Dressing up pets can be fun for pet parents — it’s a lighthearted way to share affection and show off adorable wardrobe photos. But as dressing up pets becomes more popular (and some costumes more elaborate), some people are starting to wonder whether or not dressing up is fun for the pets. 

“Dressing up a pet should be fun for the pet, not just for the owner,” says Kristi Pritchett, founder of AllAboutSpot.com. “We’re very lucky because all of our dogs love to get dressed up, but other pet parents should think twice if their pet isn’t happy.”

Pritchett says dogs and other animals should never be forced to dress up. Most dogs will make it immediately evident whether or not they like it. If they run away any time they see a dog shirt, cower or growl before or after putting on a pet costume, or won’t move while wearing clothing — then it’s a good bet that they aren’t happy. 

“It’s important to remember when dogs are uncomfortable, frustrated, or scared, they are also experiencing stress,” said Pritchett. “Just like people, stress can raise levels of cortisol and adrenaline, which can cause several physical and mental problems.”

Pritchett advises that pet parents equate dressing up pets to grooming. When dogs don’t look their best, they don’t feel their best and act accordingly. 

“With our Maltipoo, Lulu, we’ve had a couple of different groomers and some interesting cuts. She always reacts happy or mad depending on the type of groom she has had,” says Pritchett. “The groomer we have now does a great job with Lulu, and she runs and jumps around with excitement every time she is groomed!”

Pritchett says the same is true when pets get dressed up. In her house, for example, her dogs will literally line up for matching bowties and bandanas. She affectionately calls it their “jewelry” and uses these dress-up times as an opportunity to give them additional praise and attention.

Her Sheepadoodle, Wally, loves dressing up so much that he has become the family’s superstar model for bowties and bandanas. So Wally is ready anytime Pritchett picks up her phone along with a new bowtie or bandana! 

“I say, ‘Come on Wally, let’s go outside. It’s modeling time,’” laughs Pritchett. “He runs to the back door, jumps up on a patio chair to get ‘dressed’ up, and poses for the camera — moving his head side to side just like a model! He loves it because he thinks he is so handsome. I’m inclined to agree with him, but I’m partial as his parent!”

He isn’t the only one. In the Pritchett household, all of the dogs have their favorites. Lulu has several fancy dresses for every occasion. Wally, Sherman, Oliver, and Arnold have dog shirts with funny sayings. One of Pritchett’s favorites is an A Christmas Story pet shirt that Arnold wears. He is a Bloodhound, just like the Bumpus Hounds that eat the Thanksgiving turkey off the neighbor’s table in the movie. 

“We’ve even named him Arnold ‘Bumpus’ Pritchett because he wears the shirt so proudly,” she says. “Most pets love attention. So, if you give them positive attention, tell them how pretty or handsome they look, praise them with kisses, and maybe give them a little treat now and again, they’re more likely to associate dressing up as a positive experience.”

The key, she says, is making sure whatever they wear is comfortable, safe, and weather appropriate. The outfits should never be hot, overbearing, ridiculous, or left on for days. 

“Dogs and other pets can sense whether or not they look their best,” says Pritchett. “I’ve never met a dog who enjoys wearing an Elizabethan collar, sometimes called the cone of shame, to prevent them from licking a wound or medical dressing. It limits their mobility and changes their ability to see and hear things around them.”

Pritchett isn’t wrong. One study by the Sydney School of Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney concluded that alternatives to the Elizabethan collar should be explored because they impact sleep, eating, drinking, exercise, interactions with other pets, and overall quality of life. And while most outfit options aren’t quite as obnoxious as a huge satellite around their necks, it does provide pet owners some guidance in picking out an outfit. In fact, this is why all AllAboutSpot.com pet bowties and pet bandanas are designed to slip over regular collars so they don’t pose any problems at all.

“It’s very, very fun to dress up, have photoshoots, schedule playdates, attend contests, go to parties, and all that,” said Pritchett. “Just remember it should always be fun, feel good, and lighten everyone’s spirit, including your pet!”