Does Your Dog Really Need Clothing?

 

Some dog owners say that dogs don't need to wear clothing, that since they were born with a fur coat why mess with Mother Nature, so to speak? Other dog owners say that their dogs need to wear clothes, since they shiver in the cold weather just like us so why not stick a sweater on them to keep them warm? And then there are those dog owners who like to dress their dog up in the latest fashions, just like a human child or a fashion doll. 

Despite all the differing opinions, there are real reasons to consider putting the occasional sweater, or shirt, on your dog. Modern dogs do not have to endure the ravages of nature like they did back in the days of wolf packs, so our pet dogs have become accustomed to the climate-controlled environment we provide. Therefore, it does make sense that dogs will occasionally need extra protection from the cold like we do. 

If you are trying to decide if your dog needs clothing, some good indicators are the breed of your dog and the environment in which you live. For example, small breeds like Chihuahuas lose heat quickly and easily, so a sweater would be essential in rainy or cooler climates. In areas where the weather is bitterly cold, a sweater and insulated dog booties may be required. Dogs that have been shaven for medical treatments will often need some protection from the weather until their fur can grow back. Large dogs with short hair, such as a Great Danes, Whippets, and Greyhounds may need a shirt or a sweater in cold climates.  

Dog breeds that are acclimated to living in cold conditions do not need clothes at all, even in extremely cold weather. Examples of such breeds are Siberian Huskies, Great Pyrenees, and the Saint Bernard. Putting clothes on a large dog that is used to being outdoors could be dangerous, as they would get way too hot and could have a heat stroke. The only type of clothing these dogs might need would be insulated booties if they spend long periods of time outdoors in snow or ice. 

 There is one other important thing to keep in mind when dressing your dog in clothing. Some outfits cover so much of your dog’s body, they can mask the cues that dogs give to each other to communicate. This could easily cause a dog to “mis-communicate” or “misinterpret” a cue and cause a dog fight. Body language is a large part of how dogs “talk” to each other and it’s very dangerous to mask your dog’s ability to convey its feelings and intentions towards another dog. This caution also includes dogs living in the same household. 

 Although some people may think that dressing your dog in clothes is cruel, or defies nature, there are legitimate reasons for putting some clothing on your dog. Just use common sense being mindful of your environment, your dog, and the situation.