For those who love finding occasions to put their pet in costume, National Dress Up Your Pet Day is coming up on January 14th. Before you start shopping for a new outfit, you should prepare your pet and do some in-depth research. Make sure to schedule a pet grooming session to get ready for the inevitable photo shoot. Most importantly, pay attention to the following do’s and don’ts of dressing your pet.

Do:

Introduce clothing gradually.

It’s important not to force pets into anything or you may risk frightening them. Let your pet see and smell the items first and consider leaving them on your bed or sofa to absorb familiar scents. Lay the costume across their back without putting it on for a few days. When they seem accustomed to it, give the outfit a try.

Choose the right size.

The fit is a critical aspect of pet clothes shopping. If you’re getting pet grooming services for Dress Up Your Pet Day, take all the measurements beforehand. You wouldn’t want to buy a sweater that only fits after pet grooming, when your pet’s fur is cropped short. The costume shouldn’t be too tight or loose, so pay close attention to sizing charts.

Don’t:

Ignore your pet’s body language.

In a majority of cases, your pet’s comfort should be a priority. Many cats and dogs get antsy with pet grooming and veterinarian visits, but these trips are necessary for their well-being. Pet clothes, on the other hand, are optional accessories and should be treated as such. Don’t shrug off visible discomfort or fidgeting. If they seem distressed, remove the costume.

Pick clothes with choking hazards.

When pets don’t want something on them, they’ll do their best to get it off. This may lead to your cat or dog tearing off loose pieces of clothing, which can turn into a choking hazard. Avoid costumes with buttons, zippers, strings, and any piece that could be chewed off. Always supervise pets in costume and take them to the emergency vet if you believe they’ve swallowed something.

Before you break out the cameras for costume pictures, bring your pet to Rolling Hills Veterinary Hospital for pet grooming. This vet clinic offers superior pet care services to the Boone County, MO community. Their team is dedicated to making your pets feel safe and comfortable, no matter what they’re here for. To view their complete list of services, visit the website. Call (573) 449-3791 to reach their Keene Street office or (573) 449-7387 for the Buttonwood Drive location.