FAQ: Clothing for dogs

Most dogs get used to a comfortable garment within a few days to a week of regular, short sessions. Sensitive or older dogs may need longer, so it is best to start before the cold season.

Yes, adult dogs can also learn to wear clothes, though it may take more patience. Start with a light garment that is easy to put on, such as a Velcro vest, and link it to something pleasant, such as a walk.

Choose a garment that lays over the back and fastens under the belly rather than one pulled over the head. Stay calm, get a second person to hold a treat and dress the dog just before going out, so the garment is linked to the walk.

Yes, especially when running, playing or coming back into a warm room. Signs of overheating include heavy panting, a bright red tongue and lethargy. Take the warm jacket off as soon as you get home and do not use it in milder weather.

It is better not to, because the dog can get tangled, snagged, overheat or start chewing the garment and swallow pieces. Use clothing under supervision, except for recovery suits recommended by a vet.

Small buttons, beads, charms, pompoms and loose cords can be dangerous, as a dog may bite off and swallow them or get caught on them. Choose garments without small decorations and check regularly that nothing has come loose.

Contact a vet straight away, especially if the dog swallowed a cord, elastic, part of a zip or a larger piece of fabric. Do not try to make the dog vomit yourself. Urgent help is needed if the dog vomits, refuses food or has a painful belly.

Redness or worn-away hair appears under the garment, especially in the armpits, groin and at the neck, or the dog often licks those areas. It may also walk oddly or resist being dressed. In that case, change the garment.

A badly cut or overly long garment can get wet or soiled, and some dogs even refuse to toilet in it. Check that the rear ends before the tail and, for males, that the belly section is short enough.

No, unless the jacket has a specially reinforced built-in harness. An ordinary jacket cannot withstand a pull, and the dog can slip out of it. Always use a properly fitted collar or harness.

Yes, a high collar or thick garment can hide the ID tag, so someone who finds a lost dog may not notice it. Make sure the tag is visible and the dog is microchipped and registered.

A garment worn for long periods or while damp can create a warm, moist environment where skin irritation or infection develops more easily. Take it off when the dog comes home, dry and wash it regularly, and show any skin changes to a vet.

A wet garment no longer warms; it actually chills, and kept against the coat it encourages skin irritation. If the garment has not dried, use a spare or go out briefly without it.

Yes, a garment must not restrict shoulder and hip movement, otherwise the dog walks unnaturally and tires faster. Watch your dog's gait: if it shortens its stride or lifts its legs oddly, the garment is too tight or poorly cut.

First read the label. Most jackets can be machine-washed on a gentle cycle in cool water with mild detergent, with the Velcro and zips fastened. Air-dry them, as heat can damage the water-resistant finish.

Choose a mild, unscented or lightly scented detergent and rinse well, because dogs are sensitive to smells and residue can irritate the skin. Avoid fabric softener on waterproof garments, as it reduces water repellency.

Raincoats and jackets often just need rinsing or wiping after a muddy walk, and washing when they start to smell or get dirty. Sweaters and pyjamas that touch the coat all the time should be washed more often, roughly every week or two.

Shake off the water and hang the garment on a hanger in a ventilated place with Velcro and zips open so the inside dries too. Do not put it directly on a hot radiator, as heat can damage synthetic fabrics and coatings.

A lint roller or rubber glove easily lifts hair from the garment's surface. Clean hair out of Velcro with a comb or toothbrush, and fasten the Velcro before washing so it does not catch on other fabrics.

Smell usually develops when a garment is stored damp. Wash it according to the label, rinse well and dry fully in a ventilated place. Avoid strong fragrances, as dogs find them unpleasant.