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It's Christmas Eve and many of us will be celebrating with crazy Christmas jumpers, but how can we get our pets safely involved?
There are many fabrics dogs may find irritating against their skin, so experts have revealed which ones should be avoided and how to recognise the signs of skin irritation.
Head Vet, Sean McCormack, at tails.com, explained clothing that rubs and restricts movement can also irritate your pooch.
He 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 actually enjoy wearing jumpers, while others may be irritated by certain fabrics the clothes are made from.
"It's not just allergic reactions to fabrics that can be an issue, rubbing and restricting movement can also irritate your dog."
Which fabrics should I avoid when buying a jumper for my dog?
Sean said: “One of the main offenders is wool. While luxurious for most humans, wool can be very irritating for dogs.
"Wool 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 might cause irritation is nylon.
While nylon is a very commonly used fabric, canines who are allergic can experience itchy and inflamed skin.
However, if your pet already has toys, blankets and collars made from nylon, a jumper should also be safe.
Faux fur can be hugely itchy for certain dogs.
While it is 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.
Sean added: "Finally, we have feathers.
"If a festive costume party is on the horizon for you and your pooch, then feathers are a definite no-go.
"As well as presenting a potential choking hazard, feathers can be extremely irritating for dogs.
"Even if feathers are not in direct contact with your dog’s skin, a jacket or coat filled with goose down could also present the same problem.
"Due to this, you should always check what outdoor dog clothes are stuffed with.”
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, these are the signs you can look out for:
Sean said: "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, it is essential that you take them to a vet."
In order to avoid any unnecessary stress for your furry friend, vets recommend only dressing your dogs in clothes made from pure cotton.
When making a decision on whether or not to dress your pooch in a festive jumper, you should always prioritise their happiness and wellbeing.
Certain dogs find wearing any sort of additional clothing extremely uncomfortable and stressful, and the feeling of annoyance can be difficult to recognise.
Check whether your dog can move freely in the clothing. The clothing should not be restricting their movement in any way - they should be able to eat, breathe, drink and go to the toilet easily.
Make sure your dog is not wearing clothing for a long period of time. If they start to show signs of distress, remove the outfit immediately.
Sean added: "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, including if they have their tail tucked between their legs, rubbing against furniture or excessive licking."
If your pet is wearing a fun festive jumper, then they shouldn’t be left unattended near potential hazards including a fire.
Check before putting a jumper on your pets that the surrounding environment can’t cause any harm to your pet, or that the clothing itself fits correctly and won’t cause injury from snagging or discomfort.
