Dressing Up Your Dog: Is it Safe?

Dressing Up Your Dog: Is it Safe?

Whether you’re a Halloween fanatic or just love the idea of pets wearing people clothes, you may be wondering whether or not dressing up your dog is aligned with pet safety best practices. The good news is that in most cases, dressing up your dog is perfectly safe, so long as you follow some recommended safety protocols. Check out the following tips for safely putting clothes and costumes on your four-legged best friend—

Avoid Toxic Ingredients

It probably goes without saying, but it’s important to avoid toxic ingredients when you’re dressing up your dog. For example, avoiding hair dyes is a good idea, no matter how tempted you are to dye Fluffy’s tail purple. If there are toxic accessories that you were thinking about incorporating into your pup’s costume (like glow sticks), it’s best to leave these out. 

Reduce Choking Hazards

Another thing you’ll want to think about when you’re preparing your pup’s costume is whether or not there are any choking hazards that could put them in danger. For example, a cape that’s positioned around your dog’s neck could get caught, putting them at risk of suffocation. There are also things that your dog may attempt to eat and potentially choke on, so avoid these outfit items as well. 

Don’t Leave Your Dog Alone in Costume

While your pup may be fine for hours on their own normally, it’s not a smart idea to leave them unattended while playing dress-up. In the event that something does go wrong—for example, your dog starts choking or gets caught on something—you’ll want to be around to help them out. It’s always a good idea to undress them, so to speak, before leaving. 

Consider Comfort in Addition to Safety

Finally, remember that while dressing up your dog may be fun, many dogs may feel uncomfortable or even anxious while wearing clothes and costumes. You know your dog the best and know what their comfort level is, so be cognizant of this if you’re thinking about dressing them up. In addition to whether or not your dog will even tolerate clothes, consider things like the comfort of materials and fit (are things too tight or itchy?) as well as temperature considerations (if it’s hot outside, extra clothes probably aren’t a great idea).

Consult Your Vet About Dressing Up Your Dog

If in doubt, it’s always a good idea to get a second opinion from a veterinary professional. For other questions related to pet care, such as where to find great dog training and boarding services, reach out to Happy Pup Manor today!