January 14 is National Dress Up Your Pet Day. Putting cute or funny outfits on your pet can lead to some wonderful photo opportunities. However, there are right and wrong ways to go about introducing your furry friend to costumes and other pet supplies. To avoid mistakes and ensure a comfortable experience, here are a few guidelines to keep in mind.

Do:

Introduce it gradually.

As with any type of activity, pets may need time to get used to dressing up. Instead of immediately putting a full outfit on them every day, try some smaller pet supplies like bandanas or vests on occasion, then introduce additional items over time.

Choose the right apparel.

It’s important to choose items that can fit comfortably on your pet. Select the right size so it’s not too tight and doesn’t cause them to trip on extra fabric. Remember to also take the climate into account. Your furry dog may not want to don a heavy costume in the middle of summer, but breezier apparel may work fine.

Don’t:

Block their nose or mouth.

Dressing up your pets can be fun and cute, as long as it doesn’t compromise their safety. Avoid costumes or items that cover their eyes, nose, or mouth, since that could impact their ability to breathe, eat, drink, and safely move around.

Ignore their body language.

If your pet doesn’t like something, they’ll let you know through their body language. When you’re putting apparel items on them, be on the lookout for trembling, crouching, or hair-raising. These can be signs of stress, fear, and even aggressiveness. If you notice these signs, try again another time or switch to a different type of outfit.

Before you schedule a photo session for your pet, bring them in for a grooming appointment with Evergreen Kennels in Churchville, NY. Serving Rochester and the surrounding communities, the family-owned kennel offers a variety of services, including grooming, boarding, and day care. They also offer pet supplies so you can keep your dog or cat healthy and happy at home. You can contact the team online to discuss your grooming, boarding, or pet supply needs, or call (585) 293-1920 to make a reservation.