Some dog owners love to dress their pooches in canine outfits. Whether for Halloween, Christmas, or some other event, there is undoubtedly a market for doggie clothing—the global pet clothing market was valued at over $5 million in 2021, and it is expected to increase to roughly $269 million by 2030.

That said, have you ever wondered if dogs like wearing clothes? The answer is not a simple yes or no and generally depends on whether your dog is accustomed to wearing clothes; otherwise, they likely do not enjoy wearing them. However, certain weather conditions may warrant doggie clothing. We’ll explain if and when you should dress your dog in clothing along with how to spot if your dog is stressed while wearing clothes.

Is It OK for Dogs to Wear Clothes?

Typically, there is no harm in dressing your dog in a cute outfit if they don’t mind it, so long as the clothing is not restrictive (more on this later) and you supervise them while the clothing is on. Some dogs may not care for wearing clothing but love the attention it brings, and others absolutely hate it and may even freeze with it on.

However, certain situations warrant putting clothes on your dog, such as sweaters for warmth for short-haired or hairless dogs or a life jacket in water for the average swimmer, regardless of whether your dog likes it or not. On the other hand, unnecessary garments, like Halloween costumes or hats, are purely for human entertainment.

It’s imperative to understand if your dog is tolerant of wearing clothes. If wearing clothing stresses your dog out, you should skip it altogether unless the clothing serves a purpose.

Signs Your Dog Hates Wearing Clothing

So, how do you know if your dog is tolerant of wearing clothing? Knowing the signs your dog is stressed or anxious while wearing unnecessary clothing will help you determine if you should subject your dog to the idea. If you notice these signs, your dog probably hates clothing:

What Kind of Clothing Does a Dog Need?

Particular dog clothing is important, regardless of whether your dog likes to wear it. Take booties, for example. Booties may be necessary to protect your dog’s paw pads while walking on rough terrain or hot pavement.

Your dog’s breed can also factor into whether clothing may be necessary, such as a greyhound living in cold climates. Greyhounds have very little protection from the elements due to their thin skin and scarce body fat, making wearing a sweater outdoors beneficial in cold weather. Here are some examples of dog clothing that may be necessary in certain situations:

How to Choose Doggie Clothing

Before buying your dog clothing, there are a few considerations you should be aware of. For example, it’s important to choose clothing that does not hinder your dog’s mobility in any way, as this can be uncomfortable and downright dangerous if too tight. Let’s look at how to buy appropriate clothing for your dog.

Materials

Ensure the clothing is made of comfortable, durable, and safe material for the elements. Avoid wool because it will be itchy and can cause irritation. Clothing with seams may also cause your dog to itch and irritation from rubbing against the skin, which can provoke your dog to chew the clothing.

Cotton is a good choice for its breathability and stretching abilities, but it also doesn’t dry well when wet. However, it retains warmth and also allows air to move freely, keeping your dog cool. In short, it’s best to choose a material that suits the elements your dog will be in.

Adjustability

Some dog clothing comes with Velcro straps or buckled adjustments, so you can adjust the clothing appropriately for a perfect fit. However, avoid clothing with zippers or buttons, as these will entice your dog to chew them off and could become a choking hazard.

Measurements

Taking measurements is necessary to ensure you buy an appropriately fitting garment. With a tape measure, measure your dog’s chest girth, neck girth, and the length of the back to the tail while they’re standing to ensure the clothing fits snugly but not too loosely or too tightly.

Final Thoughts

While it may be adorable to dress your dog up in clothing, not all clothing is deemed necessary. It’s OK to dress your dog in a costume to celebrate a holiday or event if they are used to it and don’t mind. However, avoid this if your dog doesn’t tolerate it well.

Remember that some clothing is beneficial, like sweaters or jackets in cold weather or booties for hot pavement or rough terrain. Also, before buying clothing, take the appropriate measurements to ensure the clothing does not restrict your dog’s mobility.

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Featured Image Credit: Ryan Seth Nau, Shutterstock