Hey Woofas,

Given that it’s Winter here in Australia, a number of my customers in the Dog Grooming Salon have mentioned that their dogs wear pyjamas to bed.

Billy is a short haired Staffy and he doesn’t wear pyjamas to bed because he sleeps on our bed under his own single bed doona.

He can get hot during the night so he likes to get out from under the doona and cool down.

However when he gets cold again, he circles the bed and nudges to get back under his doona.

I think for Billy to sleep with pyjamas on would restrict his movements during the night.

However, during the day if we’re out and the heating isn’t on, the house can tend to become cool.  In this instance we will put a dog jumper on him before we leave.

So, I think this is a, depends on the situation, kind of decision.

SHOULD MY DOG WEAR PYJAMAS TO BED?

Some things to consider –

1. Does Your Dog Like Wearing Dog Clothing Of Any Kind?

This is a big question, because there’s no point putting any clothing on your dog if they don’t want to wear it.  It doesn’t matter where they sleep.

If wearing dog clothing makes them uncomfortable, then don’t put it on them.

Regardless if you think they’re cold, if the dog doesn’t want it on don’t force it on them.

Give them a warm bed with blankets to snuggle under instead.

2. Is Your Dog A Long Haired Dog?

If your dog already has a naturally long haired coat, then generally they’re not going to need pyjamas to sleep in.

Their natural long hair will keep them warm, (assuming you’re not making them sleep outside in snow that is – that’s a whole different topic)!

Putting dog clothing over a long haired coat is like putting a jumper on over your dressing gown.

It won’t make any difference, other than causing your dog’s hair to knot up and become matted.

3. Where Does Your Dog Sleep For The Night?

If your dog is sleeping inside on your bed or in your bed, then they may not need to wear pyjamas.

If they are a short haired dog and will allow pyjamas to be put on them, you could try it with them.

But take note, if they don’t want the dog clothes on don’t keep them on.

However, if your dog is comfortable and the dog clothes aren’t restrictive then give it a go.

If your dog sleeps outside, make sure they have a nice warm area to sleep in with a lot of warm blankets to snuggle under.

If your dog allows pyjamas to be put on them for the night, and your dog is an outside sleeper then by all means put the pyjamas on.

4.  Do The Pyjamas Fit Properly?

There’s no point putting Pyjamas on your dog if they don’t fit.

It’s going to be uncomfortable for your dog and restrict their movements.

While sleeping you want your dog comfortable and to feel safe.

Not put in some sort of straight jacket where they can’t move or that’s digging into them.

5.  Why Do You Think Your Dog Should Wear Pyjamas To Bed?

Are you putting the dog pyjamas on them because you think it’s cute?

Or are you putting the dog pyjamas on because it’s practical for your dog?

6. Are The Pyjamas You’re Using For Dogs or Human Children?

Always use clothing made for dogs for your dog.

Dog’s bodies are different to human and children’s so their clothes are made to fit their bodies.

There’s no point putting kids clothes on your dog because they’re not made for your dog.

Only put clothes made for dogs on your dog.

Ultimately, it’s your decision as to whether or not your dog wears pyjamas to bed.

On behalf of your dog, take note of whether they’re comfortable wearing them or not.

Once the morning time comes though, remove the pyjamas so they can move around without clothing.

SIGNS YOUR DOG DOESN’T WANT TO WEAR PYJAMAS TO BED!

What I want you to think about is whether or not your dog wants to wear pyjamas at all!

Watch for signs that your dog doesn’t want to wear the pyjamas –

1. Is your dog trying to rip the pyjamas off;
2. Is your dog growling while you’re trying to put the pyjamas on;
3. Does your dog stand stiff and still while putting the pyjamas on;
4. After the pyjamas are on, is your dog trying to rip them off;
5. Can your dog move around comfortably in the pyjamas;
6. Once the pyjamas are on – is your dog moving around with restrictions;
7. Is your dog rolling around trying to remove the pyjamas;
8. Has your dog’s behaviour changed once the pyjamas are on – they’re not their normal selves;
9. Has your dog run off to hide?

These are just a few signs to look out for to tell you that your dog doesn’t want the pyjamas on.

If your dog is showing any of these signs, please remove the pyjamas, you’re doing more harm than good.

WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN?

Sometimes we think our dogs look cute in pyjamas.

Sometimes we think our dogs should sleep in pyjamas because we do.

It’s fine if your dog enjoys wearing them.

However, not all dogs need pyjamas nor do they like wearing pyjamas.

It’s your job to know the difference.

IN THE COMMENTS BELOW – BILLY WOULD LIKE TO KNOW – IF YOUR DOG WEARS PYJAMAS?