At every festivity, it is common to see furry friends dressed in costumes or thematic accessories, just as in winter they are dressed in jackets or vests for the cold. But, is it good to dress them or does it pose a danger to them?
In this #PetTuesday, we will answer this question, as well as provide tips for their fur care.
Genetically, animals protect themselves from the environment using their own resources, in some cases with their fur, feathers, scales, or even layers of subcutaneous fat, so it is not strictly necessary for them to wear clothes or other garments.
While it is true that whether or not to dress them will be each owner's decision, it should be noted that there are breeds that would indeed need extra warmth when temperatures are very low and/or extremely low.
- Short-haired or low-fat dogs, such as Chihuahuas, pugs, Jack Russell Terriers, Dachshunds.
- Sick or elderly dogs because their thermoregulation system may be impaired.
- Short-haired or hairless cats, such as Sphynx cats. The most striking characteristic of this breed is the apparent absence of fur and their slender and graceful appearance.
It is not advisable to put clothes on kittens, as they spend a large part of the day licking their fur, which they would not be able to do if they are dressed. Additionally, if your kitten is not an indoor cat, clothes will affect its ability to climb or run in the yard or street.
So, if you decide to dress them, whether with winter clothes or for a party, what is the safest way?
- Choose clothing that is specifically made for your pet's breed, which will ensure it adapts to their anatomy.
- The garment size must be exact to avoid tripping, snagging, or rubbing.
- When putting on the clothes, do it slowly and when your pet is calm, avoiding the stress of something new on their body.
- The type of material of the clothing is also key to knowing if your furry friend will accept it. Some coats are very sensitive, so it is best to choose fabrics and materials like cotton.
- It is important that the costume does not have embellishments, buttons, or threads that come off easily, especially because out of curiosity they could bite them and choke.
Once the clothes are on, it's time to make sure of certain things so your furry friend is comfortable:
- Observe their movements. That they walk, play, or relieve themselves calmly. If you notice that they want to take it off or that they only lie down, it is likely that they don't like it and it's better to remove it.
- Observe their skin: after they have been wearing the clothes for a few minutes, remove them and check for irritation or wounds.
- Wash the clothes you put on them just like you wash your usual clothes. After several uses, wash them in the washing machine with hypoallergenic soap and dry them thoroughly before putting them back on.
Caring for and protecting their health will always be the most important thing, which is why, if you decide to dress them in typical costumes, vests, or jackets, try to ensure they don't spend too much time dressed to avoid the humidity generated by sweat between the garment and their fur, which can cause dermatitis.