Everything You Need to Know About Dog Clothing Safety

Our Pups Dressed for a Photoshoot for The Country Pups Collection

When dressing your dog in clothing, its fashion appeal will come to mind first but safety should also be a top priority. We’ve got 2 pups and our business is dog accessories. When creating new designs, style and safety are both factored in. No matter how confident we are in the safety of an accessory, we are still supervising! Silkie and Skippy get dressed up for photoshoots and when we head out for fun but when we’re home, they are usually in their birthday suits.

Personally, I just couldn’t leave them with their clothes and accessories on without being able to monitor them. It’s just never worth the risk. This is especially true when you have multiple dogs because even though the dog wearing that charm can’t reach it with his mouth, the other dog can. Our pups play fight numerous times in a day so I’d rather be safe than sorry. If I’m not home, they do not have any clothing or accessories on.

Ok, sorry for the stern tone to begin this blog post! I really do love dressing them and accessorizing our dogs and weirdly, they’ve grown to enjoy it as well! So, lets dig-in on how to do this the safest way.

Sample Size Guide for Isy & Cris Bandanas and Bandeau Scarves

8 Pieces of Advice to keep your dog safe when choosing the best clothing options. 

1. Proper Fit: Ensure the clothing fits well—neither too tight nor too loose. Tight clothing can restrict movement and breathing, while loose clothing might cause your dog to trip or get tangled. It is SO IMPORTANT to take and know your pups basic measurements - Neck, Chest and Length. Grab a soft sewing ruler (they sell them at the Dollar Store) and measure, leaving just an inch at most for some wiggle room. Also, take the time to view the sizing guidelines for each retailer or designer. They all use different measurement for their sizes.

2. Check for Choking Hazards: Try to avoid clothing with small buttons, zippers, or decorations that your dog could chew off and swallow. These can become choking hazards. Most clothing items do include these features though. The best designer will strategically place these embellishments to make them safer for your pup. We love embellishments though! So, good rule of thumb is to remove clothing if you’re not going to be with your dog. 

3. Monitor for Overheating: Dogs can overheat if they wear too many layers or if the clothing is too thick. Be especially cautious indoors or in mild weather. Watch for signs like panting, excessive drooling, or lethargy. A good example is when you first take out your dog and it’s cold outside but now he or she is walking long distances or running. Keep in mind of the change in body temperature due to activity. It may be time to remove the parka and place it back on after your dog has rested again.

4. Ease of Movement: Choose clothing that allows your dog to move naturally. They should be able to walk, run, sit, and lie down comfortably. Restrictive clothing can cause discomfort, stress and lead to injury. If you have a new garment for your dog, test it out, supervise first. Make sure that it is well-fitted and comfortable for your pup.

5. Check for Skin Irritation or Fur Mating Issues: Some dogs have sensitive skin that can become irritated by certain fabrics. Check regularly for redness, rashes, or hair loss, especially around areas where the clothing fits snugly. Our Coton, Skippy, will mat after wearing most clothing items and even harnesses. This problem is always on our mind when trying new clothing items and a brush is always near by!

6. Supervise, Supervise or Remove it! Always supervise your dog the first few times they wear clothes to ensure they don’t try to remove them by chewing or scratching. It’s safest to remove your dog’s clothes when they are unsupervised, especially at night or when you’re not home, to avoid accidents or discomfort.

7. Keep it short and positive, Observe Behavioral Changes: If your dog shows signs of distress, such as refusing to move, whining, or trying to remove the clothes excessively, take them off immediately. Some dogs simply don’t enjoy wearing clothes, and that’s okay. If you’re interested in learning the best practices and training methods to get your dog comfortable wearing new gear, please view our blog post:

8. Consider the Weather: Use clothes appropriate for the weather. For example, don’t use heavy jackets in mild weather or leave your dog in wet clothes after a walk in the rain. Avoid synthetic materials, especially in humid conditions.

Let’s Review Fabrics for Dog Clothing

When choosing clothes for your dog, it's important to select fabrics that are safe, comfortable, and appropriate for their skin and coat.

Here are 4 fabrics you should generally avoid:

1. Wool: While wool is warm, it can be itchy and irritating to a dog's skin, especially if the dog has sensitive skin or is prone to allergies. Wool also tends to absorb moisture, which can be uncomfortable and lead to skin issues. Short wear is fine for any of these fabrics but for long wear time, I’d avoid them.

2. Synthetic Fabrics (e.g., Nylon, Polyester, Acrylic): These materials can cause skin irritation in some dogs, especially those with sensitive skin. They also tend to trap heat and may not be breathable, leading to overheating. Some synthetic fabrics are not as soft as natural fibers, making them uncomfortable.

3. Loose Knits or Mesh: These fabrics can easily snag on nails, teeth, or other objects, posing a risk of injury. Loose knits may also cause your dog to get tangled, leading to distress or accidents.

4. Vinyl or Plastic: These materials are not breathable and can cause your dog to overheat. They also tend to be stiff and uncomfortable, limiting your dog’s range of motion.

Here are 4 of the best fabrics to choose when buying clothing for your dog:

1. Cotton: Soft, breathable, and comfortable, making it a good option for most dogs.

2. Fleece: Warm, soft, and generally non-irritating, ideal for cooler weather.

3. Bamboo or Organic Cotton: Hypoallergenic and gentle on the skin, good for dogs with sensitivities.

4. Breathable, Lightweight Knits: Allow for movement and comfort without causing overheating.