With all the socialising we do at Christmas (even if it is somewhat limited some years when there’s a pandemic ongoing), we like to look at our festive best. And among the many items of clothing that we choose to help us achieve this, the Christmas jumper is a must have in any wardrobe. What’s more, dogs are no different and your pooch can look particularly perfect when donning a festive pullover. That being said, is there anything to consider when buying a Christmas jumper for your dog? Let’s take a closer look…
Bells and whistles
The first thing to consider is the material that the Christmas jumper is made from. Ensure that it isn’t hemmed from something that your dog is allergic to, and if you find them scratching more than usual when it’s on, or just after you’ve taken it off, this may mean that they have an allergy. You can also look for signs of reddened skin or eczema and if you find any, that jumper is not for you dog. This happens a lot with both wool and polyester, but any material could be a culprit, so be aware.
Next up, while a jumper covered in bells can be amusing to us humans, dogs rarely enjoy tinkling and jangling as they trot along. What’s more, if you take them to a dog park in a bell-covered jumper, you can’t really blame all the other dogs for chasing your dog when that’s the sound they may associate with some of their favourite toys.
It’s also important not to leave the jumper on your dog for too long. Their coats are often all they need to cope with the cold, and a jumper on top of that coat for too long can lead to overheating and discomfort. And if your dog shows any signs of desperately trying to remove the jumper, help them out of it and understand that it may not be for them – not all dogs are comfortable in clothing.
Lastly, before you spend a lot of money on a festive wardrobe for your hound, think about their personality for a moment. Are they the sort of dog that likes ripping up socks, sheets, towels and blankets? If they are, then you may be spending a lot of money on something that will be little more than rags in an hour or so.
And if you really want to treat your dog this year, why not get them something special from the tails.com Christmas range!