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Contrary to popular belief dog clothing actually has practical applications. While some pet owners are purely interested in sharing their passion for fashion with their dogs, clothing can offer some benefits. Getting a dog used to wearing clothing takes patience but can be worth it in the long run, in fact many dogs learn to enjoy putting on a cozy sweater in the cold winter months.
Dog clothing can protect thin skinned breeds from cold temperatures, wind, and rain. Even the not so thin skinned breeds can learn to appreciate a rain coat in wet weather. When looking for coats for the winter make sure the coats or parkas are insulated and can break the wind. Rain coats should have a liner since the material is usually thick and the seams may irritate the skin. Sweaters can be worn indoors and outdoors on thin skinned breeds and they actually discourage shedding.
T-shirts and tank tops in the summer time are a great way to protect a dog from sunburns. Make sure the material is breathable and light weight to avoid over heating the dog. On especially hot days a tank top dipped in water can keep the pup cool and comfortable as long as it is rewetted often- don’t leave a wet t-shirt on for too long without rewetting as this can cause skin irritation.
Look for clothing that’s not too tight. Keep a close eye on the axillary (armpit) area as this can be a common place for irritation. Make sure the neck is plenty wide; there should be enough room to stick a hand between the neck and the dog without choking the animal. While the clothing should not be too tight, it’s important that the clothing be snug and not too loose either. Loose clothing encourages biting and tugging.
Getting a dog to wear clothing is a process and takes patience. Don’t expect a dog to wear clothing all day the first time it is put on. In fact if the dog has never worn clothing before it’s a good idea to start with smaller accessories like a bandana before moving up to a sweater or t-shirt.
Start by familiarizing the dog with item before they ever put it on. Let them smell the item a few times and discourage any chewing that may take place. Next, place the item on the dog for short increments at a time. Start with ten to fifteen minutes of wear and gradually increase the time. Make sure the dog is rewarded throughout the process.
Treat the dog when they first smell the item, right before it is put on, and every few minutes while wearing it as long as they are not tugging or biting on the item. If the dog is more motivated by play with a certain toy, distract them from their new outfit by playing with the favorite toy for several minutes.
Gradually build up time spent in the clothing, with rewards often until the dog has no reservations about wearing the item. To put on t-shirts and other pull over items, place the head in first, and then gently bend one leg through the sleeve, then the other. If there are rear leg holes put them on last. Zip up parkas and coats are much easier, simply place one leg in, then the other, carefully zip or button up the coat, being careful to not catch hair or skin in the process.
Never leave a dog unattended in the clothing. Dogs can become tangled in the clothing; this could cause strangulation or other injuries. With a little patience and a lot of practice any dog can learn to become a fashionista. Now the pet owner just has to figure out what Fido’s signature color is!
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