Dressing Animals in Clothes in Egypt: What You Need to Know

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It’s winter season in Egypt and despite how adorable it is to see animals in cute clothing, our relatively warm temperatures rarely call for an added layer. In fact, in most cases it can do more harm than good. Here is some key information about how animals naturally regulate their body temperatures and when clothing might help or harm them.

Natural Temperature Regulation

Remember that a dog or a cat's fur coat already provides natural insulation and regulates their body temperature. This is especially true during sleep and seasonal changes. When you see your dog shivering, don't worry - this is actually a healthy physiological response that helps boost circulation and regulate body temperature, unless it’s prolonged then it’s important to take them to the vet.

Adding unnecessary layers in Egypt's climate can lead to several problems:

• Overheating: Our temperatures are rarely cold enough to require extra layers, so adding a jacket can easily cause overheating in certain situations. Dogs with thick coats, like huskies and retrievers, German Shepherds etc., should never wear additional layers in Egypt

• Restricted Movement: Most pet clothing isn't professionally designed and can limit the animal’s natural range of motion, particularly problematic for active animals

• Stress and Anxiety: Unless positively reinforced, jackets and sweaters may cause stress for the animals. Many animals, especially cats, find clothing uncomfortable and stressful, which can lead to behavioral issues

• Skin and Coat Problems: Prolonged use of jackets and sweaters can trap moisture and heat, causing skin irritation, fur matting and interferes with their natural shedding process

  
  

Makya the whippet in her jumper in Glasgow. Photo by Chris Arthur-Collins on Unsplash

When Clothing Might Help

There are some exceptions where clothing might benefit certain animals:

• Short-haired or hairless breeds like Greyhounds and small dog breeds like chihuahuas, or Sphynx cats during unusually cold days.

• Very young, elderly, or sick animals with weakened temperature regulation (should be monitored closely).

• Animals recovering from medical procedures (as advised by a veterinarian).

Keeping Your Animal Comfortable During Winter in Egypt

Instead of clothing, try these alternatives:

• Provide cosy bedding and blankets that they can use as needed

• Ensure their sleeping area is draft-free and comfortable

• Keep them indoors during particularly cold, rainy, or windy days

• If there is indoor heating, animals will be fine with a bed and blankets.

• Do NOT dress double-coated dogs in jackets, pull-overs, or sweaters when they are indoors. Even Baladis do not need to wear extra layers.

• Do NOT dress Persian cats or other double coated breeds in clothing, they will be fine at home if you have the heater on.

Meessa wearing a jacket during minimal snow without inserting her limbs because she doesn't like it

Our adopted Baladi boy Snoopy in a comfortable wrap around Jacket in Germany

Batata the adopted Baladi playing in the snow in Switzerland

If You Must Dress Your Animal Follow These Guidelines:

• Choose items that don't restrict natural movement

• Select designs that wrap around the body rather than requiring limb insertion

• Never force an unwilling animal into clothing, if you’re struggling with the animal to dress them, respect their choice and work around their desires instead.

• Remove clothing immediately if your animal shows signs of distress like panting, not moving etc.

• Never dress double-coated healthy dogs in layers when indoors or outdoors.

• Refer to our guide for cold weather when unsure.

Remember, most animals in Egypt are perfectly equipped to handle our climate during winter naturally. The best thing we can do is trust their bodies' natural ability to regulate temperature while providing comfortable, warm spaces they can access when needed.