January 14th marks National Dress Up Your Pet Day!

January 14th marks National Dress Up Your Pet Day!

By: Ashlie Kuehn

From sports jerseys to bowties, tutus, and more, humans have always loved dressing their furry friends in spectacular outfits! This fun and light-hearted holiday provides an exciting way to celebrate your pet and show off their fashion sense!

Not only is it the perfect excuse to have a lot of fun, but there are also plenty of benefits to dressing up your pet!

Protection from the elements: 
Wearing an outfit or a costume can provide many benefits, from keeping your pet warm in cooler weather to protecting their skin from the sunshine. It can also provide an extra barrier keeping
your pet clean and free of any dirt or debris.

It helps show off some personality! 
Who doesn’t like showing off their fashionable side every once in a while?! Whether your pet is shy, smart, a troublemaker, or a diva, there are endless options to show off their personality (and look adorable while doing it!)

It allows you to spend some quality time with your pet! 
From putting on a costume to taking selfies together, National Dress Up Your Pet Day is a great way to spend a little one-on-one time with your pet and have some fun together! Your pet will love spending time with you and everyone else will love seeing adorable they look!

Before you break out those crazy costumes, there are a few things to be mindful of if you are celebrating this holiday.

Do not force your pet to dress up:
This holiday is simply a fun way to promote pet wellness so if your animal clearly doesn’t like dressing up, don’t force them! Keep a watchful eye on their body language and remove the costume if they show any signs of stress or discomfort.

Do not leave your pet unattended in costume:
It is important to keep an eye on your pet when they’re in costume to avoid potential injury. Your pet could become bored, agitated, or anxious, leading them to chew or ingest pieces. They could also risk getting caught or trapped trying to squeeze into areas that won’t accommodate the size of the costume.

Avoid materials that can be toxic or harmful to your pet: 
Avoid costumes with harmful or toxic materials such as glitter or beads that could harm your pet or cause an allergic reaction. Be alert and watch for signs like itching, scratching, or discomfort and remove the costume right away.

National Dress Up Your Pet Day is a great way to bond with your pet and show the world their fashionable side! Break out your bedazzled collars, sweaters, and maybe even a matching costume for you, and make sure your pet is dressed for the occasion this January 14th!