Is it OK to leave a sweater on a dog? Surprising Answer

Which Dog Sweaters Are Best For Use While You’re Not Home?

I wouldn’t leave my dogs unattended wearing just any sweater.

I feel better about simple sweaters that are stretchy, lightweight, and wide in the neck.

Anything complicated, like pajamas that you have to place your dog’s feet into, might impair their mobility while you’re gone.

I’d also stay away from anything with pom-poms, fur trim, zippers, buttons, or accessories that could pose a choking hazard if your dog removed her sweater and chewed on it.

Walmart usually has those cheap, simple sweaters that work well for this, even though most of them are kind of gaudy and ugly.

Amazon has more fashionable ones. I like them for visiting family during the holidays and for setting up matching outfits for Christmas/Holiday cards.

Is it OK to leave a sweater on a dog?

Should You Put a Sweater on Your Specific Dog?

Some dogs, including huskies, malamutes, Newfoundlands, and Saint Bernards, have thick coats that are meant for cold weather. They have evolved to adapt to colder temperatures and might overheat if wearing a sweater. They may even like cold climates.

But it’s not just the length and density of the fur; it’s also the size of the dog. You tend to see Chihuahuas, dachshunds, and small breeds on the street with little coats because these dogs have a harder time retaining body heat.

Adult hairless or very thin-haired breeds can benefit from sweaters inside the house, Dr. Maja Drozdz, a veterinarian at Goldsmith Veterinary Clinic in Denver, told The Spruce Pets. That includes not just chihuahuas, but also Mexican hairless dogs, Chinese crested dogs, and other similar breeds.

Drozdz also said that some very small, thin-haired puppies, such as those of the Maltese, Chihuahua, and Yorkshire terrier breeds, may also need sweaters as they don’t have a lot of fat when they are babies. If your dog likes to be nestled in blankets all the time, they may like wearing a sweater.

Not all small dogs, however, should be bundled in a sweater, even if it’s an adorable look. Pomeranians, for example, would not need a sweater because of the sheer length of its coat.

How Long Should dogs wear sweaters?

For all dogs, sweaters can compress the coat in a way that may eventually become uncomfortable. So, I’d suggest taking the sweater off after 4-8 hours or so, brushing your dog’s coat or at least ruffling it up with your hands to air it out, and give them a few hours to let their skin breathe.

Does Your Dog Really Need A Sweater?

Your dog should be fine if she’s wearing her sweater for most of the day. … So, I’d suggest taking the sweater off after 4-8 hours or so, brushing your dog’s coat or at least ruffling it up with your hands to air it out, and give them a few hours to let their skin breathe. Then, rotate sweaters and wash them often.