National Dress Up Your Pet Day: More than Just Fun
January 12, 2022
Pet Clothing Can Be Practical (and Cute!) During Winter
When we first heard of National Dress Up Your Pet Day on January 14, it seemed like one of those cute-sy celebrations perfect for Insta photo shoots. And it is!
But dressing your pet appropriately in winter can help them endure the cold and weather more safely.
Winter Pet Clothing Tips for Dogs
Dogs have to brave the cold outdoors, for walks and “doing business.” When the weather drops below 45 degrees F, it’s time to consider these cold weather pet clothing tips:
- When going outside, your dog may appreciate wearing a coat, especially if they are vulnerable. Dogs most likely to need coats are short-haired, small, ill, very young or very old
- Watch for signs of cold intolerance like shivering, a tucked tail, whining or lifting paws off the ground
- For walks, consider booties. Not only do they protect paws from the cold, they can keep de-icing chemicals from reaching your pet’s paw pads or fur. Make sure to wash the booties to prevent skin contact with chemicals
- Older or more cold-sensitive dogs might like a sweater, even when inside
- Once your dog comes back inside, remove any damp clothing
Do Cats Need Winter Clothes?
Usually, cats don’t need winter clothes. Your cat likely spends all (or most) of their time inside. Certified feline behavior and training consultant Marci Koski says:
“Cats evolved as both predators and prey. It’s in their nature to be able to quickly run, hide, jump and move silently. Clothing can interfere with all of these things, which can make a cat anxious or stressed.”
However, in cold weather, hairless cats or cats with very short hair may appreciate a sweater. Before putting any clothing on your cat, let them “warm up” to the idea of a sweater by allowing them to lay on it (or even put treats on it).
OK, And Now for Some Cute Pet Dress-Up Pictures!
We love adorable pet clothes as much as anyone. Can you stand the cute?
@elephantmagazine – It’s #DressUpYourPetDay and, let’s be honest, we could all do with some feline fancy dress in our lives right now. Enter: these splendid sushi cats by Tange and Nakimushi Peanuts, as featured in Manami Okazaki’s 2019 publication, Land of the Rising Cat. The book is an in-depth investigation into Japan’s love of cats, and the ways in which they have “become a symbol for everything from religious rituals to social media celebrity”. It was one of our top art books of 2019
@getregulargirl – Want a little day brightener? Check out these cute little pics of our extended Regular Girl Family. And, yes, we shamelessly admit how much we love dressing up our pets. 🐶 🐈 🐰
@esquinwinespirits – Just chilling on National Dress Up Your Pet Day! 🍷😹
@kena.hollingsworth – I simply cannot let “National Dress Up Your Pet Day” pass without a post about this sweet baby lookin all fancy!! My love for this little guy is no secret!! And because he still allows me to dress him up in one crazy outfit after another, it makes me think he must think I’m ok too!! We celebrate this awesome holiday almost every day!! 🥳🐶 #dressupyourpetday
