A top vet has warned that Christmas jumpers for dogs can cause allergic reactions.
As more pet owners dress their dogs in festive outfits, there’s been a huge rise in searches for ‘Christmas jumpers for dogs’. But some fabrics can cause itching and even severe allergies in dogs.
Sean McCormack, head vet at tails.com, said: “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.”
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He also highlighted that rubbing and restricting movement can irritate your dog. So, what fabrics should you avoid when buying a jumper for your dog?
“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 warns that even if feathers aren’t touching your dog’s skin, a coat filled with goose down could cause problems. “With this in mind you should always check what your outdoor dog clothes are stuffed with,” he advises. So how can you tell if your dog is allergic to fabric? “If your dog is irritated or having an allergic reaction to a material, there are signs you can look for,” says Sean.
If your dog shows serious signs of irritation or a reaction, like swelling, baldness, cuts, or infections, Sean emphasises that you must take them to a vet.
He also suggests that pure cotton is the best fabric for your dog’s comfort and health. “Check whether your dog can move freely in the clothing,” he says. “It shouldn’t restrict their movement; they should be able to eat, breathe, drink, and go to the toilet easily. Don’t let your dog wear clothes for too long. If they start to show signs of distress, remove the outfit immediately.”
Remember, when your house is warm and full of people, it can get too hot 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’s not always easy to understand how your dog feels about wearing clothes. Watch out for signs like a tucked tail, rubbing against things, or licking a lot these could mean your pet is not happy in their outfit.
