Why dressing up your dog is bad for its skin

DOG owners may think their beloved pets look adorable in designer outfits – but there could be a price to pay for all that cuteness.

Vets are warning that people’s penchant for dressing up pooches may be causing a rise in dog skin complaints.

A survey has found that a staggering 81% of dog owners in Britain have at least one outfit for their canine companion, ranging from coats and jumpers to hats and even dresses.

Most owners, 78%, say they dress up their dog because they fear they may get wet. This fear, vets say, is misplaced as dogs dry quickly and rain is unlikely to harm them.

A further 53% say they want to keep their dogs warm, while one in ten say they do it because it looks nice and 7% admit they dress their dog up because they see the animal as a fashion accessory.

But vets warn that giving an additional coat to many dogs can be bad for their health. When 23 vets were asked about clothing canines in the same study by Direct Line Pet Insurance, one in three was concerned that dressing up dogs could cause rubbing against the skin.

A further 27% said that the use of coats could cause stress, while 23% said they could cause overheating.

The most common dog complaint seen by vets is atopic dermatitis, a skin condition that can be triggered by allergic reactions.

The majority of vets and veterinary nurses identified the West Highland White Terrier as the breed most susceptible to skin conditions, followed by Shar Peis and Labradors, then Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Boxers (both 26%).

For dogs susceptible to allergies, having a dehumidifier can be helpful, as can checking the dog’s diet to be sure that it is eating hypoallergenic foods, the report said.

Dr Andrew Francis, of Pawsquad, a veterinary advice service that launched the survey, said: ‘Owners should be mindful that sometimes putting their dogs in clothing can cause skin damage, as the added materials can irritate a dog’s skin.’