19 December 2023 , 15:26
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It seems as though this winter could be hailed as the winter of dogs’ discontent as more and more owners are choosing to dress their four-legged friends in festive attire for Christmas.
But while prettily posed pooches might make for the perfect Insta shot, the shock of some fabrics can be the cause of Christmas irritation and itching for many canines, restricting movement, and in more extreme cases, even resulting in severe allergic reactions.
And with searches for ‘Christmas jumpers for dogs’ increasing by a staggering 315.4% in the past month, it’s time to ensure your furry friends can join in the festivities safely, with maximum comfort and joy.
Head vet at tails.com, Sean McCormack, has offered his advice on keeping your pooches happy this season: “With Christmas day fast approaching, it can be more tempting than ever to dress up your furry friend and get them to pose for a photo. As cute as it might look on Instagram, many dogs do not enjoy wearing jumpers, while others may be irritated by certain fabrics the clothes are made from,” he said.
He was also keen to stress that it's not just allergic reactions to fabrics that can be an issue, as rubbing and restricting movement can also irritate your dog. So what, according to Sean, are the fabrics to avoid when buying a jumper for your dog?
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“One of the main offenders is wool,” he says. "Luxurious for most humans, it can be very irritating for dogs. It might seem like a good, warm choice for a dog jumper, but for pups with sensitive skin, it can cause itching and discomfort.”
Another fabric that he says might irritate is nylon: “Nylon is a very commonly used fabric, but canines who are allergic can experience itchy and inflamed skin. If your pet has toys, blankets, and collars made from nylon, a jumper should also be safe.”
Sean also said that faux fur can be hugely itchy for certain dogs: “While it’s great for keeping humans warm, there is a risk of it being incredibly irritating for dogs. It could also cause dogs with thicker coats to overheat, as they are, essentially, already wearing an insulated coat.”
A less obvious fabric is that of cotton blends: “If an item of doggy clothing isn’t crafted from 100% pure cotton, it is usually woven with polyester or nylon, which can cause your dogs to itch,” he confirms. Finally, there’s feathers: “If a festive costume party is on the horizon for you and your pooch, then feathers are a definite no-go,” says Sean. “As well as presenting a potential choking hazard, feathers can be extremely irritating for dogs.”
He says that even if feathers aren’t in direct contact with your dog’s skin, a jacket or coat filled with goose down could also present the same problem. “With this in mind you should always check what your outdoor dog clothes are stuffed with,” he says. So what are the signs of a dog having an allergic reaction to fabric? “If your dog is irritated or, worse, having an allergic reaction to a certain type of material, there are always signs you can look out for,” says Sean.
- Cuts on the skin that show a dog has been scratching
- Weeping eyes
- Excessive scratching
- Skin redness caused by scratching
- Bald patches caused by hair loss
- A runny nose
- Itchy ears
- Swelling around the face
- Sneezing
- Head shaking
- Swelling feet
If your pooch starts to present any of the more serious signs of irritation or a reaction, such as swelling, baldness, cuts, or even infections, Sean stresses that must take them to a vet.
He also advises that pure cotton is the perfect fabric to ensure your pooch’s happiness and well-being, which should always be a priority when dressing them up. “Check whether your dog can move freely in the clothing,” he says. “It should not restrict their movement in any way; they should be able to eat, breathe, drink, and visit the toilet easily. Make sure your dog is not wearing clothing for a long period. If they start to show signs of distress, remove the outfit immediately.”
It’s also important to remember that when the heating’s on and the house is crowded, your home can become hot and uncomfortable for your dog. “If your dog has a warm jumper on, they may overheat quickly. It's important to monitor the temperature of your home and pet, if they start to display signs of overheating, including panting and salivation then it's a clear sign your dog is uncomfortable.”
It can be difficult to read your dog's body language, but there are key signs to recognise if your pet feels irritated when wearing clothing, such as them having their tail tucked between their legs, rubbing against furniture or excessive licking.
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