Doggy Fashion Week or Nah ???

A dog without clothes 

A dog with clothes

Link to Article:

http://www.dognotebook.com/dogs-wearing-clothes-is-it-really-necessary/

Conclusion:

    This article is called, " Dogs Wearing Clothes - Is It Really Necessary ?"  and it is written by a member of  www.dognotebook.com. The article details whether dogs actually need clothes. The author concludes that in her opinion it is not necessary for dog to wear clothes but, if it isn't harming the dog then dogs wearing clothes is perfectly acceptable. Descriptive Issues are issues that raise questions about the accuracy of descriptions of the past, present, or future. Include the words: DO, WHAT,WHO, HOW. My last blog focused on Prescriptive Issues so, this blog will focus on Descriptive Issues.

     Examples of Descriptive Issues found in the text are "If you have a tiny dog with little fur, such as Chihuahuas and Yorkies, and you live on a barren tundra in Minnesota, your dear dog might benefit from a well-made sweater or even a down-lined jacket in the middle of winter." and " If it is a warm rain, you and your pet probably won’t mind, but those chillier drizzling runs can become quite uncomfortable for both of you, so you should both put on your rain gear." No matter what type of fur your dog has, in this case, it makes sense to suit up for the elements." The Descriptive Issues in this article speak to WHO and WHAT.  The WHO actually refers to the dogs and if they need the clothes. WHO needs clothes ? According to the author small dogs with little fur need clothes. The second question answered would be WHAT clothes need to be worn ? The author suggest any clothes that shield dogs from uncomfortable weather should be worn.

Evidence:

   To reiterate, the author uses evidence to support his or her's message. These quotes from the article are two examples of  when the author's message can be clearly seen. This article is an opinion based article so understanding the authors message is important. "Under ideal climate conditions, your dog’s coat is beautiful and, as long as you keep it healthy and shiny, why not let it glow on its own? Sometimes just letting your dog be a dog is the best way to go, as long as the conditions are safe for you to do so." and "While there is no harm in it, it certainly isn’t necessary, and it might even feel a bit confining for your pet to wear anything when it is perfectly comfortable in good weather.If you want to dress your dog in clothes, monitor the response. If he or she behaves as if they feel constricted or overheated, reconsider your plan to dress your dog."These two quotes confirm that the author's message is that it isn't necessary for dogs to wear clothes unless it's weather permitting. But, if a dog is comfortable in clothes that is completely okay. Sometimes dogs do not like wearing clothes but, if they do not mind wearing clothes then dressing them is fine. Any weather like snow or rain can be uncomfortable for dogs so, a coat or sweater may help certain dogs.

Fallacies:

   One error in this author's reasoning is that her evidence is all opinion based. Although, this is an opinion piece quotes or statistics from trustworthy sources would have made her message more effective. This issue has been long  debated and having quotes from trustworthy sources such as respected veterinarians and animal welfare organizations. For example, the telegraph mentioned in an article that , "The RSPCA has compared the practice to leaving dogs in cars during hot weather and warned that if people consistently allow their dogs to get too hot when wearing clothing they could face prosecution." The RSPCA is apart of the SPCA. The SPCA is well respected and trusted internationally on issues regarding animal welfare. In all, including sources would have made the authors article stronger.

(http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/4214076/Animal-welfare-experts-hot-under-the-collar-over-dogs-in-coats.html)

My Conclusions:

The dogs pictured at the top of the blog are both mine. In my experience owning dogs smaller dogs may actually have a bigger need for clothes. My Cane Corso mastiff also wore clothes but, only on occasion. He had a coat that he only really wore when it was snowing outside. On the other hand my shih tzu/yorkie mix wears clothes a lot more often. She tends to shiver when it's cold. So, she wears a parka when its raining and a coat when it is snowing. Other than that she only wears clothes for my enjoyment although she doesn't seem to mind wearing clothes for herself either.