Dog owners who dress their pets contribute to the growth of skin diseases, according to veterinarians.
Dressing dogs in clothes like sweaters, coats, and T-shirts can have a negative effect on them.
In a survey of veterinarians conducted by Direct Line, 32% indicated that it could cause skin irritation in addition to stress.
The three most common skin reactions in dogs reported by veterinarians are atopic dermatitis, chronic skin diseases associated with allergies, otitis, inflammatory diseases in the outer and middle part of the ear, and allergies caused by fleas.
However, the majority of owners surveyed (81%) have a coat for their dogs, while others have reflective outfits (31%) and vests (21%). Some go further and dress their dogs in T-shirts (16%), hats and shoes (7%), and even dresses (5%).
Dr. Andrew Francis RCVS, Head of Operations at Pawsquad mobile veterinary company says: “Owners should be aware that sometimes putting clothes on their dogs can cause damage to the dog’s skin due to the materials with which they are used. they are made “
“Skin diseases are the most common reason for people seeking an online veterinary consultation and, while they are mild, they can cause major problems if they are not treated for a long period of time”
“If an owner believes that his dog is suffering from a skin disease he should consult a veterinarian.”
The majority of veterinarians (70%) and nurses stated that the West Highland Terrier is the breed most susceptible to this type of disease, followed by Shar Peis, Labradors, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and Boxers.
Although dog owners worry that their dogs will be cold in winter, veterinarians advise that they do not need clothing to protect themselves. Their skin is well protected by their hair, and although they can get wet, they dry quickly and rain is unlikely to harm them. You can find more interesting facts about dog’s toys and clothes on dogblogtv.
According to veterinarians, the most common treatments for skin problems are antibiotics (28%), steroids and their creams (22%), and flea prevention with collars (17%). For dogs more susceptible to allergies, having a dehumidifier would help as it can check if your dog is on a diet rich in hypoallergenic.
Veterinary insurance covers this type of skin disease in addition to all those that are caused by an accident, illness, or damage caused to third parties by your pets. To do this, you only have to pay the vet’s bill and your company will reimburse you for the expenses, and they also offer you the option of choosing the vet that best suits your needs. SegurosVeterinario.com is the most competitive specialist dog insurance comparator on the market, try it! www.segurosveterinario.com
Dog clothes: Advantages and disadvantages of dressing your pet
One of the eternal controversies is whether our dog should wear clothes or not. This topic is still the main source of discussion for many owners, experts, and animal lovers, but do our pets really need a dress?
Well, here we present a series of advantages and disadvantages to taking into account if you are thinking of buying clothes for your pet if you already put them on or if you want to know the details that inspire the boom in dog fashion. Of course, these types of garments are not made for all types of animals.
Not every dog can wear it
To begin with, it must be clarified that animals – in this specific case dogs- have a body temperature much higher than ours, around 38 degrees approximately depending on the complexion, breed, and hair of each one. In addition, they have hair, which is one of the factors to take into account, since the genetic evolution of each dog has been adapted to the needs of each breed – a Chihuahua is not the same as a greyhound or a Siberian husky. Each one lives in a specific area and climate and had a unique service.
It is for this reason that many of our faithful friends do not really need a specific outfit to be the trendiest on the street. Nor is it advisable to force the animal to wear something that it does not want, because most of the time it is uncomfortable and does not allow a totally free movement, as well as the little habit they may have.
So, first of all, it will be necessary to observe whether or not our pet wants to start dressing in dog clothes. Let no one despair if their animal does not like it or it bothers them because no one can force it to wear anything it does not want, especially if this type of clothing is uncomfortable or gives allergic reactions.
When dogs need clothes?
To start with the advantages, it must be said that clothing for dogs can become essential for small animals in very cold times since not all breeds live in their habitat and some can have a hard time in winter. In that sense, it is a great help for the dog and for the owner, who sees his friend warm and happy when he goes out for a walk.
During the different times of the year, there are various changes in temperatures that can affect the animal’s usual shedding of hair. Dogs tend to have more delicate skin in these periods of time, so it is beneficial to have a sweater with which to protect them from possible injuries caused by the cold, the sun, the rain, or any abrasion. As well as not filling the house with hair, because it can fall in abundance.
Continuing with the advantages of dog clothes, it should be noted that it protects only certain small breeds, with a thin complexion, with very short and fine hair, elderly or sick pets from the cold. For the rest of the animals, it is not necessary to harass them with clothes that can bother them a lot.
For the most unruly it is a good way to avoid scratches, scrapes, or blows, as well as the possible infection of wounds since clothing protects from parasites, allergens, and bacteria that can appear in parks, streets, or the air itself. Even so, it would be good to ensure the quality of the clothes that are used to dress our dog.
So what type of clothing should not be bought for your dog?
Although dog clothing, whether needed or not, is a continued argument, we picked some reasons based on different research on why type of clothes your dog should avoid wearing.
- Hot fabrics during summer. There are many types of dog clothing but the following should be avoided when the weather is hot, especially during summer and in tropical places like South Florida.
- Wool
- Silk
- Fleece
- Down
- Nylon
Dog clothing made of the above fabrics can cause heat stroke during summer.
- Too loose or too tight. Dog clothing should not limit the animal’s movement. It will be extremely comfortable to move if the clothes are too loose or too tight.
- Clothing with zippers, strips, and other choking hazards. Dogs are like children who have limited understanding. As human adult owners, we should not expose your pets to any hazard. There are many accounts of dogs choked by zippers, or genitalia being caught between sippers causing injuries.
- Clothes that can impede urination. Similar to the second item above, loose clothes could impede urination.
- Non-adjustable clothes. Dog clothes should always be adjustable for easy movement.
