Do dogs like to wear clothes? Are they really comfortable?

Do dogs really like to wear clothes? Do they feel comfortable? Beyond the tastes of the owners, it is necessary to take into account the needs of the dogs and check whether it is comfortable for them to wear clothes or not.

A common question that ordinary people and professionals ask themselves is whether it is comfortable for dogs to wear clothes. Are we facing a purely aesthetic choice or can clothes be useful for these animals?

To answer this question, we will tell you what factors you need to consider before deciding to get your dog to wear clothes.

Determining factors

First of all it is useful to know that dogs generally have a higher body temperature than humans (around 38 degrees Celsius). Therefore, not all dogs need clothes to maintain this temperature. The coat, breed and complexion will determine whether they need to wear clothes or if, on the contrary, it is not recommended at all.

In general, small dogs, puppies and senior dogs are the ones who may need warm clothing, especially in winter. This is because smaller breeds have a larger body surface area than their weight, therefore, they lose heat more easily than large dogs.

NOTE: Changes in temperature can put the dog’s health at risk and promote the onset of the flu. Therefore, you need to consider getting your dog to wear clothes to prevent them from getting sick.

How to make dogs wear clothes safely

The important thing is that you understand that you don’t have to force your dog to wear clothes that he doesn’t feel comfortable in. The welfare of animals and their health comes first.

The ornaments and accessories you use to dress your dog shouldn’t make you happy, but protect your dog from the cold. Therefore, we advise you to carefully analyze the dog’s behavior when wearing clothes.

How to tell if a dog wearing clothes is comfortable

If, when wearing clothes, the dog’s behavior is different from usual, it means that he does not tolerate the “new objects” that cover his body. However, the dog can gradually get used to the clothes as long as you don’t put pressure on them. Remember that animals do not have the same need as humans to cover their bodies.

Also, the dog’s behavior will let you know if the clothes scare him or if he likes them. Sometimes, dogs don’t like clothes because they are large or because they have embellishments like fringes or tutus . For this reason, we recommend that you buy clothes that match your pet’s size.

Here are the other parameters that you need to take into account to make your dog wear clothes without problems:

  • Cover the dog’s back from the withers to the base of the tail.
  • Look for elastic fabrics that do not obstruct the paws and do not restrict the dog’s movements. In the case of coats or jackets, the sleeves should not be too long.
  • Avoid putting shoes on dogs. This accessory is recommended only in the presence of snow or ice.
  • Don’t cover his head. Very few dogs are comfortable with headbands or hats, as they limit hearing and vision.

Is it comfortable for dogs to wear clothes? Beware of allergic reactions!

Another aspect to take into consideration is that 

dog skin problems can occur if the clothes are too tight or snug against the body. Garments should not be too big or too small. To avoid skin problems or small abrasions you should choose clothes that match your pet’s body size.

The material from which the dog’s clothes are made will determine the well-being of the animal when wearing them. For example, wool can keep your dog warm, but it can also make it itchy . Cotton, on the other hand, takes longer to dry, therefore, it is not advisable to make the dog wear clothes made with this material if it is a rainy day.

Note; Waterproof fabrics like peach skin are the best option for temperate climates.

You also need to make sure that the zippers or buttons on the clothes do not damage the dog’s skin when it moves. Otherwise, they could cause wounds that could become infected if not treated in time. As for allergies , you can test your dog’s reaction to the fabric by letting him wear the dress for a few hours and check that it doesn’t cause him any problems.

Finally, it is not necessary for the dog to have a lot of clothes, a couple of changes are more than enough. Keep in mind that their needs are different from yours. The important thing is that the dog feels comfortable wearing the clothes you have chosen for him.

Pet clothes: yes or no?

There are few things that make us smile like when we see an animal with clothes or accessories . Many say that dogs, for example, need it, which is not just a whim. What’s true about this pet clothes issue?

It is true that many breeds have evolved and changed, so much so that it is no longer possible for them to adapt to a natural habitat like the one in which they live. They have conformed to being pets , finding warmth when it’s cold and staying cool on warmer days.

Are pet clothes necessary?

As many would say, this is a million dollar question. Well, it is true that some dogs are more cold than others. Everyone needs to know their pet and notice if they are always trying to find a warm place to take refuge or if they are always attached to the stove.

On the other hand, changes in temperature are not good for you . Imagine a winter day when you are at home together, next to the stove. But the time comes to go out and you have to go to the street to make him do his business. Well, going from hot to cold in seconds can be a shock to your body. In this case, it would be advisable to put on a coat.

It is true that animals have fur that protects them from heat and cold, but there are special occasions when we have to change our mind.

There are also breeds like Yorkshire that suffer from the cold more, because their body mass is reduced. If you cover him with a blanket around the house and put his coat on to go out, he will certainly appreciate it.

Types of dogs at risk

And to top it off, these dogs may also need to be covered: the elderly and puppies . The former need it because, with age, their muscles weaken and their defense systems no longer work as they used to, so a sharp change in temperature could make them sick.

The puppies arrive in the world after several weeks in their mother’s womb, warm and surrounded by their siblings. Arriving in a cold world can come as a shock to them, and as a result many spend their time shaking. Covering them with a blanket and warming them with our hands or hugging them is the best thing to make them feel good.

To dress a dog correctly, the dress must reach up to the base of the tail. The hind loins , perhaps due to the fact that they have less fat, are one of the parts that suffer the most from the cold. Therefore, the models that leave this area uncovered are made in this way only for a matter of fashion and not taking into account the real needs of the animal.

Dog fashion: the downside

As we have said, animals can, in particular situations, need clothes. However, the other side of the coin must also be considered: dog fashion. That is, dressing animals for pure pleasure. Yes or no?

The answer depends on several factors. They are these:

  • Comfortable materials for animals . The materials must be suitable for them and not cause itching or discomfort
  • They don’t have to restrict movement.
  • Your personal taste . It is not forbidden to dress up our pets, so you have to decide whether to do it or not.

Even if the decision is yours, always remember that you have to choose for the sake of your pet . If he feels uncomfortable, wants to undress, the dress itches or bothers him, the best thing to do is to abandon the idea of ​​dressing him.

However, if the animal feels comfortable and the material is of good quality, so be it! There is nothing written about tastes .

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