Halloween Pet Costumes They’re fun, adorable ways to celebrate the holidays. But these costumes can come with some risks. Learn how to prevent health problems and injuries while your pet is trick-or-treating outside or celebrating at home.
Proper fit of the costume
A common problem with pet costumes is that they are often sold as “one size fits all” and only come in options for small, medium, and large dogs. While a teacup poodle is certainly as small as a Lhasa apso, their body shapes and sizes are so different that a costume for a small dog likely won’t fit either of them safely.
Be sure to measure your pet and compare it to the costume’s measurements before deciding on the final costume. If the costume is too big, your pet may trip and injure themselves. If the costume is too small, your pet may be squeezed, unable to breathe properly, develop chafing, and be overall uncomfortable.
Once you’ve donned the costume, keep a close eye on your pet’s body language: if they appear uncomfortable or frightened, remove the costume and consider a stylish alternative, like a spooky bandana or a proper bow tie, that will add to the seasonal feel without stressing your pet.
Full mobility
Not only should the costume fit snugly and be comfortable to wear, but it should also allow your pet to perform all of its normal movements: your pet should be able to see, hear, bark, walk, run, and move around as they normally do. If your costume includes a mask and shoes, they are perfect for a short “photo shoot” instead of everyday clothing.
One way to ensure your pet is comfortable moving around on the big night is to try on their costume a few weeks beforehand. This gives you plenty of time to make adjustments to the costume, find a different costume, or change to a less restrictive one. If you’re not sure, try on the adapted costume a few times before Halloween.
Make sure your field of vision is not restricted
Costumes that cover the face can block your pet’s vision and hearing, so keep a close eye on your pet to make sure the costume doesn’t hang down over their eyes and obscure where they’re going, as they could fall and injure themselves, especially if they’re trick-or-treating in unfamiliar areas.
Additionally, your pet is likely to become scared or stressed if they feel that all their senses are not normal, especially at night. Remember that there may be other people and dogs around who are also wearing costumes, which could make it a frightening experience for your pet. When in doubt, remove any distracting parts of the costume.
Possible allergic reaction
Though it’s not common, animals can have allergic reactions to fabrics and detergents, just like humans. Another reason it’s helpful to try on your pet is so you can identify any itching, rashes, or respiratory problems caused by the costume. If you notice any worrisome changes, remove the costume immediately and wash your pet with a gentle shampoo, such as Dawn dish soap. If problematic signs persist, contact your veterinarian.
Make sure there are no objects that could be a choking hazard
Most costume manufacturers design costumes with pet owners in mind, not necessarily the safety of the animal. Many costumes come with loose or easily chewed accessories that can be swallowed, creating a choking hazard or gastrointestinal blockage.
Check the costume carefully before putting it on your pet to make sure there are no dangling or loosely attached items that could come off or be chewed. Small items like hats and shoes can even be eaten whole. If possible, remove any parts that may be dangerous to your pet and adapt the costume to make it safe to wear, or choose a different piece of clothing that is safe for your pet.
Costumed monitor pet
Think of costumes as “supervised only” toys. Even with a relatively safe costume, there is always an increased risk of injury, so never leave an animal alone in a costume. Always have a responsible adult on a lead to ensure your pet is properly supervised.
Be aware that pets use body language as a means of communication when there are other animals around, and the signals a costumed pet gives off will change. This can lead to conflict between previously friendly dogs. For safety, keep your pet on a leash at all times when there are multiple dogs around and the pet is wearing a costume.
Recognizing the signs of stress
Just as not everyone likes to dress up when going out, not everyone likes to dress up either. Most cats are free to voice their opinions about costumes. Dogs may be a little more inclined to “conform”, but if your dog tucks their ears, turns their eyes to the side, rolls their back, tucks their tail, or slithers around hunched, your pet may not be enjoying the costume as much as you are. This is not the time for tough love. If it’s clear that your pet doesn’t like or is not comfortable in the costume, take the hint and remove the clothes.
Make sure the ID tag is visible
Halloween is a spooky time, so your pet may be startled and run away. If this happens, your pet will be more likely to be reunited with you quickly if they have a collar with a clearly visible ID tag and a microchip with up-to-date contact information. Also, keep in mind that many states require that rabies tags be kept on dogs’ collars at all times. This is also wise if your dog is meeting new people or animals.
Dressing up for Halloween is fun for both humans and animals. But before the festivities, it’s crucial to make sure the costume you choose for your pet is safe, comfortable, and well-tolerated. With a little preparation and attention to detail, you and your pet can look your best this Halloween.
