Halloween is just around the corner, and pet costumes will appear in stores and online. Dressing up your pup may be part of getting into the spirit of Halloween, but sometimes, our dogs just don’t like it. If your dog enjoys wearing costumes and outfits, you must find the right one that suits them and their comfort level. In this blog, we give you some tips on how to find the right costume for your dog. Remember, Halloween is about having fun and keeping your dog comfortable and safe will ensure a spooktacular time together!
Is Your Dog the Costume Type?
Before deciding on a costume, you must first determine if your dog likes to get dressed up or have things on their body. Perhaps you notice that your dog doesn’t like wearing booties or coats in the rain or sweaters when it gets chilly. If this is the case, then there’s a high probability your dog will not like costumes. You can always buy an outfit to try on and see how your dog reacts. Check the store’s return policy before you buy your test costume, or try putting on an old t-shirt to see your dog’s reaction. If they start fussing or stop wanting to function, it’s a safe bet that getting dressed for Halloween is not something your dog will enjoy. If you get a happy tail-waggin’ pup that doesn’t mind walking around in their outfit, you can start thinking about the best costume for your dog.
Finding the Right Size
The most important thing about costumes is finding the correct size. A too-small outfit can make your dog uncomfortable and restrict their movement. The fabric can pull on their fur, making them feel itchy and hot. Restricting movement could also restrict blood flow to their limbs which is very unsafe and could harm them. In contrast, costumes that are too big are uncomfortable for other reasons. The fabric can still pull at their fur as they move around, or they can risk tripping on the material that drags on the floor. The right-sized outfit will not be a safety hazard, and your dog can wear the costume for some time in comfort and with the freedom to move easily.
Wearing the Costume in Intervals
Even if you find the perfect fitting costume, you must still ensure your dog gets breaks from wearing the outfit. Dogs with fur can get extra hot with the additional layer of fabric, which can cause them to overheat. Ensure your dog is not panting excessively in their costume, as this can harm their health. In addition to panting, keep an eye out for scratching or pulling at their costume. This can indicate that your dog has had enough and needs a break from the outfit. Ideally, don’t let your dog wear a costume for more than an hour or two at a time.
Costume Alternatives
If your dog isn’t the costume type, don’t worry, there are alternative ways to get into the spirit of Halloween. Costumes aren’t the only option for Halloween. There are tons of Halloween-themed accessories that you can put on your dog instead. Your dog will better receive things like collars and leashes as they are accustomed to wearing them. Other accessories like bandanas or maybe headbands or headpieces can be more comfortable for your dog to wear. These Halloween accessories can be just as fun and spooky as costumes, so be sure to get creative and keep your eyes open for options that will suit your dog and your vision.
Keeping Halloween Fun and Pet-Friendly! Knowing how to find the right costume for your dog can make Halloween more enjoyable for everyone! We love seeing our pets look cute and silly in their costumes, but we must not forget their comfort and safety comes first. Be sure to find the right fit for your dog, whether an outfit or accessory and be ready to make memories to last a lifetime. If you’re going out for Halloween, contact Luv My Sitter, where we can assist with our professional pet-sitting services.