Selecting a Halloween Costume for your Pet

Pets want to be part of family activities, and Halloween is no exception! Do you plan to take your dog Trick-Or-Treating? If your four-legged friend is well socialized in a variety of environments, he may delight in joining the spooky fun on Halloween night. Dog costumes are popping up everywhere and in infinite variety. Some are adapted from children’s costumes, while others are made specifically for dogs. 

Photo submitted to Evanger's
by Amanda Frederick

The most important consideration in choosing the right Halloween costume for your dog is his level of tolerance for accessories. Fortunately there is a wide range of products from very minimalist collar accessories or sweaters to more elaborate full-body costumes, hats, and socks. Dress your pet with comfort in mind. Ensure that the dog costume provides adequate vision and breathing room. Well before Halloween night, use standard obedience training techniques to introduce the costume – provide healthy, low-calorie dog treats and praise while placing a small piece of the costume on Fido. Take the piece off again and repeat the process several times, until he associates the costume with positive rewards.

Once Fido has mastered sporting his costume, practice walking with standard obedience commands (i.e., sit, heel, etc.). A familiar walk routine will help your dog easily adapt to trick-or-treating with the kids. Be sure to pack Fido’s favorite all natural dog treats on Halloween night, as sugar and chocolate can be very dangerous for pets. Now the whole family can enjoy the Halloween festivities!