Do Pets Need Clothing in the Summer?

When the weather heats up, people tend to wear less to stay cool — yet some pet owners suggest dressing their animals during the summer. So, what kind of clothing can benefit your pet during hot days, and how exactly does it help? Let’s explore this together with Animal Clinic.

Cooling Apparel for Comfort

Does your pet struggle in the heat? Do you need to walk your cat or dog during midday, not just in the morning or evening? If so, consider using special cooling apparel like vests or bandanas. These items offer three key benefits:

1. A cooling effect for comfort
2. Improved well-being during walks
3. Protection from heatstroke

To activate, soak the item in cold water and wring it out. The cooling effect works through evaporation, helping regulate your pet’s temperature.

Clothing as UV Protection

A light-colored cover-up, shirt, or sun hat can shield your pet from the sun’s harsh rays during walks. UV protection is especially important for:

• Light-coated pets
• Short-haired breeds
• Hairless breeds (e.g., Sphynx, Chinese Crested)
• Pets with skin conditions

Avoid using human sunscreens — they often contain toxic ingredients for animals. While pet-specific sunscreens exist, they can be inconvenient: pets may lick them off, some may cause allergic reactions, and most provide only a few hours of protection. For pets with dermatological conditions, these creams are often not recommended.

Clothing to Protect Against Ticks

Ticks are dangerous parasites that transmit life-threatening diseases like babesiosis. In addition to antiparasitic treatments and post-walk inspections, clothing offers extra defense:

1. Ticks are easier to spot on light-colored fabrics
2. They’re easier to remove from fabric than from fur
3. Clothing prevents ticks from latching onto the skin

A well-fitted lightweight jumpsuit makes it easier to detect and remove ticks, reducing the risk of infection.

Clothing to Prevent Harness Chafing

Many pet parents, especially those with cats or small-to-medium dogs, use harnesses instead of collars. In hot weather, both natural and synthetic harness materials can rub against the skin — especially for short-haired or hairless pets.

A light tank top or shirt can prevent this friction, protecting the skin and preventing matting in long-haired pets where the harness rubs.

Certain summer garments are not just cute — they’re practical necessities for many cats and dogs who spend time outdoors. When chosen correctly, pet clothing in summer helps ensure safety, comfort, and skin health during walks and play.