Does your pet really want to be dressed as Santa this Christmas?

With so many adorable pet costumes out there, it’s no surprise that we’ve thought about dressing up our pets. They would look adorable in anything! However, your pet may not be on board, and because they can’t express themselves like humans, we might not even realise that they’re uncomfortable!

If you’re dressing up your pet, make sure you keep a close eye to spot any signs of distress. 

When buying clothes for your pet, avoid outfits that:

• have dangling accessories that can be chewed off or swallowed

• are too tight or may cut off circulation

• cover your pet’s eyes, ears or whiskers

• prevent them from expressing their normal behaviour 

• might overheat your pet, especially if they have a thick coat

Signs your pets don’t want to dress up:

  🐶  Dogs

• Run or hide when you bring the clothes/costumes

• Your dog refuses to move or freezes

• They are walking oddly or seem uncomfortable  

• Licks their lips—a sign of anxiety

• Avoid direct eye contact or you can see the whites of their eyes

• Try to get out of their clothes

🐈  Cats

• Run away or scratch at you as you try to get the outfit on

• Vocalises 

• Chew or claw at the fabric

• Drop to the floor

• Walk backward or low to the ground

Do all pets dislike wearing clothes?

Every pet is different. Some pets may enjoy the attention they get from wearing costumes and some with short hair might enjoy the warmth of a nice winter coat. Typically pets have evolved to cope with the cold weather with their fur or feathers and do not need clothes.

A slow introduction

Like all new things, if you really want to put your pet into a costume, get them accustomed to clothes before rushing to get them into that elf costume. Go slowly and offer treat rewards. Teach them to associate positively with clothes and avoid forcing them at any point. If they absolutely do not engage, think again about your reasons for dressing your pet up.  

If you are desperate for a holiday costume and your pet is not so keen, why not try a fun bandana?