5 Times It’s OK to Dress up Your Dog
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!
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/puppy-border-terrier-117581161-5c644abc46e0fb0001ca8ea8.jpg)
Elderly dogs and puppies are also more likely to feel the cold than a fit, active, and healthy adult dog.
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.
You know your dog’s disposition better than anyone. If they have the patience and don’t mind the added attention, go for it! Many times, if a dog has been conditioned to wearing outfits since a puppy, they often learn to enjoy the extra attention (& treats) that dress-up-time offers.
There’s no right or wrong answer, It depends on the dog. As long as you’re not doing any harm or noticing any discomfort or unexpected behaviors – dogs will entertain the idea of wearing an outfit.
Does your dog dress up for Halloween?
Like many pet owners, I have, on occasion, dressed up my dog. One Halloween, Fluffy was a pink princess. Another time, she was Batman.
But in the latest New Yorker, Alexandra Horowitz, a dog expert who teaches psychology, animal behavior and canid cognition at Barnard College in New York, says that while dressing up the dog for Halloween may delight the owner, the dog most likely is not amused.
Ms. Horowitz, author of “Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell and Know,” notes, though, that the experience of wearing a costume isn’t “entirely torturous” for your pet.
To learn more, read the full article, “On Dressing Up Your Pets,” and then please join the discussion below. How does your pet react to being dressed up for Halloween?
Get Wells Running email for practical tips, expert advice, exclusive content and a bit of motivation delivered to your inbox every week to help you on your running journey. Coming soon.