|
Dress Your Pet
Ever wondered
about the terrier in the sweater vest or collie in a coat? Are these
just silly ways pet owners express their individuality or do they
really keep Spot warm?
Pet Fashion Do's and Don'ts
As most of you realize, the dedicated pet owner/guardian has a
tendency to humanize their pets. And rightly so, since pets are and
should be considered part of the family. Sometimes, we let our
motherly or fatherly instincts get the best of us when viewing pets
as our "children".
Please remember that dogs and cats, with the exception of some, have
their natural coats to keep them warm in the winter and insulated in
the summer.
|
 |
Kitty Princess picture copyright and courtesy of:
Dawn Sartz
Earmark Cattery |
|
A little common sense can do wonders. For example, the origin of a
hairless Chihuahua began in a very hot Mexican climate. However,
through the ages, many of these dogs have been transported to areas
all over the world, including very cold climates. They are ideal
candidates for clothing. On the other hand, Alaskan Eskimo dogs,
obviously created for cold climates, are living in tropical areas
and therefore need not wear clothing.
Your "child" will let you know when or if he/she wants to be
dressed.
Below are some do's and don'ts when making the decision whether or
not to dress your pet.
Do Dress Your Pets:
If they are hairless, short-haired or mid-haired or have a long,
thin coat.
By slowly breaking them in little by little. Try to combine their
coat or sweater along with their leash when taking them for a walk,
shopping or other social functions. They will gradually get the idea
and will associate the clothes with a good time.
If you live in a cold climate where they will be outside for a
lengthy duration of time or live in doghouses (which we do not
advise as this may cause joint pain such as arthritis and other
medical problems, just as in humans, your pet should NEVER be left
out in cold weather).
When shopping during cool weather, but if you plan to stay in a
store for a while, your pet may become overheated, so remember to
loosen, unbutton, unzip or remove the clothing during that time.
During cool summer evenings, but only in a very lightweight t-shirt.
Only if they enjoy wearing the clothes.
Don't Dress Your Pets:
If you live in a hot climate where temperatures exceed the norm.
Doing so may cause your pet to encounter heat stroke.
If they have a full, thick, dense coat.
In tight clothing. Please make sure the clothing is roomy and
comfortable.
If they struggle with the clothes even after you've tried the
break-in process. Some pets just don't want to be dressed, so please
DON’T FORCE.
|
