June is Pride month, which means parades, parties, and celebrations of love all around the world. Who says your dog can’t join in? Nobody, that’s who. Whether you and your pup identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community or are showing your support as a rainbow-clad ally, Daily Paws has a few tips to keep in mind while searching for the perfect fit for your pooch.
First things first: If your pup isn’t comfortable pulling off a look inspired by the Queens of RuPaul’s Drag Race, skip it. There are plenty of ways to show your support for the queer community that don’t require a full-scale overhaul! For these outfit-averse doggos, try something simple instead. A rainbow leash, collar, or bandana can be a fashionable (yet functional) option for pets who want to strut their stuff but may not be ready to prance down the catwalk in a full costume.
You’ll also want to choose a costume that fits your pup well. A T-shirt can be a casual option that still makes a statement, but it shouldn’t be too tight or too loose, or impede their movement (nobody wants their pup to take a tumble while strutting their stuff in the parade!). And while hats or doggy sunglasses might be cute for a brief photo op, if they cover your pet’s eyes or affect their vision, it’s probably a good idea to leave them at home.
Finally, if your fur baby doesn’t do well in crowds or around people or pets they don’t know, snap a quick pic of them in their rainbow regalia from home, then cuddle up on the couch while you partake in the celebration virtually together. But if your dog loves meeting new friends and the two of you do decide to head out to the festivities, be sure to carry extra water so they (and you!) can stay hydrated throughout the day. If it’s an especially hot day, you may also want to consider whether dog booties are needed to help protect their paws from the hot pavement.
Now that you’ve got the basics on dressing your pooch in clothes that work for their size and comfort level, it’s time to find a look that’ll show off their best assets. Whether you bring them out for the parade or just on their daily walk, once your pet is decked out in head-to-tail rainbow colors for the full elegahnza effect, there’s no doubt they’ll take the crown for the proudest pet around! With Pride parades and socially distanced parties back on the agenda this June, we’re all getting excited for the rainbow-colored gear that will fill the streets (and social media!) in celebration of the queer community.
Here are just a few ideas on how to bedazzle your best friend in all colors of the rainbow.
A rainbow collar is the easiest and most useful adornment, and can be anything from utilitarian to splashy. Want to take your furry pal to the parade? How about breaking out a sassy rainbow harness and/or leash for the affair? If we’re getting serious about actual fashion, then consider a tutu or rainbow cape. Yes, dogs can be Superheroes of Pride.
As to where to find all the great Pet Pride merch, the Human Rights Campaign offers a slew of cute Pet Pride accessories, as does Petco, Petsmart, and the company Zack and Zoey makes a bunch of adorable Pride-themed options for dog shirts and pullovers.
If we’re talking neckwear, how about a rainbow bandana or a rainbow tie to show it’s a special occasion? Ah, and a rainbow dog wig will make your pup feel like a queen – a drag queen, that is. Going to the park for playtime? An assortment of rainbow-colored tennis balls do the trick!
The point is, have fun, and show some Pride!
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Photo Credit: Anna Zisk / Shutterstock.com