Some dogs absolutely can’t stand wearing clothes while others love trying on new outfits. It’s really a personal preference that’s kind of like how some people love wearing fashionable outfits, while others prefer wearing something comfortable.
Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Paola Cuevas
Veterinarian, MVZ
Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Paola Cuevas
Veterinarian, MVZ
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
Having your dog wear clothes comes with advantages and disadvantages. So, make sure to read through our findings before you go shopping for your next matching outfit with your dog.
Advantages of Dog Clothes
Dog clothes can make your dog look absolutely adorable and boost your social media posts. However, dog clothes aren’t exclusively for fashionable purposes. Many dogs can actually benefit from wearing dog clothes.
Dogs With Short or Thin Hair
Many dogs with shorter coats or thin hair need to wear sweaters or winter coats when the weather gets colder. Greyhounds and Whippets often get cold easily and prefer the warmth of a cozy sweater.
Small Dog Breeds in Winter
As a general rule of thumb, small dogs, such as Chihuahuas and French Bulldogs, will need a sweater or coat when the weather gets cold. They can’t generate as much body heat as larger dogs, and their stomachs can also brush against piles of snow.
Dogs With Skin Conditions, Sensitive Skin, or Allergies
A soft and comfortable sweater can help prevent your dog from itching red and irritated skin. It can also help retain moisture from balms and salves to help moisturize dry skin more efficiently.
Dogs with particularly sensitive paw pads may need to learn to wear dog booties when it snows. Icy conditions can wear out their paws, and paw wax can only do so much in protecting dogs from salted pavements.
Elderly Dogs
Older dogs, regardless of breed, will most likely need to wear a coat in the winter because they often have weaker immune systems. Sweaters can also keep joints warm, which can help alleviate joint pain if a dog has arthritis.
Dogs With High Levels of Anxiety
Some dogs with anxiety may experience the benefits of a Thundershirt. A Thundershirt is a vest that can help dogs maintain a level of calmness by applying gentle and constant pressure, similar to how a weighted blanket works.
Disadvantages of Dog Clothes
If your dog doesn’t fit into any of the criteria we’ve listed, there’s a good chance that it doesn’t need to wear clothes. Most dog breeds already have their own protective coat, so a shirt or sweater can make them feel restricted. Clothes can also cause dogs to overheat and experience discomfort or heat exhaustion.
Low-quality dog clothes can be made with material that’s itchy or prone to causing static. This can be extremely uncomfortable and unpleasant for dogs.
How To Know If a Dog Likes Clothes
One of the most obvious signs that a dog likes clothes is if it doesn’t shy away or avoid you when it sees you holding an item of clothing. Your dog will also move around comfortably while wearing clothes.
A dog that doesn’t like clothes may feel and look awkward while wearing them and can even try to roll around the ground and do whatever it takes to free themselves of the piece of clothing.
Can You Train a Dog To Like Wearing Clothes?
In a lot of cases, casual clothing is really a luxury and not a necessity. So, if your dog adamantly doesn’t enjoy wearing clothes, there’s really no reason to force it upon them.
However, some dogs can learn to tolerate wearing clothes. The training process would be similar to training dogs to wear collars and harnesses. It’ll be a slow and gradual procedure that will involve a lot of positive reinforcement and rewards. You might also find more success by starting with a bandana before trying to put a shirt on your dog.
Training your dog to wear clothes would be helpful if you live in colder climates with harsh winters. This type of training can make it easier for you both to have safe walks together by simplifying the process of getting your dog into a winter coat.
Just keep in mind that training your dog to wear clothes doesn’t mean that your dog will enjoy wearing them.
Wrap Up
Overall, a dog’s ability to wear clothes will heavily depend on its personal preferences. Some dogs enjoy wearing a soft and comforting shirt, while others will absolutely dislike any feeling of restriction.
Clothes may not be a necessity in most dogs’ lives, but they also shouldn’t be completely frowned upon. They can end up serving some very helpful functions while making your dog look extra cute in the process.
Featured Image Credit: Mylene2401 from Pixabay
