2/12/2021
If you’ve ever thought a dog looks adorable wearing a coat or sweater, you’re not alone. It’s not uncommon for people to dress dogs in clothes, whether it’s a fashionable pair of booties or a snazzy tutu. Dressing your dog in clothing can be a very personal decision.
Although these outfits are endearing to look at, you may wonder about dressing up your dogs. For example, do dogs like wearing clothes? It turns out that there are plenty of practical reasons why people dress their dogs, but the answer can still depend on you and your dog. Let’s review the various benefits of dog clothing.
The short answer: no! As long as your dog is comfortable, it’s perfectly fine to dress up your dogs. In fact, certain clothes are even recommended in certain situations.
That said, dogs aren’t accustomed to wearing clothes on their bodies like we are. Your dog’s initial reaction will likely be to shake the clothes off or fidget around to adjust them. This process is pretty normal – your dog isn’t used to having something other than fur.
It’s essential to take things slowly when dressing up your dog. Let your dog sniff the clothes first to get used to them. You can also give them a Bil-Jac treat after they interact with the clothes to help them associate these garments with positive encouragement. After that, rest the clothing on your dog’s body and continue to praise and reward him. The goal here is to teach your pup that clothes are perfectly normal and helpful.
The first time you put some clothes on your dog, start with a short amount of time. You want to slowly get your dog used to clothes. Throwing outerwear on him and expecting to go on an outing isn’t practical, so take your time when asking your dog to wear clothing. You can steadily increase the time clothes are worn and reward him for each session.
When dressing your dog, you’ll want to be sure that the clothing is not too tight around their neck and anywhere on their body, that they can move freely and easily, and that the clothing is not a hazard for them to walk and jump. Items that cover your dog’s head can make it hard for your dog to see and hear, so be sure to look out for those issues.
Of course, some dogs are simply not meant to be fashionistas. If your dog doesn’t take well to clothes or seems uncomfortable, try out a different outfit. There’s a chance that one piece of clothing just wasn’t right for your furry friend.
If your dog just isn’t meshing with any outfits, there’s a good chance your dog just doesn’t like wearing clothes. That’s perfectly fine, too – it’s best to figure out what’s right for your dog, whether that means he’s happy to wear sweaters or not.
As long as your best friend is comfortable with clothes, there are plenty of benefits to articles of clothing. These reasons include:
Each of these reasons have different goals. Let’s break down the goals for each reason and what you can do to dress up your dog appropriately.
One of the top reasons to dress up your dog is to stay warm. Some dogs simply aren’t built for cold weather. Puppies, senior dogs, small dogs, and shorthaired dogs are perfect candidates for sweaters, jackets, and other canine clothing that will help shield them from the elements.
When picking out a warm winter jacket, consider your climate. Is water resistance or warmth more important? Aesthetics are not the primary concern here – comfort and functionality are of the utmost importance here.
After you’ve figured out what types of clothes your dog needs for warmth, try on a variety of items and make sure the interior lining isn’t rubbing your dog and causing sores. Take your dog’s measurements and refer to any sizing charts for clothing to help find a perfect fit where your furry friend can run around and play normally.
Certain outfits can protect your dog from more than just the cold. There are a few instances where dressing dogs in clothes can help protect your dog’s well-being.
Dog booties can help protect your furry friend’s paw pads from the elements. For example, some extra paw protection can help shield your dog’s pads from hot pavement and other surfaces. If the ground is too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for theirs.
Canine footwear can similarly protect paws from the freezing ice and snow. Dressing your dogs in boots or other footwear not only helps protect their paws from frostbite, but also from cuts and scrapes caused by walking on rock salt, jagged ice, and other sharp or treated surfaces.
Dressing your dog can also protect you both from late night accidents. If you and your dog like to go out for a walk or run at night when it’s dark, reflective jackets ensure drivers can see the two of you. Even LED collars and leashes can help. This is doubly true if your dog manages to escape his leash or accidentally step out into the road.
It’s never fun feeling uneasy. Fortunately, there are certain types of dog clothing that can help dogs who suffer from anxiety. Your dog can feel anxious for a number of reasons – prolonged separation from you and other family members, loud noises, etc. – and some cases are more severe and frequent than others.
Like people, dogs find immense comfort in being held tightly. That’s why many pet parents opt for tight swaddle clothing like anxiety vests and calming coats that can help reduce their dog’s nervousness. That extra level of comfort can provide your precious pooch with the support he needs to feel less anxious during thunderstorms, car rides, or other uncertain events.
There are plenty of great reasons to dress your dog, but they all don’t need to be practical. While it’s not a super functional reason to dress your pet up, dogs often look very endearing when dressed in clothes – just ask your friends on social media.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with dressing your dog up purely for aesthetics as long as your dog is fine with the experience. If you’re planning to dress your dog, make sure to weigh the following three factors:
If the answer to all three is yes, then go for it! Your dog is sure to get more treats this way – who can resist a dog in clothes?
If you’re considering dressing your dog up, just remember to keep his safety, comfort, and happiness in mind. As long as those criteria are met, your pooch may enjoy those clothes as much as you do. He’ll certainly receive more attention from passersby!
Whether you decide to dress your dog or not, we all want one thing: to do what we can to help your best friends lead happy, healthy lives. Want to learn more about how you can support your furry family members? Sign up for the Best Friends Club to receive our exclusive monthly email newsletter for more dog care advice, nutritional info, and special members-only discounts on Bil-Jac Dog Food, Treats, and other products.
