Halloween Costumes for Dogs

Halloween is a fun holiday to celebrate with your pomsky dog. You might want dress your dog up for Halloween, but you will want to make sure your dog is comfortable and not stressed while wearing a costume. This post includes important considerations to make when choosing a costume for your dog, how to teach your dog to wear their costume and how to tell if your dog is stressed.

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Dog Costume Considerations

There are some important things you will want to consider when choosing a Halloween costume for your dog.

Costume Material – Make sure the costume material is soft and comfortable for your dog. Avoid itchy materials such as sequins that could irritate your dog’s skin. Check the costume to ensure there aren’t little pieces your dog could chew on or choke on. Do not get costumes that have gems, buttons or other small plastic pieces that could fall off or be a choking hazard.
Costume Size – Make sure the costume fits correctly and is not too loose or too tight. You won’t want pieces hanging on the ground that could cause the dog or others near them to trip. Alternatively, you do not want the costume to be too tight, which could restrict your dog’s movement.
Costume Coverage – Make sure the costume will fit well around your dog’s collar or harness, depending on what you plan on using to walk your dog on Halloween. You will also want to consider where the costume lands on the dog’s belly and ensure they can easily go potty while wearing the costume.

Halloween Costume Safety

Walking at night – It is important that you can see your dog if you plan on walking your dog on Halloween night while they are wearing their costume. You can add reflective pieces to your dog’s costume, attach small lights, or use a lighted collar. Always carry a flashlight too so you can see what is up ahead of you to ensure your dog doesn’t encounter any Halloween treats.
How restrictive is the costume? - Make sure your dog’s costume doesn’t restrict your dog’s legs or airway. Check that your dog’s costume fits properly and allows your dog to walk, run and jump as they typically would. Also be sure that the costume doesn’t block any of your dog’s senses including their eyes, ears, nose or mouth.
Playtime – Supervise your dog the entire time they are wearing their costume. If you need to leave the room, take your dog’s costume off so you know they are safe while they are out of your sight. It may seem cute for dogs to play together while wearing Halloween costumes, however, the costumes could become hazardous during puppy playtime. Your dog’s costume might slip around, get caught on something, or the other dog might tug or chew on it.

Introducing Your Dog to their Costume

Before putting your dog in their costume, show the costume to your dog and let them sniff it and explore it. Carefully put the costume on your dog and give them treats so they have a positive association with wearing the costume. If your dog appears uncomfortable, check if the costume is adjusted properly to allow all four of your dog’s legs to move freely and their head to turn in all directions. Continue to give your dog treats and provide distractions such as puzzle toys or playing fetch so they can adjust to the feeling of the costume on their body. If your dog still looks uncomfortable, remove the costume and continue to attempt to introduce your dog to it gradually, while providing many treats and calming vibes.

Signs Your Dog is Stressed

If your dog keeps their tail down, has their ears down, hides under furniture, is shaking, or is whimpering then they might be stressed about wearing the costume. You know your dog the best and should be able to tell if they are stressed or are acting differently while wearing their costume. Dressing up for Halloween will only be fun for you and your dog if it is an enjoyable experience.

Put your dog’s comfort first and foremost. Some dogs are not used to wearing clothing or costumes, so they might feel very strange wearing a Halloween costume. Other dogs really enjoy the extra attention and might feel special wearing a costume.

Alternative Options to Costumes

Halloween Bandanas

Halloween Collars or Leashes

Halloween Dog Toys

Summary

When deciding how to dress up your dog for Halloween, there are several things you should consider. Make sure your dog’s costume is the correct size, it is made out of comfortable material and doesn’t limit your dog’s movement or senses. Take the right safety precautions if you plan on walking your dog at night or if they will be playing with other dogs. You know your dog well, so you can decide if there is a costume that is right for your dog, or if you should use alternative options such as a Halloween themed collar, leash, bandana or toy. Learn how to Prepare Your Pomsky for Halloween in this post.