When you bring home a puppy for the first time, you realize just how much stuff dogs need. Dog parents have to purchase the basics like food, grooming supplies, leashes and collars, toys, chews and treats, beds and training crates, and ID tags, just to name a few. But one thing that’s optional is dog clothes. However, many pet parents love to buy cute outfits for their pooch. If you’ve been considering getting your furry friend some dog pajamas, there are some things to keep in mind.
Some dogs enjoy wearing clothes while others don’t. For example, an anxious dog might feel more secure in a hoodie. Attention-seeking dog breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers, Border Collies, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels may enjoy the attention that clothes bring them. But Siberian Huskies, while they love attention, may be very uncomfortable in clothes because their fur is already so warm.
It's a good idea to see how your dog reacts to his or her first set of dog pajamas before spending money on a whole wardrobe. If your dog seems to be comfortable and enjoys wearing the clothes, then perhaps you can get a few more sets.
Honestly speaking, dog pajamas and other clothes are unnecessary. If you do choose to buy pajamas for your dog, make sure they are made from a breathable fabric. Else they could make your dog overheat and become very uncomfortable or even sick.
Make sure you buy well-fitting dog clothes. The fit of dog pajamas should be neither too loose nor too snug. If the dog pajamas are too loose, they can get caught in something when your dog is running around and lead to injuries. On the other hand, snug fitting dog pajamas may restrict your dog’s movement or cause overheating.
If your dog has a short coat or is a hairless breed and your home gets cold at night, then it might be a good idea to put your pooch in a pair of dog pajamas at night. But if you live in a warm climate or your home is generally warm, plus your dog has long fur, then dog pajamas at night might leave your furry friend uncomfortably hot.
Veterinarians do not recommend putting your dog in clothes every day. Dog pajamas and other clothes can cause friction against your dog’s skin and cause skin irritation, especially in short-haired breeds. Long-haired breeds are at risk of overheating. That’s why daily use of clothes on dogs is generally avoidable.
It’s a completely personal decision to buy dog pajamas and other clothes for your furry friend. The main advantage of dog pajamas is that they help keep your pet clean and safe. For example, dog pajamas may protect your four-legged friend from parasites like botflies. Also, you may have to give your dog fewer baths or make fewer visits to the grooming salon by simply putting the dog pajamas in the laundry. If you live in a cold climate and your dog’s breed is not the best suited to cold weather, dog pajamas and jackets may help to keep your pet warm and protected from the elements.
25 February, 2023