There are many doggie parents that dress up their little best friends for fun, like in holiday apparel at Christmas or Halloween, and I think that’s perfectly fine. A lot of small canines love the extra attention and treats they get when they’re all dressed up. I know mine do. However, there are some people that may go too far with clothing their little dog. The main point is that dog apparel can be for fun but should always conform to the needs and comfort of the dog, not to the desires of the owner.
The main desire of an owner who dresses up a dog is cuteness. Who doesn’t love seeing a little apple head Chihuahua with an adorable sweater walking down the street? This is great, but one of the main dangers of dog clothes is overheating for the canine. If you see a dog with a coat, jacket or sweater on and he’s panting, then he should have the outfit taken off immediately and be given water. Not only is this uncomfortable for him, but it’s also dangerous. Of course, any responsible owner can avoid this, and I’m only referring to those that don’t pay attention to their dog’s needs. This is not to say that when it’s warm dog clothing can’t be of any use. For example, some breeds like the hairless Chinese Crested dogs need protection from sunburn. Sunblock and a light dog shirt are just the thing. Also, if you and your hound are at an Independence Day cookout, a patriotic colored dress or camouflage tank top are the perfect party outfits. Just remember to asses your dog’s needs, talk to your vet, and pay attention to how your dog feels before putting them in clothes.