Should you dress up your pet this Christmas?
Dressing of pets should not be about human preferences but about the well-being of the pet.
This festive season, matching pyjamas have become a popular trend, with some families extending the cheer to their furry friends by dressing them in adorable matching outfits. While dressing up pets isn’t a new phenomenon, it raises an important question: is it safe for your pet to join in on the holiday fashion fun?
Dr Dennis Maube, a veterinary surgeon at Small Five Vet Clinic, says that there is no definite answer on whether or not to dress a pet and says that it all depends on several factors.
“Dogs have their natural way of controlling body temperature and their body is often covered with fur. The fur is already providing natural insulation making the dressing up sometimes unnecessary and uncomfortable, especially for the dogs with thick fur. For instance, the Golden Retrievers which have very long fur, Long Coat German Shepherds and Huskies. These dogs are originally from cold climatic areas and are brought into tropical regions. They already have long fur and adding the extra clothing can be uncomfortable.”
Dr Maube adds that some pet clothing may also restrict movement and cause skin irritation.
“However, some dog breeds with very thin fur such as Chihuahuas and Greyhounds, might need some clothing for extra warmth. If you must dress your pet, let it be for a short period. For instance, during these festivities, you can dress them up just for photoshoots.”
When dressing a pet, Dr Maube says that it is essential to consider the material of the clothing. “The cloth material should be non-toxic. Wool and cotton are good clothing materials to use. Go for hypoallergenic fabrics. Further, ensure that the clothing fits properly and is not too tight.”
Dr Maube cautions against dressing up your pet in jewellery. “Some pets will end up eating and swallowing the accessories. I once did surgery on a dog that had swallowed some balls that were attached to its clothes. Again, I have done surgery on a dog that had swallowed its socks and they were stuck in the stomach.
Dr Maube says that pets use the skin to sweat. “When you dress pets up and they sweat, there will be moisture build-up. This results in fungal infections and allergies. Your pet can also develop eczema. It is unfortunate that some pet parents even dress up their pets without washing them.”
For cats, Dr Maube recommends that an owner should get them a collar that can unhook itself. “Cats are always jumping from one place to another. Therefore, if the collar cannot unhook itself, the cat can get stuck somewhere. The collars should be well-fitting and not too tight. The idea is to put your finger inside and see if the collar still has some space. I have seen pets die because of strangling. Remember pets will add weight so the collar size must be regularly adjusted,” he says adding, “Dressing of pets should not be about human preferences but about the well-being of the pet. If you are unsure about dressing your pet, always consult a vet especially if the pet has underlying health issues.”
