When is it okay to put clothes on my dog?
When your dog is comfortable
You’ll be able to tell if your dog doesnt like wearing a particular item of clothing — theyll try to shake it off, try to bite at it, and look generally uncomfortable. Often, if you can see the whites of your dogs eyes while they’re wearing a costume, the chances are they dont want to be wearing it. If your pup seems unhappy in what theyre wearing, you should take it off.
Other than it being unfair on your woofer to leave them in a piece of clothing they dislike, it can also be hazardous. Your doggo may chew it at and swallow pieces of material, which could result in serious health issues.
If your dog has thin fur and low body fat
If you have a short-haired or hairless dog like a Greyhound, Chinese Crested Dog, or a Xoloitzcuintle, you might want to put them in a sweater, especially on a cold winters day. If you live in a part of the world that frequently experiences freezing temperatures and snowfall, dogs with thin fur and low body fat may struggle in such conditions.
Bear in mind that even if you have a dog with minimal fur, you still shouldnt force them to wear something they dont like. If your pupper doesnt like wearing a sweater, get them to try on a clip-on doggy jacket instead, as they may find it less restricting.
If your dog is older
Similarly to dogs with thin fur or low body fat, older dogs may struggle in cold temperatures. Its important to keep old dogs active, even in wintery conditions. However, some older dogs have issues with their metabolism and other health problems that make it difficult for them to go outside during the winter. Try out a range of different doggy clothes to see if you can find one that your elderly canine compadre feels comfortable in.
If your dog has a skin condition or allergies
If your dog has allergies or a skin condition, you may want to get them a comfy sweater or shirt so they dont itch. When picking out clothing for your dog, make sure its not going to cause any additional irritation. You should check with your vet before putting dogs with skin conditions in clothing, as this may interfere with their treatment or exacerbate the problem.
Should You Dress Up Your Dog?
In general, if you like to put clothes on your dog and your dog doesn’t seem to mind, you’re not doing anything wrong. You know your dog better than anyone, and if they have the patience for it, have fun! Many dogs love the extra attention that they get from showing off the latest fashions.
If you have a sensitive, shy, or impatient dog, putting clothes on them probably isn’t the best idea.
Whatever you decide to do, make sure the clothing that you put on your dog is safe for them. Accessories that are too tight can cause pinching or choking, and things like scarves can get tripped on. Find clothes that are made for dogs, and use your best judgment.
How To Measure Your Dog For Clothing Properly
Don’t ever go by what the manufacturer claims are the right size. My Cocker Spaniels have worn everything from medium to extra large depending on the cut and style and manufacturer.
You need to measure your dog to get the right size every time. Skip over the label and look for the measurements of the garment if you are purchasing online. Here are the measurements you will need:
Of note, my Dexter would not walk in clothes if the underside of the garment touched his private parts. I made sure to allow plenty of space in the garment underneath or alter the garment once it arrived.
I record my dog’s sizes in the DogMinder we created for under $10.
Make sure the apparel is not too snug nor too loose or you defeat the purpose and can make your dog very uncomfortable. Snaps, buttons, and elastic should never cut into a dog’s skin or cause her discomfort.
Why Do Dogs Like To Steal Our Clothes? | Dog Behaviour Explained
Pancho here. ‘Tis the season when you humans get all pumped about dressing us dogs in winter wear before heading outside, everything from handknit sweaters and brand name puffer coats to hats and booties. My squad nominated me to have this potentially awkward talk with you (because they are all cowards) because I’m a straight shooter and you appreciate that about me. So, I’m just going to dog-up and put this out there: some of us don’t like wearing clothes.
Part of the problem may be that you have terrible taste in dog clothing (see photo above), but part of it may be that you’re anthropomorphizing again, thinking of us in terms of human needs and wants. This is the same urge that caused you to create a personalized calendar for my birthday featuring 12 months of photos of us together in various seasonal backgrounds. I wasn’t sure how to break this to you, but I don’t use a calendar. The word February means nothing to me. I wanted a dirty sock. (Don’t worry, I still adore you and want to lick your face repeatedly.)
Now, don’t get me wrong. Some dogs do enjoy fine attire. If you want to try it out, go for soft, natural fabrics like wool or cotton, since they can breathe. (My ex Dixie prefers cashmere, but she’s totally high maintenance.)Arm and neck holes should have plenty of room for movement. Remember how you act like you’re going to suffocate when you put on your fitted turtleneck for the first time in the fall? That’s what we want to avoid here.
Cognitive scientist Dr. Alexandra Horowitz (what? I google stuff while you’re at work) has written about this very topic based on her animal research and says that for some dogs, having clothing put on feels like an act of domination, rather than the warm, cozy protection from the elements you’re intending. In her book Inside of a Dog, she says: “The subordinate dog…would feel the pressure of the dominant animal on his body. The raincoat might well reproduce that feeling. So the principal experience of wearing a coat [or sweater] is not the experience of feeling protected from wetness; rather, the coat produces the discomfiting feeling that someone higher ranking than you is nearby.”
Size may be something else to consider. Skinny little bitches can have a hard time regulating their body temperature out in the cold and might need some extra protection. Larger, furrier dogs (they prefer the term “big boned”) probably have enough, ahem, girth and natural coating to keep warm even out in the snow.
Dr. Horowitz’s advice? Pay attention to our signals. If we wag our tails and excitedly allow you to dress us, go for it. If we curl our tails under and wear a worried “WTF?” look on our face while getting dressed, we likely prefer to go commando.
On behalf of all my buddies, I thank you for taking time to consider this. Now come here and let me lick you. Who’s a good human? That’s right, you’re a good human! You are! Yes you are, yes you are!
The Ollie blog is devoted to helping pet parents lead healthier lives with their pups. If you want to learn more about our fresh, human-grade food, check out MyOllie.com.