In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards dressing up pets. It is increasingly common to see dogs and cats dressed in jumpers, coats, boots and other clothing. This trend reflects a change in the perception of pets as members of the family.
However, the question arises as to whether it is healthy to dress our pets. The answer is not simple and depends on several factors. As Dr Ángela González Martínez, a specialist in Behavioural Medicine and Animal Welfare, tells 20 minutos, it is important to do it correctly and consciously. She stresses that if we decide to dress our pets, we must gradually accustom them to wearing clothes, just as we do with a harness or a leash, using a positive approach and providing rewards.
The choice of clothing should be comfortable and not cause discomfort, itching or allergies. It is essential to try the clothing on the pet before final purchase to ensure that it does not cause discomfort and allows the pet to move freely.
It is indisputable that some dog breeds, especially those with short hair and slender builds, benefit from clothing such as coats or mackintoshes, especially in cold weather. It is also useful in special cases, such as puppies, the elderly or sick animals, which may be more vulnerable to the cold.
Dressing such pets at cooler times, only if they clearly show that they are cold, is a recommended practice. However, it is not advisable to dress animals adapted to cold climates, as the clothing could create a microenvironment that favors the growth of fungi and bacteria. In addition, clothing should not be put on freshly bathed pets or pets with wet coats, as the moisture and heat can promote the growth of fungi.
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