As Halloween looms, many pet owners are excitedly choosing the perfect costumes for themselves and their furry friends.
However, a vet issued a warning about the potential dangers of dressing up dogs in elaborate outfits. While they might look endearing, these costumes can cause a multitude of problems for your canine companion and consequently, for you as well.
A PDSA TikTok video features Vet Nurse Rachel, who is seen sitting on a couch with a dog costume in hand, detailing the hazards associated with such attire. “Your dog will look cute in this, right? Actually, it’s not so cute,” she begins, highlighting the risks involved.
Rachel elaborates that costumes can lead to stress, overheating, heatstroke, and even prevent dogs from expressing their natural behaviours and body language. She advises pet owners to reconsider before dressing up their dogs.
She added: “Outfits like this can cause a lot of issues. They can cause unnecessary stress, some overheating, leading to heat stroke, and even the inability to exhibit natural behaviours and body language. Next time you want to put one of these on, think again.”
The advice is reinforced in the video’s caption, which reads: “From restricted movement to potential stress, there’s a lot to consider. Our stance? Unless it’s for warmth, safety, or recovery, pets are perfect just as they are.”
Supporting this viewpoint, Blue Cross has also shared a cautionary message, stating: “Elaborate costumes will restrict the movement of your dog and stop them being able to show natural behaviours. This can prevent a dog’s ability to communicate with other dogs or people which can lead to miscommunication and behavioural escalation.”
A Reddit user put forth the idea of a “festive bandana” as a subtle seasonal tribute, avoiding elaborate outfits.
The nuances of PDSA’s video were lost on one dog owner who responded in the comments: “No thanks, I’ll keep my dog’s jumper on her to keep her warm in the freezing cold cause she shivers, and she’s got thin wire hair and before anyone comes at me saying dog doesn’t want it well sorry but she’s my world and I listen to her if she’s cold I know she’s my baby and she’s is completely the same with or without it on.”
PDSA clarified: “This video is focused on dressing up pets in fancy dress costumes for the holiday season, which is for entertainment purposes only, rather than pets wearing items of clothing for medical or warmth reasons. We agree that during the colder months, some furry friends benefit from the extra layer of a coat or jumper. And it’s super important to find one that is suitable for them.”
Another comment read: “I wouldn’t dress my dog up unless it’s also to keep them warm on a walk. My dogs happily wear coats and I check the temperature before I take my dogs out.”
Meanwhile, another individual vented their annoyance, writing: “It’s a sign of disrespect towards the animal and seeing it as an object rather than a living creature. No animal wants to wear a costume.”