To be honest, it depends. There is no correct answer as each dog is different. Every dog's temperament is different. Some don't mind the extra layers on them, while others can't stand it. Some dogs enjoy the added attention, while other dogs that are shy or have high-anxiety may not prefer the clothing. As their owner, you should know your dog's personality and observe how they react to wearing the outfits you choose for them. What are some factors to consider? Let's consider three areas.
If you do decide to go ahead and dress up your dog, the first and foremost most important thing to consider is that there are no potential hazards. For example, will wearing the scarf potentially strangle your dog if it somehow gets wrapped too tightly? Also, would some of the accessories be a temptation for your dog to chew and possibly choke on? Is the material of the clothing comfortable or is it itchy? Aside from the superficial aspect of dressing your dog, you want to make sure that your beloved fur baby is comfortable. So be aware, be observant, and use good judgement.
Are there any pros of dressing up your dog? Well one of the most obvious reasons is cold weather. If your dog is on the smaller side and has thinner fur, then it may be a good idea to consider dressing up your pup. Some dogs don't adapt as well to colder climates than other dogs. Just like humans, each dog's body reacts to cold in different ways depending on their age, size, and even breed.
If you notice your fur baby shivering, then it may be a good idea to throw on an extra sweater to warm them up and help prevent them from getting sick. In climates where it is extra chilly with frequent snow, walking on icy sidewalks may be no fun for your dogs. That's why some dog parents opt for dog shoes to help make it easier for them to walk and/or to protect their paws from the frigid cold.
Aside from keeping your dogs nice and warm, dressing up your dog is said to help with anxiety. Some dogs are just more anxious and stressed than other dogs. Because of that, some owners opt for anxiety vest which are said to help soothe and give anxious dogs a sense of security. If you know that there's going to be a crazy fireworks display coming up or a huge thunderstorm on its way, you can try an anxiety vest for your pup to help ensure and comfort your dog.
So, although I did mention dressing up your dog can help them with the cold, some dogs might not actually need the extra layers. There are certain breeds of dogs that are just made for colder climates so they already have an extra layer of insulating fur built in to keep them warm. For these types of dogs, giving them too much to wear may actually cause overheating, which is just as bad as them freezing.
Also, just like humans, dogs may feel cold initially, but after running around a bit they may heat up and want to take off the extra layers. So be observant, if you sense that your dog is heating up or if the weather has started to warm up in the latter part of the day, think about how you would feel if you had a thick sweater on with the sun beaming on you. Show consideration for your pup.
Another factor to consider is if your dog even enjoys having stuff put on him. If every dressing time is a chaotic ordeal, perhaps your dog is sending you strong signals that he hates the clothes. Or perhaps there is an issue with the fit and material of the clothes. Is the fit too tight and restrictive? Is the material of the garment suitable for the current weather? Is the fabric soft & comfy or is it super itchy? These are all good questions to consider when choosing clothes to dress you dog in or whether you should dress them at all.
The main point is, if your dog is still happy wearing the hand-picked, cute outfits you've donned on him, then that's wonderful! If you notice that your dog is upset or looks uncomfortable, then it's probably best to skip the clothes.
Spring is finally here, and as a dog owner, it's important to make sure your furry friend is ready for the season. With a little bit of effort, you can help your furry friend transition smoothly into the spring season.
Here are seven dog care tips to keep in mind:
