13 Surprising uses for dog bandanas or Why would you put a bandana on your dog

The first ever souvenir bandana was thought to be of George Washington in 1776 and this led to the use of bandanas as a promotional tool. It’s not particularly clear when dogs got into bandanas (or when their owners decided it was a good idea!) but the largest ever gathering of dogs wearing bandanas (according to Guinness World Records) was at Big Red Barn Farm in Pretoria, South Africa in Oct 2017, where 764 dogs wore bandanas, organized by DotSure (pet insurance), in aid of the Animal Cruelty League.

For the most part people put bandanas on their dogs as fashion to show off their personality. But there is also a lot of very practical reasons for dogs to wear bandanas.

Do you know any? Share your knowledge and experience with us, please.

1. They can provide warmth - to have a bandana wrapped around the dog’s neck and covering the chest is an extra layer to add warmth!

2. Keep cool - on a hot day if you want to cool the dog down you can wet the bandana before applying it. When dogs get too hot, they start to pant a lot because they cannot sweat like we can. It can be very dangerous and potentially fatal if a dog suffers heatstroke.

3. Calming effects - you can use the bandana to calm the dog if they’re anxious or worked up. The world can be a confusing and scary place for dogs sometimes. Fireworks, thunderstorms, a house move or even a long journey can cause a huge amount of stress and anxiety. Simply use the stress relief spray (provided by a vet) across the bandana under the chin and because it’s near the dogs nose it will assist with the dog staying calm. It is a good idea to test the essence on a part of the bandana that isn’t visible and then wash it to see if it will stain.

4. Parasite control - bandanas can be coated with a flea repellent to act as a flea collar. Natural bug repellents need to be dog-friendly with natural ingredients to protect your dogs from pesky critters like ticks and fleas. When looking for the best natural bug repellant, look for essential oils of citronella, patchouli, catnip, and cedar wood for good results.

5. First aid - In an ideal world, you would have a fully stocked first aid kit with you at all times, and be just meters from a vet surgery. Sadly, this is often not the case. A bandana can double up as a tourniquet or a bandage in an emergency.

6. Ear protector - if your pup is recovering from an injury or ear surgery, bandanas may be the perfect accessory to protect your dog's ears from sunburn, dirt, and excessive itching.

7. Inform another dog owner of important information (it can be uncomfortable to talk to strangers and tell them what condition your dog has) - an anxious dog, a deaf dog, a dog in training, a blind dog, etc. Red bandana is a warning to not approach just like a red sign is typically a warning. Yellow bandana means to not approach or approach with caution. Orange - not good with other dogs. Blue - working dog or training. White - deaf or blind or both. Green - friendly with everyone.

8. Inform people important information about its owners (diabetes, heart disease, epilepsy etc.)

9. A high vis dog bandana is typically reflective and adds a great safety feature which further re-enforces how useful a dog bandana can be. If car lights shine on it, then it will stand out which has a much greater chance of preventing a road traffic accident if your dog is in the road.

10. Bandanas are great to make a scary dog look less scary by wearing something playful. Sometimes a dog that looks very scary with its teeth out or big frame is actually very friendly. Often we find once you add a bandana with a funny saying or cute figurines on it people look at the dog differently as it will look more friendly dressed up.

11. Can be used to raise awareness of a particular event. Even brand awareness and other causes and charities are a great excuse for wearing a bandana.

12. Well, trivially, a bandana can be used as a handkerchief - to wipe your dog's drool, your hands, etc.

13. Of course - fashion (at home and restaurant, doggy events, markets, birthdays, walks, parks and also at photoshoots for their/their owners Instagram and Facebook followers). They are also brilliant at Christmas and Halloween. Seasonally themed bandanas are a great way for dogs to join in the fun, especially if you are not keen to dress them up in costumes. Like human clothes you can swap them out for different events and days of the week to keep it fresh.

We hope this article has provided some indication as to why dogs wear bandanas.

The most important consideration is that your dog is happy and comfortable wearing a bandana. Most dogs are relaxed wearing them as they are used to wearing a collar but some dogs may become stressed or upset if it makes them feel uncomfortable. Don’t force your dog to wear a bandana if they don’t like it.

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