Is it OK to put your dog in the latest fashions?
Dogs have fur coats… they do not need clothes… right?
Well, as with most things dog, it depends.
Personally I do not believe that dressing dogs up in Halloween or Christmas costumes, or tutus and sunglasses is EVER really acceptable.
Pugs do not need to be dressed as babies and cockerpoos do not appreciate fairy wings and pretty shoes.
Dogs often find being treated like toys and dressed up like dolls rather annoying and aversive. There are exceptions, who enjoy the attention from their humans, but these are few and far between. Often a dog tolerating being dressed up is mistaken for a dog who is enjoying the process.
If a dog gets fed up with being pulled about, then the inevitable attention that comes with being made to wear silly costumes, they might get annoyed enough to growl or even snap.
There are exceptions.
If it is cold, or there is a medical reason to dress your dog then that is entirely different.
If the dog belongs to a Northern Breed, such as a Husky or Spitz, their fur is likely sufficient for cold weather.
A small or short-haired dog would benefit from a warm, waterproof coat in the winter, and perhaps a jumper as well. Yes, they have their fur coats, but they are akin to us wearing a t-shirt. Fine for the summer, but we need something extra in the winter.
Certain clothing items can also help dogs after surgery or prevent them from reaching wounds. By popping a medivest or perhaps a babygro on them, you can stop them from chewing and nibbling at sore places, and therefore help to prevent infection and further complications.
So, sometimes pop something on your dog to protect them from themselves and from the elements. However, at other times you need to think about who is going to benefit from you making your dogs wear clothes and costumes.
Originally published by me, here:
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