Safety Tips for Dressing Your Dog Up for Halloween

You might consider dressing your furry friend up this year as Halloween approaches. But before you pick out your pooch’s costume, keep these safety tips in mind.

Make sure the costume fits.

Avoid “One Size Fits All” canine costumes. When too small, costumes can be dangerously constricting and can lead to breathing issues and suffocation. If a costume is too big, it can lead to injuries such as tripping and falling. Measure your pup before going costume shopping. This will allow your pup’s costume to fit comfortably. If ordering the costume online, order in advance in a couple of different sizes. This allows you to ensure your dog’s costume fits before the big day.

Ensure Mobility

Your pup’s costume must allow your dog to perform all of its normal behaviors. If your pooch cannot walk, run, jump, lay down, bark, or see the costume, it can be dangerous. Limiting your pup’s mobility can lead to safety concerns such as slips and falls. This is especially important if your pooch is trick-or-treating in an unfamiliar area. If your costume comes with any obstructing articles, such as booties or a mask, keep them just for photos and not for any Halloween activities.

Monitor choking hazards.

Some Halloween costumes have small accessories, and features can be potential choking hazards. These include, but are not limited to, buttons, beads, bangles, trim, or even hats and booties. These features can be eaten and lead to choking issues or gastrointestinal blockages. Once you purchase your costume, make sure to “pup-proof” it before the big night. Remove all choking hazards from the costume, and make sure your pup doesn’t have access to any small parts of their costume.

We all know dog Halloween costumes are adorable. But our pooch’s safety comes first. If you have any concerns about your pup’s costume, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Have a fun and safe Halloween!