of bacteria and fungi that can cause irritation and allergy. Symptoms of a dog allergy include some allergy symptoms, and dogs appear as intense itching, reddened skin, the presence of open wounds and pastels on the skin, alopecia swelling of the skin, obvious discomfort and scratch. If you detect any of these clinical signs, do not hesitate to stop using clothes and consult your veterinarian immediately.
In conclusion, if your dog is not a type of breed that can wear clothes, there are other accessories on the market. These accessories include necklaces and harnesses which are not harmful to your dog, but remember the comfort and health of your dog is always the most important.
Hope this can help you choose dog clothes. If you enjoyed it and would like to see more, do not hesitate to visit Happy & Polly website on happyandpolly.com
