Animal charity warns dog owners their pets 'naturally resent' wearing clothes and jewellery

Sarah Slater

An animal charity is warning dog owners that their four-legged friends “naturally resent” wearing clothes and jewellery.

Dogs Trust Ireland is also highlighting that placing such items on their dogs could cause abrasions or irritation to their skin.

According to the Belgium-based Fediaft Europe Pet Food, Ireland has 520,000 dogs.

Paulina Padlo, a spokesperson for the charity, explained that because dog welfare is their “main priority”, they advise “against dressing a dog up for aesthetic reasons, particularly if it is causing the dog unnecessary discomfort or irritation.

Ms Padlo added that it might “look fun” putting a dog in a hoody or fancy dress and while dogs may not feel embarrassed “as far as we know, they can feel discomfort, abrasions, irritation, overheat or feel restricted. Overheating can lead to a heat rash which will have physical symptoms too.

“Clothing should also not be worn if it stops a dog expressing normal behaviour or if they show signs of being worried or anxious,” she pointed out."

The pet clothing market here is projected to expand by 2.61 per cent by 2027. The largest economy is Germany, followed by the UK, France, Italy, and Russia according to research by 6Wreasearch.com.

The global pet clothing market size was valued at €4.4 billion in 2021, and is projected to reach €6.5 billion by 2031.

The pet clothing market is experiencing growth owing to increased pet ownership across the globe due to rise in consumers’ disposable income and increase in awareness regarding the health benefits of having a companion.

The major factors driving the growth of the global pet clothing market include the rise in trend of nuclear families, rapid humanization of pets, and increase in awareness about pet health.

The spokesperson noted that coats and jumpers to protect dogs from rain and cold weather can be a “good idea,” especially for those breeds of dog with little body fat, such as greyhounds and whippets, who are especially susceptible to the cold.

“The same would apply to socks: once they are trained and comfortable wearing them, and it’s for safety and welfare purposes, it might work well for your dog,” said Ms Padlo.