7 Reasons You Should Never Dress Your Dog in Clothes

Dressing dogs in clothes is usually enjoyable for the person, not the dog. It’s important to avoid stressing our dogs out unless it’s necessary, which is why dressing them up for fun isn’t right.

Clothes can also cause physical discomfort or pain for dogs. They can make your dog overheat since they already have their natural coat to keep them warm, and can cause skin irritation.

In this article, we’ll discuss whether it’s always bad for dogs to wear clothing and seven reasons to never dress your dog in clothes.

Is it Bad to Dress Your Dog in Clothes?

There is a lot of debate about putting clothes on your dog! Some people will even go so far as to say it’s animal abuse–though this is quite an extremist opinion.

Putting clothes on dogs is typically going to be stressful for them, but there are reasons to do so–such as coats to keep them warm or dry, booties to protect their feet from hot sidewalks, or vests to reduce anxiety. You may need dog clothes after surgery to prevent your dog from reopening wounds or messing with surgical sites.

If there is a safety or medical reason for the clothing, then it’s worthwhile to dress your dog in clothes. This article is referring to dressing up your dog for fun or just so that they’ll look cute!

Dressing them up for photos or events is bad because it doesn’t benefit your dog and most often causes harm. Most dogs will not enjoy dressing up, even if they tolerate it well.

Please remember that our dogs depend on us to care for them well, and don’t have a lot of autonomy in their lives. Taking this responsibility seriously means respecting their boundaries, even when we don’t want to.

7 Reasons Not to Put Clothes on Your Dog

#1: They Already Have Fur

Most dogs have fur that can keep them warm and protect them from the elements. Many even have water-resistant coats, making rain jackets unnecessary unless your dog really hates being wet!

Of course, there are exceptions to this rule. Chihuahuas often get cold easily and, especially in chilly climates, can benefit from a cute sweater.

In general, you’ll know if your dog is bothered by getting wet or cold. If they aren’t, there’s no reason to dress them up.

#2: Putting on Clothes is Stressful for a Dog

One of the biggest reasons to avoid clothing for your dog is the stress it causes. It’s a very unnatural thing for a dog to experience.

Some dogs will only experience this stress when you put the items on, while others will be anxious until the clothes are removed.

Even if you train your dog to keep their clothes on and leave them alone, they may be stressed by wearing them. Subtle signs of stress in dogs include lip licking, yawning, pacing, and whale eye (when you can see the whites of your dog’s eyes). Even tail wagging can be a stress response–it doesn’t always mean a dog is happy!

#3: Clothes Can Cause Skin Irritation

Some clothing, such as jackets or sweaters, can rub uncomfortably against your dog’s skin. They may even cause rashes, sores, or irritation. This is especially a concern if you leave your dog in the clothes for long periods of time and if the clothes don’t fit properly.

Many dog sweaters will be tight around the armpits, which is where you’re most likely to encounter problems.

#4: They May Cause Matting in the Fur

Similarly, clothes compressing your dog’s fur and rubbing against it as they move can cause mats to form. If you do put clothes on your dog, you should brush them after taking them off–paying special attention to the fur around their armpits.

If your dog has short fur, you may not need to worry about this. But for long-haired pooches, it’s a serious concern.

Matted fur can be extremely painful depending on location and severity. Matting around the joints will pull the fur whenever the dog moves, causing a great deal of pain. The closer to the skin the mat is, the more it hurts.

Unaddressed severe matting can even cause skin irritation, sores, and other medical concerns.

#5: Sweaters Can Cause Overheating

As we discussed already, dogs already have fur that’s meant to insulate them from the cold. The addition of a sweater can cause heat stroke, especially in short-muzzled breeds that are already prone to overheating.

If your dog isn’t showing signs of discomfort in the cold, and the temperatures aren’t dangerously low, you shouldn’t worry about putting a coat on them. Many dogs love playing in the snow and aren’t bothered at all by winter temperatures.

#5: Clothes Can Snag on Objects

Pieces of clothing can get caught on objects, and may lead to your dog getting stuck. Small dogs may get stuck beneath furniture, and larger dogs on doorknobs or other items around the home or outdoors.

Some clothing items pose a choking risk if this happens. Your dog might also hurt themselves as they struggle to get free, especially if they panic.

#6: Differences in Gait Can Cause Pain

Dogs often walk differently when wearing clothing. Sometimes it doesn’t fit properly and restricts their movements, and sometimes they’re just uncomfortable.

Either way, this different style of walking can cause joint pain over time. If your dog cannot walk normally in their clothes, you should try a different fit or avoid the clothing entirely.

It’s okay if the clothing is necessary and there’s an adjustment period, as there almost always will be with certain items! Just keep an eye on your pup and the way the clothes fit.

#7: Dogs can get Aggressive When Made to Wear Clothes

Clothes can cause aggression in dogs in several ways. Firstly, your dog may bite as you try to put clothes on them because they’re stressed, and saying no in more subtle ways failed to stop stop you from violating their boundaries.

They might also bite due to pain caused by the clothing, which can make them more irritable than usual. Your dog may even learn to fear you approaching or grabbing them, as they think it means they’ll have clothes put on.

Even if you think your dog will never bite, it’s always a risk, especially when you force them into stressful situations where they can’t get away. The most even-tempered dogs can still show aggression when pushed too far.

#8: They’re Cute Enough As-Is!

Lastly, dogs are already adorable! They really don’t need clothing or accessories to make them cuter.

Although it can be tempting to buy silly pieces at the store to take photos or show off on your next walk, it’s usually better to save money and leave these items at the store. Your dog will thank you!

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