Towards the end of steamy summer, when thoughts are still in lounge chairs at the beaches, we see the merchandise start to shift in the stores. Suddenly beach balls and goggles no longer line the shelves, as orange and black accessories sneak in. We hear motion activated witches cackle as we pass buy, and we think about eating candy corn. And for those of us who are swept up in the fun and intrigue of Halloween, it is time to consider a Halloween costume for pets!

It’s no surprise that with accessories from Halloween dishtowels to Halloween sheets, we include our pets in the spooky festivities. Trick or treaters are greeted by many pets in costume as they tirelessly move from door to door. A Halloween costume for pets can be as simple as a canine hat to a full body covering costume.

Selections online are impressive. Pet stores, too, will start to stock their costumes by the end of the summer. Many pet stores will allow you to bring your animal in to try costumes on. Not only does this allow you to see how adorable your pet looks in various facades, but it may also help you to understand just how much cloth he is willing to tolerate. Some dogs do better in a little body costume that fastens beneath the belly as opposed to a hat with horns or a halo.

A Halloween costume for pets can add that touch of humor and finesse to a very fun holiday. Just keep in mind that if your pet is not comfortable, the costume probably will not be worn for long. Take the time to find a costume that is not only pleasing to you, but one that your pet will enjoy wearing.

Halloween costumes for dogs range from the simplest accessory to the full- blown disguise. You can opt for a pumpkin decorated leash or a little devil horned hat. Maybe you want your dog to have a costume that really expresses his inner being. Full-blown royalty costumes for canines can be found with crown, robes and yes, even royal footwear.

Cute as it all may be, it is important to know what your dog will enjoy, or simply tolerate, before you invest in a complex costume. Some dogs seem to understand that a costume will double attention and praise, and therefore, they are all for it! Other dogs, however, will find any costume difficult to tolerate, and if you feel that they still must be included in the Halloween fun, simpler is better.

There is no shortage of availability or creativity when it comes to Halloween costumes for dogs. Do be careful with sizing though. Sizing will differ among manufacturers and it helps to either bring your dog for a true fitting, or know his measurements well to avoid disappointment. A tight costume will make your dog miserable, but a loose costume will probably entertain him for hours as he works on his escape!

Properly sized costumes will add to comfort and overall enjoyment for the owners, since a dog that continually scratches and wriggles to get free is not only a nuisance, its also animal cruelty.

Man’s best friend

Artwork dating back as far as cave paintings shows us how valuable pets were in the lives of ancient people. From farm workers to hunters to service animals to beloved family pets, animals continue to be an integral part of our world. Dogs, especially, have become our family members, and so it isn’t too surprising to see that when Halloween rolls around there is an abundance of wonderful Halloween costumes for dogs.

Whether your dog’s true spirit is best reflected through themes of career, sports, holiday, superhero, or plain old comedy, a costume awaits him! There is nothing more entertaining to a group of  trick-or-treaters, than being greeted by a canine in costume.

Halloween costumes for dogs really are adorable, but it is also important to remain practical about what your dog will be comfortable wearing. Some dogs genuinely love to wear sweaters and coats, and for them a costume may be a simple transition into just another layer. But for the more finicky dog, a costume may produce stress and discomfort. For these animals, a simple accessory may be more practical. Once you know what your dog will both tolerate and enjoy, it should be easy to grab the right outfit.

And don’t forget that your pet might enjoy a treat on Halloween too! Healthy snacks shaped like pumpkins and goblins are always a fun Halloween snack for your dog. Pet stores always provide fun and healthy holiday options for the canine palate. After all, they deserve a bag of Halloween goodies too!