Pet Halloween Costumes: Cute or Scary?

Wednesday, October 10, 2012 - 12:00pm
Chihuahua Bee Halloween Costume

With Halloween just around the corner, you might be tempted to make your cat or dog a star by dressing him up in the cutest mini-sized costume you can find. But wait—is trick-or-treat apparel really safe for your furry friends?

Our experts suggest putting your pet in a costume only if you’re sure he will enjoy it. Some pets love the limelight: wearing a costume and posing for pictures is a blast! Others prefer to stick to their birthday suits for all occasions, and being dressed like a pumpkin for their pet parents’ amusement can cause unnecessary stress.

If you decide to have your pet wear a costume, here are some helpful safety tips to keep in mind:

  • Your pet’s Halloween garb should not constrict his movement or hearing, or impede his ability to breathe, bark or meow. Be sure to try on costumes in advance—and if your furry friend seems distressed, you’ll want to ditch the mini-pirate hat and vest.

  • Examine your pet’s costume and make sure it doesn’t have any small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that he could choke on. Also, ill-fitting outfits can get caught on external objects or your pet, leading to injury.

  • IDs, please! Make sure your dog or cat has proper identification on underneath that cute costume. If for any reason your pet escapes and becomes lost during Halloween festivities, a collar and tags and/or a microchip can be a lifesaver.


For a complete list of animal safety guidelines for this spooky holiday, check out our expert Halloween Safety Tips for pet parents.

Tell us: Are you planning to dress up your pet for Halloween?

Tags: 
Pet Care

Comments

Thu, 10/11/2012 - 23:22 — Jessica (Visitor)
I am planning on dressing up my 2 dogs,but we buy 1 size up so it fits them coferly.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 11:13 — Beth (Visitor)
I am dressing my puppy up for halloween. It is nothing extravagant, just a t-shirt like thing with a skeleton top from Old Navy. It isn't tight on him nor is it too big and he seems comfortable; so I think we're good.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 11:29 — Peaceanimal (Visitor)
I would never consider exploiting animals in this manner --- dress them up just to entertain us? I'd rather spend my time finding a dog-safe recipe for Halloween cookies I could make for THEM rather than to put them in an uncomfortable outfit designed to entertain ME. I prefer to not desensitize others --- particularly children --- into thinking that animals are here for our entertainment. Costumes for animals send that message loud and clear. I say NO THANKS!

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 11:58 — JoeM (Visitor)
Way to go -- I love your thinking!

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 12:14 — Robert Snyder (Visitor)
I couldn't have said it better myself!

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 12:19 — Katey (Visitor)
I have the perfect recipe book for that! Tricks no, treats yes!

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 12:41 — suzan robison (Visitor)
So well said! I never put ANY garments on my dogs; they are blissful nudists! They don't even like the bows (put on my female) and the kerchief (on my male) that the groomers always put on them.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 18:20 — Vladsmom (Visitor)
A groomer? Ooh, I'm surprised you don't bathe them yourself. I would NEVER want to put my little ones in the hands of a stranger for something so personal as a bath! And since you don't have the time or desire to even clean your dogs ears/teeth, cut nails why couldn't you at least tell the groomer not to put those horrible bows and neckerchiefs on them?

Sat, 10/13/2012 - 13:24 — Kat (Visitor)
Relax with the groomer comment why wouldn't someone take their dog to a professional to be groomed and cut how it should be done instead of doing it by yourself and getting the wrong results some people are so ignorant judging what others do mind your business. My dog doesn't need to go groomers because his hair is short but if it wasn't he would go and his one of the happiest dogs out there. So be quiet.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 12:54 — Rhonda (Visitor)
I have seen so many pups crouched over, hunkered down and unhappy when wearing clothes of any sort and think it ridiculous that their parents cannot understand their dog's behavior... and they (parents) still feel entertained! No thank you!! I feel especially dismayed when there is an event for dogs that encourages dog costumes. If you must have Halloween wear for your pup, get a holiday collar for gosh sakes.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 17:14 — Sharon (Visitor)
I always had mid-size or big dogs, but after taking on a 7-year 14-pound Min-Pin, Dauchaund mix, I saw that he started shivering when the weather turned cold and actually pulled one of his jackets from the drawer. Dogs are not always perfectly adapted to the climate they end up in. I think helping a shivering dog keep warm is a kindness, not a silly indulgence.

Fri, 10/19/2012 - 00:05 — Kaywinnet (Visitor)
Thank you! Last winter, our kitten was freezing while we were roasting our butts off trying to keep her from shivering. You're damn right we bought her a Christmas sweater! Did she like it? Not particularly. Did she no longer spend her days burrowed under every blanket and pillow she could find before she turned into an icicle? Hell no!

