Is it helping your pet or is it more for your enjoyment?
There are lots of pet clothes available to buy which are designed to make your pet look cute or funny. These outfits might cause a stir on social media but they can make your pet feel stressed or uncomfortable. There are some really important things to think about first, which owners sometimes don’t realise when they want to buy funny outfits:
- Can they move properly?Clothes can be quite restrictive. They can get in the way when your pet tries to do normal things like walking, going to the toilet or grooming themselves. They might make your pet itchy when they’re resting. They can also stop your pet from controlling their body temperature properly, so they could get too hot. Clothes could even choke your pet if they get tangled up or caught on something.
- Is your pet stressed?Wearing clothes doesn’t come naturally to pets and it can cause them stress, especially cats. Stressed cats might groom themselves a lot, be aggressive towards you or make more noise than usual. Dogs might show they’re stressed by licking their lips, yawning or panting.
- Can they still communicate?Communication is very important for dogs. If your dog is dressed up, other dogs might struggle to read their body language properly. This could make them act aggressively towards your dog as they could find it hard to understand each other’s body language. If your dog is already stressed from being dressed up, then they might act differently to usual around other dogs.
- Is it respectful?This may seem an odd question to ask! However, as owners we love and protect our pets, and we wouldn’t want to see them come to harm of any kind. Dressing up a pet to be made fun of or laughed at isn’t necessarily kind or respectful.
When are clothes useful for pets?
Some pet clothes are really useful and help keep your pet warm, comfortable or safe:
- Winter coats or boots.A well-fitted coat on a cold winter’s day can help keep dogs with missing or very thin fur stay warm. In a small minority of dogs, sometimes special boots can protect their paws, especially if they often get to cuts and scrapes on their pads or are recovering from an injury to their paws.
- Surgical vests and therapy tops. If your pet has just had an operation your vet might recommend dressing them in a surgical vest to stop them licking their stiches. Therapy tops or pressure vests can sometimes be used in addition to other aides to reduce anxiety and stress. It is important that these fit well and are not too baggy because a large vest can get tangled and stop them moving properly or slow down their recovery.
- Hi-Vis jackets.Working animals might wear a high visibility jacket to help keep them safe on busy roads or in dangerous situations. These are also useful when taking dogs on winter walkies.
If your pet is comfortable and happy wearing a coat or a surgical vest there’s no reason to avoid these items of pet clothing - they could actually help your pet by keeping them safe or comfortable!
Our advice about dressing up pets
We think pets are adorable just as they are, so our advice is simple – if the clothes aren’t designed to keep them warm or safe, then it’s best to avoid dressing up your pet. They’ll probably prefer to stay as nature intended!
FAQs
Don't Go Overboard. Your dog's safety and comfort should always precedence over your fashion sense. Maybe stick to one holiday-themed accessory rather than putting together an entire ensemble. If you do decide to go with a unique outfit, leave it on your canine companion only long enough to snap a few quick pictures.
What percentage of people dress up their pets? ›
Data from a 2022 PetSmart national survey unveiled that more than 75 percent of pet parents planned to dress their pets up for Halloween and other fall occasions.
Do dogs like when you dress them up? ›
If your dog is timid and shies away from attention, then they may feel uncomfortable dressing up and having all eyes on them. Whereas, if your dog has a confident and sassy temperament, they may lavish the extra attention!
Is it okay to change clothes in front of pets? ›
Pets don't care. Our wearing clothes doesn't have much meaning to them unless it's to provide warmth to THEM.
Should you dress up your cat? ›
Certain costumes don't allow your cat to move around freely or see, hear, or smell the world around them. Whiskers can get squashed, and a cat could even get injured trying to wriggle out of the costume. It also limits a cat's ability to communicate, making it hard for you to tell whether they're anxious or scared.
Is it OK to dress up animals? ›
Our advice about dressing up pets
We think pets are adorable just as they are, so our advice is simple – if the clothes aren't designed to keep them warm or safe, then it's best to avoid dressing up your pet. They'll probably prefer to stay as nature intended!
Why dress up your pet? ›
Dressing up your furry pet is an effective way to make them look more attractive. It also serves practical purposes that support your pet's health and safety. While your pup probably doesn't need a full wardrobe, consider getting them an outfit or two to suit different situations.
Do dogs like getting dressed up? ›
Some pets are okay with wearing clothes, while others may not be as comfortable. For example, dogs who are outgoing and enjoy being around people may be more likely to tolerate wearing clothes than shy or anxious dogs. Cats who are independent and non-social may be more likely to dislike pet clothing.
Is it okay to put a shirt on my dog? ›
Dogs are generally not big fans of dressing up. Clothes can be uncomfortable, restrictive, and may even cause your pup to feel anxious or agitated. However, there are some instances where dog clothing is necessary for safety reasons or if the weather requires it.
Do dogs like it when you look at them in the eyes? ›
Prolonged eye contact can have different meanings for dogs, depending on their individual temperaments. But a dog, especially one who struggles with reactivity or is wary of people, might be alarmed by a stranger staring at them.
What to do after touching a dog. If you touch a dog when it is not wet, then your hand does not become impure, but if you touch it when it is wet, this means that the hand becomes impure, according to the opinion of many scholars, and the hand must be washed seven times, one of which should be with earth.
Should you look your cat in the eyes? ›
Whether you stare back at your cat depends on their body language. If they're staring because they look happy and content, then sure, show them some love in return by gazing into their eyes. If they appear distressed and angry, then it's best to avoid eye contact and give them space.
Are costumes ok on cats? ›
Costumes can limit the movement of your feline, their ability to go to the toilet and, in some cases, their breathing. Having pictures of them in hilarious costumes may seem fun for you both, but this should not be at the expense of your cat's safety and well-being.
Do cats like to sleep on their owners clothes? ›
Your Cat Wants Comfort
They aren't doing it on purpose or to spread their thin fur throughout your home. Actually, when a cat lies on your clothes, it is a sign that they love and trust you. Your clothes, you see, have your scent in them, which is calming and familiar.
How many Americans dress up their pets for Halloween? ›
Usage of Halloween pet costumes in the U.S. 2021
Just over one fifth of survey respondents stated that they planned to dress their pet in a costume for Halloween in the United States in 2021.
How big is the pet costume market? ›
The global pet clothing market size was valued at USD 5.56 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 5.79 billion in 2024 and reach USD 8.97 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period. North America dominated the pet clothing market with a market share of 33.63% in 2023.
When did people start dressing up their pets? ›
Nobility and the upper class have been decorating their canine companions for centuries and there is photographic evidence from 1900 of people dressing their dogs in human costumes. Today, it is common for people to dress up their dogs, particularly small dogs, and canine clothing has become a global phenomenon.
What is the most common costume for pets? ›
Data collected by the National Retail Federation (NRF) has found that pumpkin costumes are the most popular for pets across the U.S., with an estimated 11 percent of pets whose owners dress them in Halloween costumes donning them in pumpkin attire.
