Halloween Costume Safety for Dogs

Halloween Costume Safety for Dogs

If you take your dog with you on your Halloween rounds – consider some basic safety factors. Many of the following tips, by the way, should also apply to you. Be safe this Halloween.

9 Ways to Ensure Your Dog’s Halloween Costume Is Safe and Comfortable

1. Be Highly Visible

Make sure the costume is very reflective so that your pet can be easily seen by drivers. You can buy reflective tape at your local bike store and add strips to their costume.

2. Use Fireproof Materials

Your pet may pass by a lot of candles and lit jack-o-lanterns. Make sure that the costume is fireproof, and their swishing tail is safely out of reach of open flames.

3. No Loose Parts

Make sure there are no loose parts on the costume that your pet can eat. Objects such as loose fabric or buttons can become lodged in the intestines, causing an obstruction. Also, loose parts can cause your pet to trip or become tangled in the costume, resulting in fear and anxiety and a future dislike of this holiday.

4. Not Too Tight

Make sure that the costume is not too tight. You should be able to get two or three fingers between your pet and any fabric or tie that goes around your pet, especially around the neck.

5. Not Too Hot or Heavy

Your pet could overheat if the costume is too hot or too heavy. Take special care to check their level of comfort several times during the evening. Excessive panting or falling behind should signal you to quit.

6. Use Your Leash

Your pet may become frightened or spooked by loud or unusual sounds. On the other hand, they may also want to run and play with kids or other pets. Many pets have to make the trip to local emergency clinics after being hit by a car on Halloween evening, so be sure your furry friend is on a leash.

7. Take Your Own Treats

Pets often want to partake in the “goods,” which may not be good for them. Chocolate can be toxic, and other candies can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Take some pet treats with you, so they can get their own kind of “goodie” during the evening.

8. Listen to Your Pet

If your dog really doesn’t like to wear a costume, don’t force them. Even if they look really cute, forcing a dog to do something they do not want to do can result in some bad behavior and future conflict.

9. Practice

Get your pet used to the costume you have selected. Have them wear it several times before the actual day. They will be so busy watching all the Halloween activities that they should not have to worry about some strange new piece of clothing on their special day.