An animal expert explains when dogs actually need clothes and when they don't. Small breeds and dogs with thin coats benefit most in cold weather, while most other dogs overheat in clothing. The video covers health considerations and how to choose the right fit from a veterinary perspective.
The use of dog clothes has always been controversial. Is it really necessary to protect dogs from the cold? Can we dress them daily? Is it harmful to their health or well being? If you also have doubts about the use of dog clothes, it is probably because you are concerned about their well being and not just for aesthetic reasons. In this video by an animal expert, we will explain when you should use dog clothes, when it is not necessary, and how to choose the best one. All this from a veterinary and ethological point of view. Let's get started. Some owners, even with the best intentions, dress their dogs warmly, thinking that they are suffering from the winter cold. However, it is important to understand that dogs are not human and that they have specific needs of their species that must be respected. Dressing a Nordic dog, like a husky in a warm coat makes no sense and can even be harmful since it does not allow adequate air circulation through the dog's coat, thus causing an increase in body temperature. There are also those who wish to dress their dog in clothes to disguise it as a mere aesthetic issue without really caring about its well being, thus increasing its levels of stress, anxiety and discomfort. However, while in some cases it may be contraindicated, in others it may be highly advisable. We can dress a dog if it is very cold in our region during the winter and we notice shivering and discomfort in our animal. It can also be useful in kennels that keep their animals outdoors even in winter, to help them get through the night better. For all these reasons, whenever we want to dress a dog, we must first consider whether it is really necessary and if so, look for an accessory that does not impede its natural movements and makes it feel as comfortable as possible. During the winter, it may be advisable to dress a dog, especially if we are talking about puppies, elderly dogs, dogs with health problems, or dogs with very short hair or no hair, such as a Chihuahua or a Chinese Crested. We can also use raincoats to protect our animals from the rain. Choose fabrics that use quality materials and after measuring your dog, choose clothes that are the right size for him. When in doubt, always opt for looser fitting clothes rather than tight fitting ones. The most important thing is that he feels comfortable, as tight clothing, in addition to being uncomfortable, can prevent him from moving normally and have the opposite effect to what we were looking for. We will also take into account the type of hair and the physical constitution of the dog, as obese animals can increase their body temperature excessively by wearing coats which would predispose them to heat stroke. An example of a dog that should not wear clothes is the Maltese Bichon, as it would suffer from excessive heat and discomfort due to its long coat. In these cases, we will only use it for short periods, such as during walks. We will also avoid clothes that include buttons, zippers or that are frayed as the dog could ingest them or accidentally hurt itself. Sometimes cheap things are expensive. If we do not consider purchasing clothing made of quality material, more sensitive dogs may develop allergies or experience discomfort. The type of detergent used to wash clothes can also cause allergies. So so it is recommended to always wash a dog's fabrics with neutral soap, thus avoiding the use of chemicals. Another common problem is putting on clothes without the animal being completely dry, which encourages the proliferation of bacteria and fungi that cause irritation and allergies. Some symptoms of allergies in dogs can be intense itching, reddened skin, the presence of scabs and pustules on the skin, alopecia, swelling of the skin and obvious discomfort, among others. If you detect any of these clinical signs, do not hesitate to stop using the clothing and contact your veterinarian. Finally, it should be noted that if your dog does not need to wear clothes but you still want to give them accessories, you can opt for collars, harnesses or headbands. There is a wide variety of these products on the market and they will certainly not affect their health or well being. Don't forget that if you want to make them yourself. On our channel we have lots of crafts where we teach you how to make collars and other accessories. And is your dog one of those who needs to wear clothes in winter? If you found these tips useful, give us a like and leave us your comments. Don't forget to download the Animal Expert app and share everything about your animals there. Until next time, experts.
