Dog Halloween Costumes – How to Keep Your Dog Safe

The demand for Dog Halloween costumes has escalated the last few years. You may like to have your dog with you while out trick or treating. Why not dress your buddy in a costume for Halloween and allow him to join in the fun keeping dog Halloween safety in mind, of course. With a properly trained dog, and dog loving neighbors, it can be an enjoyable evening for the entire family.

Some dogs like getting dressed up and the attention they receive but it may be tad stressful for those that are not party animals.

Here are some tips to encourage your dog to become accustom to the costume idea:

• Do not wait until Halloween night to put your dog’s Halloween costume on. Start a couple of weeks prior. Use treats to motivate him.
• Let your best friend sniff around the costume, drape it over him for a minute, give him a treat and praise. Do this a few times.
• Do the above on a daily basis, and leave the costume on longer each time. Then put the costume on him, loosely. Repeat what you have done in the instructions above. A minute or so at first and then gradually in longer increments. Accompany this with much praise and treats.
• If your best buddy becomes perturbed and upset, and just doesn’t like the idea of being dressed, forget the costume. A simple doggy t-shirt, Halloween collar or bandana may be a better option.

Dog Halloween Costumes – Safety

• The fit should be right – not too tight or constricting.
• Avoid impeding the breathing, sight, barking or hearing.
• The costume should not result in overheating.
• Check for items that may choke or poison your dog if he swallowed them.
• A dog should not at any time be left unattended when wearing a costume.
• All rubber bands should be removed immediately.

Safety on Halloween – Inside the Home

• Be careful that your pet does not run out the door while you are tending to trick or treaters.
• It is a good idea to have a reflector on your dog; it may save him from being hit by a car if he gets loose.
• In the event that your dog escapes, make sure he is wearing a collar and ID.
• Consider keeping your dog on a leash, crated or in another room while trick or treaters are coming and going.
• Candy and wrappers will be everywhere on Halloween but they must be kept away from pets. Give your dog a chew toy or a doggy treat so that he won’t feel left out.

Safety on Halloween – Outside

• Do not leave your dog outside on Halloween. Every Halloween pets are stolen, tormented, tortured and injured.
• If you walk your dog Halloween evening, be vigilant of what he may pick up along the path.
• Do have your buddy on a lead while you are trick or treating with the kids and see that he is wearing a collar and ID.
• Keep your dog away from jack-o-lanterns. Place lighted candles and pumpkins where they can’t be knocked over by pets.

Shopping for Dog Halloween Costumes:

If your best friend has the personality and temperament to accompany the kids trick-or-treating, there are a variety of costumes available in pet-friendly sizes.

Have a safe and happy Halloween with your dog!

Donna Boras is a life long dog lover and owner of www.dog-beds-n-beyond.com where you will find a wealth of information, products and advice for caring for your dogs. Subscribe to our FREE month publication The Dog Scoop and receive 2 complimentary welcome gifts.

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