Dogs and Clothes
The pros and cons
You have no doubt seen lots of content and social media posts of dogs dressed in funny, cute, and silly costumes and clothes. Many costumes are designed for festivities like Christmas or Halloween. A few are just daily clothing items that may seem appealing. It is important however that you understand the implications of putting your dog into any clothing. We will help guide you to understand these as well as highlighting things you may not have thought of.
There are lots of choices available online, through pet retailers and shops. All designs and costumes must be well thought out to ensure safety for your pet. This will ensure they do not cause them undue stress. If you are unsure and would like more guidance about clothes and your dog speak to your veterinary team.
Understanding you dogs needs
There are 5 legal requirements you must meet for your dog, and these are enshrined in UK animal welfare legislation. These are Health, Behaviour, Environment, Nutrition and Mental or Companionship.
It’s important to consider each of these needs when thinking about clothes for your dog. For example, the British Veterinary Association, recognise a dogs’ right to be able to exhibit natural and normal behaviour patterns. This can involve misinterpreting human emotions in your dog. For example are they “sulking” when wearing a costume, or are stressed and anxious.
It’s also important to consider the natural movements of your dog and their ability to maintain a normal body temperature. Some clothes and costumes can be restrictive and prevent dogs from grooming or running or even make toileting difficult. This loss of natural behaviours and expressions can cause stress and potentially danger if clothes or costumes become entangled or tighten.
It’s also important to consider if the clothing prevents your dog from communicating effectively. Body language and communication between dogs is visual and very often involves subtle changes to different body parts. If the clothing prevents this natural method of communicating with other dogs it could lead to misunderstandings and possible aggression. You should always be thinking about keeping your dog healthy so consider a costumes role in this. Are they likely to cause pain or risk injury from entanglement or skin and eye irritation and if so, they should not be worn.
Pets are individuals and not humans so it’s important to recognise this and treat them with respect.
Risks of clothing
It’s a well-known risk for children’s costumes to be flammable and your dog's costumes and clothing can also present a flammability risk. Dogs' costumes and clothing should be made to the same standards as human costumes. Regulations should be in place to test the ignitability of fabrics used in their production. Many of the festivities in which you might reach for a costume for your dog involve naked flames such as Halloween or Christmas. Due to this it's vital so be safe and follow best practices such as checking fabric labels. Never leave a naked flame or heat source unattended around your dog. Additionally, it's also important to consider costumes and clothing risk if your dog likes to chew or swallow things. Items of clothing, tassels, and strings can present a high degree of risk as a foreign body if swallowed by your dog.
When clothing may be helpful
We’ve already established its important to fully consider your dog’s needs when discussing clothing options, but there are also times that clothes may be helpful or useful.
For example, some dog breeds with thin coats or prone to feeling the cold or those recovering from health issues may benefit from a suitable well fitted dog coat. These will protect them from the cold and wind and keep them warm.
Coats, Jackets and collars can all be adapted to be high visibility for winter walks or working dogs to keep them safe and seen. Dogs that are walking near busy roads or working in the dark often wear high visibility clothing for safety.
Your veterinary team may advice your dog wears a surgical vest after surgery to prevent interference with stitches. Pressure vests and therapy tops are often used as an anti-anxiety aide in dogs. They may be stressed or anxious in circumstances such as loud noises. These should be discussed with your veterinary team to determine they are suitable and beneficial for your dog.
Clothing for your dog comes in many varieties, not all of which achieve the same result. If the clothing is not beneficial to your dog, then it’s important to consider their needs. You must consider welfare implications and personality traits before embarking on any attempts to put them into costumes or clothes. Talk to your veterinary team for more guidance specific to your dog’s needs and personal situation.