Humans have been dressing their dogs for centuries, most commonly by engraving their leather or precious metal dog collars and encrusting them with precious stones. In the 19th Century, doggy clothing became popular, and it continues to this day. There’s even a couture collection just for doggos. Read on to discover more fun facts about doggy clothing and tips for dressing up your dog for National Dress Up Your Pet Day on January 14th, 2022!
As you stand in front of a display rack at your local pet store, contemplating the seemingly hundreds of collars in all sizes and colors, you may wonder if dog decorations are a 20th Century phenomenon, or if they existed before. The truth is, dogs have been companions to people for 12,000 years, and the habit of decorating them has been in vogue for nearly as long.
Related articles:For ancient Egyptians, dogs were hunters, protectors, and guardians, and their owners used collars for restraining the pups as well as for training. In addition, collars were status symbols, and their beautiful designs reflected the wealth and influence of their owners. Collars made of leather, gold, and precious stones, some inscribed with stories about their canine wearers, became commonplace.
Around 46 BC, Julius Caesar noted that his citizens were paying more attention to their dogs than to their children, and criticized the behavior. Louis XI in France had dozens of dogs, many of whom wore collars of gold encrusted with diamonds and rubies, and hung with small golden bells.
In 19th century Britain, a spaniel belonging to Princess Victoria was described as wearing a “scarlet jacket and blue trousers.” In France at around the same time, dogs wore costumes for afternoon and evening social gatherings, travel, and to the beach. They had special bathing outfits with the name of the beach embroidered in gold on the side. Silk jackets and tea gowns were commonplace for aristocrats’ pups, along with traveling cloaks and embroidered coats.
Toward the end of the 19th century, questions about the ethics of dog dressing arose, and have continued into the 21st century. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has even voiced its concerns. The organization believes that dog clothing should have a clear benefit to the dog. But should that preclude a garment from being beautiful or cute? Dogs are unaware of how they look, and as long as they’re comfortable and happy, clothing isn’t going to hurt them. And they mayToward the end of the 19th century, questions about the ethics of dog dressing arose, and have continued into the 21st century. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has even voiced its concerns. The organization believes that dog clothing should have a clear benefit to the dog. But should that preclude a garment from being beautiful or cute? Dogs are unaware of how they look, and as long as they’re comfortable and happy, clothing isn’t going to hurt them. And they may enjoy the extra attention and smiles
One theory about why pet parents dress up their pets is that people have a tendency toward putting human traits on objects and animals, a phenomenon called anthropomorphism. For them, dressing their dogs up is an example of bestowing human-like personalities on them. Also, when people are lonely, a pup may be their only companion and they need to get as close to them as possible and be part of a pack. But many others believe that dress-up is just plain fun!
Today, dressing canines for fun is in full swing, with many pet parents looking forward to almost any reason to celebrate with doggy outfits, costumes, and accessories. Whether it’s as simple as a bow tie clipped to the collar, a hat crowning a sweet face, or an elaborate costume for Halloween, many people enjoy highlighting their pups’ individuality and personality.
Some clothes for dogs are functional. Sweaters, raincoats, jackets, and boots are all meant to protect pups from the cold and other elements. But even these practical garments can have “indulgent” characteristics, like bright colors, patterns, and cute designs. The industry that manufactures canine duds is tuned in to the current trend of artful attention-getters. The right jacket or tutu can make even a sad-faced bulldog look adorably irresistible.
When National Dress Up Your Pet Day was first celebrated in 2009, lighthearted festivities and an opportunity for bonding were the main driving forces. The act of putting a piece of clothing on your dog may strengthen your connectivity with them. Other reasons to dress up your pooch might include:
Keeping your pup warm, cool, and/or dry
Sun protection
Boots to protect feet from snow and ice, hot pavement, and sharp objects
Life jackets and highly reflective vests for safety
Anxiety wraps to calm them
Pet diapers to protect dogs from unwanted attention because of incontinence and female heats
The most important thing about doggy dressing is that the dog is comfortable with it. If they’re frightened by the clothes or the process of putting them on, it’s kinder to not dress them or to use just an accessory like a bandana to express their flair. Garments that restrict their mobility, irritate their skin, make it difficult to control their body temperature, or cause anxiety are better left in the closet.
If they’ve never dressed up before, give your doggos at least a few days to get used to having clothes on before trotting them out among people and other doggos. This will allow you, the pet parent, to assess their reaction and avoid problems.
Avoid non-breathable fabrics like nylon and polyester, and look for evidence of adherence to flammability standards.
Avoid costumes or outfits with small buttons and other decorations that dogs can pull off and swallow.
Dogs need a full range of motion at all times, so check to be sure they can walk, eat, lie down, run, and eliminate when needed.
Measure your pup to be sure the clothes will fit closely, but not too tightly. Be sure to measure the circumference of the chest and the length from their shoulders to the base of their tail.
Wanting to get in on the fun dress-up action? Here are some tips to make sure the dog costuming stays safe.Not all dogs will enjoy dressing up, so be sure to watch your pooch for signs that indicate a personal preference to be clothes free, an uncomfortable fit, or a medical issue such as trouble breathing or overheating . If you note any symptoms of distress , remove the clothes as soon as possible. These can include:
Deciding whether to dress your pupster in clothes for fun rather than simply practicality is up to you. If Fido is happy and comfortable dressed up, and you enjoy showing them off, there’s no harm in being creative. If you haven’t experimented with clothes yet, National Dress Up Your Pet Day might be a good time to try it!
Share your dog's favorite costumes with us in the comments below or on social media!
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