Animals And Fashion: Is It Right To Dress Cats And Dogs?
Certain items of clothing for dogs or cats can often seem so cute that owners have to buy them and have them wear them. In a way, the same concept of human fashion applies to pets as well. But is it right to do this? Perhaps, before dressing cats and dogs, it is correct to stop and think about the advantages and disadvantages of this behavior.
Advantages of dressing cats and dogs: the right protection against the cold
With the arrival of winter, more serious problems could arise for the health of your four-legged friend than you can imagine. In this sense, it is essential to remember that colds can cause respiratory problems and aggravate some joint diseases.
Some types of dogs have always been used to cold temperatures, because they originate from countries and territories where winter conditions are prevalent. This is the case of the Nordic breeds, which have a very thick coat, formed by a double layer of hair and a thick layer of fat.
The importance of the race
If your dog is a Siberian Husky, Shar-Pei, Samoyed, Alaskan Malamute or Chow-Chow, there is no need for him to wear any clothing. The body of these beautiful canids is more than enough on its own to withstand really low temperatures. A raincoat or wool sweater could be very annoying.
The smaller dogs, and with little hair, are often more vulnerable to cold climates. Their tiny body is more fragile and is not suited to survive outdoors. Basically, they are more susceptible to any diseases. The breeds that can hardly stand the cold are: Yorkshire, Pinscher, French Bulldog, Boston Terrier, Pug, Chihuahua, Miniature Bull Terrier and the Chinese hairless dog.
As for cats, their bodies are naturally more vulnerable to cold than dogs. So, exposing your little feline to unfavorable weather conditions can make them sick.
Prevention of accidents and injuries
Another advantage that comes from dressing cats and dogs is that the clothing offers protection against possible friction, bumps, wounds and various injuries. If your pet is going through a time of being less disciplined, coats and fabric protectors will help prevent bumps and bruises. There are also special clothing items that provide additional protection against bacteria, parasites and environmental allergens.
Disadvantages of dressing up your pet
One of the biggest disadvantages of dressing cats and dogs is related to any allergic reactions they can cause in certain cases. There are in fact many breeds with particularly delicate skin. The simple contact or rubbing with particular types of fabric, seams, zippers or zippers, could cause discomfort, allergies and constant inflammation of the skin.
Another disadvantage is that pet clothes must always be kept in a state of impeccable cleanliness. It is the only way that will allow you to avoid the accumulation of debris, bacteria and other microorganisms which, in addition to causing bad smell, could cause discomfort and trigger even serious pathologies on the skin of your four-legged friend.
The great growth of the pet fashion market is questionable. From our point of view, this unusual effervescence should be taken as an alarm for the excessive humanization of dogs and cats. Be responsible owners: always remember that having a pet also means respecting its nature.
How to choose clothes for cats and dogs?
Before exposing your pet to contact with any garment, it is very important to make sure of the quality of the fabric and that any seams do not cause discomfort. Improving the aesthetics of your dog and cat is a human whim. The most important thing is not the appearance, but the health, comfort and well-being that you must always guarantee.
Some tips for dressing up your pets
1. Check for any allergies
If your pet has never undergone an allergy test, it is important to consult your veterinarian about it. Especially if you have observed changes in his eating routine, behavior or body level.
This step is essential to understand if your dog or cat is allergic or not, so that you can choose clothes that do not cause this type of discomfort.
2. Avoid clothes with small parts
Cats and dogs are naturally curious, they love to discover new objects and almost always do it by licking them, chewing them or simply playing with them. The problem arises when the clothes have accessories, such as beads, laces, bows or other with which the animal could choke or choke. So choose clothing for animals that are simple and without detachable parts.
3. Find the right size
As with humans, the sizes indicated on clothes and coats are often not exactly right for you. To ensure a proper purchase, you will need to take measurements of your pets. Its height, the length of its body (from the neck to where the tail begins), the diameter of the neck and abdomen.
4. Observe your pet’s reaction
The aesthetic taste of owners is a real problem if it interferes with the well-being of pets. So, it doesn’t matter how beautiful a garment is, elegant or expensive. The first thought must be not to force your dog or cat to wear a sweater or coat, even if it is a branded one. Before imposing a dress on the animal, it is good to observe its reaction. If he appears discontented, if he gets agitated and tries to take off what he is wearing, it is best to respect this choice of his and give up the whim of dressing him. Better a serene and happy animal than an elegant but stressed one.
