Dog Clothes for Summer: Should You Dress Your Dog in Singapore’s Heat?

Dog clothes are more than just a fashion statement for your furry friends. They can also offer protection and safety for your dog when they are out and about. However, in tropical countries like Singapore, where temperatures stay high almost all year round, a common question may arise: does your furbaby really need clothes for summer? And what type of summer dog outfits should you go for if you decide to shop for one? Check out the full guide below.

Dressing Your Dog in Hot Weather: Is It a Good Idea, and Why?

In a tropical country like Singapore, where heat, humidity, and sunlight are part of everyday life, pup parents may wonder if dressing their dog is the best choice. The key is striking a balance between fashion and function, with clothes that elevate your furry friend’s style without causing them to feel too hot or uncomfortable. While clothing is not a necessity for every dog, wearing a lightweight summer shirt has its advantages, such as sun protection and shielding sensitive skin.

When does it make sense for dogs to wear clothes?

Breed, age, and activity

Your dog’s breed, age, and activity level influence their need for wearing clothes. Dog clothes with UV-protective function can be particularly helpful for breeds with characteristics like short, light-coloured coats, such as dachshunds and beagles, or those with fine hair, such as the Maltese or poodle.

On the other hand, if you have puppies, older dogs, or dogs with health problems, keep in mind that thick non-breathable clothing may not be best for them, due to their inability to regulate body temperature as effectively as healthier ones. As a result, they might feel uncomfortable or overheated when wearing clothes. To dress them up while still ensuring their comfort in Singapore’s hot weather, go for thinner, breathable clothing that they can freely move in.

If your four-legged friend enjoys playing outside more often, summer dog outfits can be beneficial to provide a protective barrier from exposure to UV rays, allergens, irritants, and pests. Moreover, dogs with skin conditions or wounds can benefit from wearing clothes to prevent scratching and encourage faster recovery.

Functional or decorative?

Another factor to consider when getting dog clothes for summer is the main purpose of the clothing. There are many functional clothes that still look fashionable while having specific benefits, such as UV protection. Some also have reflective materials that help keep your canine companion visible, increasing their safety in low-light or overcrowded environments. Alternatively, a raincoat can protect your dog during unexpected rain showers, when outdoor potty breaks are not an option.

On the other hand, many pup parents look into summer shirts for dogs due to their fashionable look and how these clothes can give their pups a unique personality and style. This is completely okay as long as the clothing is lightweight, breathable, and does not interfere with your dog’s movement or ability to cool down naturally. Ultimately, the priority should always be your furry friend’s comfort and safety!

How to Choose the Right Clothing for Your Dog?

Although summer shirts are a cute way to dress your four-legged friend, it is important to choose the type of clothing that they feel cosy in. Some dogs may feel restricted or uncomfortable wearing clothes, which may make them more irritable than usual.

Also, some clothing may rub against their skin, or even cause rashes, soreness, or irritation due to trapped moisture. This is especially a concern if you leave your dog in unfit clothes for long periods of time. Clothes that are too thick may also put them at risk of overheating, especially in short-muzzled and short-nosed breeds.

However, these precautions do not mean you cannot have fun dressing your furry friend! Here are some important considerations when choosing summer shirts for dogs:

Material or fabric

Look for dog clothing that caters to your dog's needs, including characteristics like temperature control or cooling capability, UV protection, and softness. This will ensure that your dog not only looks stylish but also feels at their best wearing them.

Function

Think beyond fashion and determine why you are choosing a particular dog clothing item. It may be because they are sensitive to allergens or the sun, or because they feel cold easily in the rain. For example, if you want to shield your dog’s skin from insects, the Cooling T-shirt Flower |Insect Shield provides reliable protection against fleas, ticks, and flies.

Ease of movement

Choose clothes that allow your furry friend to move comfortably throughout the day, without hindering them from carrying out their typical activities such as walking, playing, and eating. Pay attention to the design cut and size of the shirt. The right size will wrap the body without restricting movements, being shorter and snug around the belly for potty breaks. At Barkaberry, our clothes come in different sizes to fit small to large dogs.

Must-have Summer Dog Outfits from Barkaberry

Looking for dog clothes that both look stylish and offer benefits such as sun protection and extra safety for your four-legged friend? Check out these summer dog outfits from Barkaberry!

Baseball Cool Vest with Sun Protection

The Baseball Cool Vest is here to make your furry friend look sporty in a baseball-inspired design! Available in sizes S to 6XL, it also comes with anti-bacterial and UV protection benefits, while minimising odour to keep your dog active and comfortable all day. Its fast, moisture-absorbing material keeps your dog cool in any adventure.

INTERLAKEN Perfect Fit Reflective Raincoat

The INTERLAKEN Reflective Raincoat is the piece to reach out for during wet days when walking your dog in light rain or for outdoor potty breaks. With a hood and outfit that glows in the dark and various colour options, your dog will stay visible and safe anywhere. It is also lightweight for easy movements and can be customised by name. With sizes ranging from S to 8XL, your furry friend can surely find one that fits them!

Macaron Cool Vest with Sun Protection

The Macaron Cool Vest is another great sun protection vest if you want to give your dog a cheery candy coloured outfit, available from XS to 6XL. Its sleeveless design is suitable for hot days, with special fabric that keeps your dog safe from bacteria and UV rays. It also has an elastic band at the belly, keeping it comfortable even during potty breaks!

Cooling T-shirt Garden with Insect Shield

In humid countries like Singapore, bugs and pests can really irritate your dog. The Cooling T-shirt Garden serves as a cooling summer shirt while also acting as an insect shield due to its special processing with Permethrin, a certified safe substance to keep bugs away while being safe for dogs. Choose from S to 6L sizes for the perfect fit.

NTP Sun Protection Suit

Let your four-legged friend have fun in the sun with the NTP Sun Protection Suit! This fashionable and protective suit blocks 99.9% of UV rays and has quick-drying properties, keeping your dog cool and safe. It also doubles as swimwear and can be paired with a life jacket for pool days! The material is thin enough for indoor wear to manage fur shedding in the house.

Every dog deserves to have a fashion moment while staying comfortable and cool. Shopping for dog clothes products in Singapore? Explore Barkaberry’s website for the most functional and stylish designs that your furry friend deserves!