The pet clothing business is a thriving industry. After all, few things are cuter than a dog wearing a colorful sweater. However, do dogs like wearing clothes?
While clothing is unnecessary for dogs, some breeds benefit from a sweater or raincoat to protect them in rainy or cold weather. Other pet owners sometimes enjoy putting festive clothing on their dogs for the holidays or to celebrate their birthdays.
Regardless, making sure the dog outfits you buy are safe and comfortable is important.
Do Dogs Like Wearing Clothes?
Yes, some dogs enjoy the attention they receive when wearing clothing and may benefit from the protection clothing offers. However, not all dogs appreciate clothes, and sometimes, dressing them up may obscure visual cues of distress.
There are several things to be mindful of.
For example, some dogs display a reflex behavior where their hair may stand upright to communicate fear or aggression. This signal is called piloerection, and wearing thick sweaters or coats makes it difficult for dogs to communicate through body language.
While some dogs may tolerate being dressed up on occasion, many become distressed. If you continue to clothe your dog and they regularly display signs of stress, it may turn into agitation. This is especially true if they fear unfamiliar people approaching them while wearing outfits.
However, many dogs do not mind being dressed up on occasion and may benefit from the protection clothing offers from the elements.
What Kinds of Clothes Are Necessary for Dogs?
The type of clothing necessary for dogs depends on their specific breed and the climate.
1. Sweaters
Sweaters and coats are great for smaller or older dogs who have trouble regulating their temperature. Many short-haired breeds benefit from sweaters when the temperatures drop.
Before ordering cold weather gear for your furry companion, measure your dog's neck and chest for proper sizing.
The clothing you choose should fit snugly but not be so tight it restricts their movement or causes discomfort. Sweaters are best for:
- Smaller breeds
- Breeds with cropped coats
- Thin-coated dogs
- Senior dogs
- Dogs with health conditions affecting fur growth
2. Pajamas
If you notice your dog shivering when the temperatures are colder, you may consider pajamas. Pajamas are good for dogs like chihuahuas, especially if your house stays cold during the day.
3. Booties
Booties can also protect their paws from frostbite or prevent burns from salt used to de-ice sidewalks during the winter.
4. Raincoats
If you live in a rainy area, a fleece-lined raincoat can keep them warm and dry.
No matter the time of year, you can always find many costumes and styles to help your dog make a fashion statement. To keep your dog safe, ensure its clothing doesn't contain strings, buttons, zippers, or other fasteners that can be chewed off or swallowed.
How Do I Know if My Dog Likes Wearing Clothes?
Do dogs like wearing clothes? How do I tell? If your dog enjoys wearing clothes, you should easily be able to tell by examining their body language. Keep in mind every dog has unique boundaries. While some dogs are fine wearing sweaters, others who do not enjoy dressing up may feel uncomfortable.
If your dog tries to run away from you whenever you pull out the dog clothes, they probably dislike wearing them.
However, you should also look for more subtle cues. If they sniff the ground and avoid eye contact as you dress them up, these displacement behaviors indicate they don't like clothes. Additionally, stress, yawns, or shaking are common signs of displeasure.
Another major indication that your dog dislikes clothing is if it refuses to move altogether. By paying attention to your dog's behavior and noting any changes in its body language, you should be able to quickly tell how they feel about clothing.
How To Make Dogs Comfortable When Dressing Them Up?
You can try several things to make your dog feel more comfortable while dressing up.
To keep them engaged, use toys and treats as incentives while wearing clothing. Use plenty of praise and frequent pets for standing still as you dress them. Try playing a game of fetch or tug to help them get used to how the clothing feels as they move.
Once they become more comfortable, take them outside for a long walk or some playtime in the backyard.
What Should I Do if My Dog Hates Wearing Clothes?
If you've just dressed your dog in their new coat and they freeze in place or try to run off when you put clothes on them, you may have to accept that your dog doesn't care for wearing outfits.
However, you may be able to work on them accepting clothing over time. If they are only used to wearing a collar, try smaller steps until you can put them in the outfits you'd like them to wear.
You could start by putting a bandana on them and offering lots of treats throughout the process if they keep it on. You can also opt for lightweight jackets that don't have narrow openings, which can be uncomfortable around their legs.
If your dog still isn't a fan of this process, you may have to forget about trying to dress them altogether. Dogs should only wear clothing if it offers necessary protection from the elements, so you should never force them into it.