Sat, 10/20/2012 - 21:42 — sophie (Visitor)
I totally agree. I have a miniture doxin and all I do for halloween with my dog, is make them treats and once in awhile ill put her sweater on but thats it.....plus her sweater keeps her warm during the fall and if comfortable!!!

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 13:10 — T. Greenwood (Visitor)
Can't agree with you here. I don't dress my dogs either, but certainly don't see the harm in others including their dogs in their family fun/activities. Take a chill pill.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 13:33 — Kristi (Visitor)
Agreed. This person is on an extreme end of the spectrum (and while it's at least on the right side of the spectrum, an extreme is still an extreme!).

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 13:21 — Joyce Hoffacker (Visitor)
I dress my dog as her happy self. She'll get a bath, a good brushing, healthy meal, exercise, love and attention. Then her best collar so she's comfortable to enjoy the kids prowling through the neighborhood. She gets plenty of attention as a happy, healthy dog.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 14:31 — Nancy (Visitor)
I COMPLETELY AGREE - PET COSTUMES ARE ABUSE! FIND A PET SAFE COOKIE FOR THEM!!

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 14:41 — Sharon M. (Visitor)
Totally agree!

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 18:22 — ChibiOkamiko (Visitor)
I have a dog who loves clothes, to the point that some mornings he will leap on me until I indulge him with a shirt to wear. Halloween is his favorite holiday, because of the attention and treats he gets. So, I don't think I am "exploiting" my dog by giving him something he wants and enjoys.

Mon, 10/15/2012 - 08:57 — Cowgirl (Visitor)
I and my adult daughter and sister in law all have dogs that love shirts, sweaters or dresses and ask for them. Some dogs like that and some don't. I also have a dog that doesn't like that so she goes natural. I say see if your dog is comfortable with and go from there with comfort in mind.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 18:46 — Renee (Visitor)
Okay, let me give you another take on costumes/coats, etc. for pets. I have a greyhound, standard poodle and toy poodles. I also live in KS where we have lots of hawks. One, hawks have been known to carry off small dogs. One way of helping to protect you small dog is to put a colorful tee or whatever (hopefully we have enough sense to make sure it's not uncomfortable). This provides protection as a hawk is likely to see my small silver poodles as prey. Less likely to see them in bright pink or turquoise as such. Now, on to my greyhound. Greyhounds don't have the layer of fat that most dogs have. They are extremely sensitive to heat and cold. So not only do I put cute coats on my grey, I buy them specially made so that they're easy to get on and off and fit her comfortably. Of course I also don't leave her out in any extreme weather for more than a few minutes anyway. But, judge not lest ye be judged. There are some very good reasons out there for putting "outfits" on our dogs.

Mon, 10/15/2012 - 08:14 — Carmen (Visitor)
I agree with the person with the grey hound and minpin/ dash mix :) not all dog clothes is ridiculous or uncomfortable. Sometime it is necessary for warmth and protection & safety! I make dog clothing - everything in the form of a harness, from coats to sweaters and tee's. I understand that just like people - NOT all dogs are alike. Some hate wearing clothing of any kind and really don't need too. We should respect that as loving and caring pet parents. But others need clothing for warmth, protection from the elements, and we should not let our pets go thru any discomfort simply because we do or don't like dressing them. Just do what's RIGHT FOR UR PET! Not what is right for you!!

Sat, 10/13/2012 - 00:16 — BabyKitten (Visitor)
Hey Debbie Downer, if you don't want to dress up your animals, that's fine for you but don't insult those of us that do. Go bake some safe cookies while the rest of us enjoy our pets in costumes.

Tue, 10/16/2012 - 10:20 — Mister Cello (Visitor)
I agree with you-it's a personal decision. I think most people really love their pets and are tuned into what the pet likes and finds objectionable. And animals are very capable of communicating their desires! I put a lei on my cat-several times around so it made a big fluffy collar. She posed on a colorful blanket, I took some pictures and took the lei off. She didn't mind this for the two minutes that it took, and now everyone I know can see my cat dressed up. It was fun, Lena didn't mind, and cats-especially black ones-don't celebrate Halloween anyway-certainly not by going out!

Sat, 10/13/2012 - 11:44 — Nathalie Lenoble (Visitor)
Bravo! I totally agree with your thinking!

Sun, 10/14/2012 - 01:03 — Dana (Visitor)
Agree. If you have to dress up your pet in stupid garments then you haven't learned anything animals can teach us about life.

Mon, 10/15/2012 - 11:53 — Karen (Visitor)
I completely agree with this comment. I would never put a costume on my animals. I do have a small dog and in winter I put a coat on him to keep him warm when I take him out but that is it.

Mon, 10/15/2012 - 14:06 — Alicia (Visitor)
I understand where your coming from but some dogs like being dressed up. I would never dress up my pet if they didn't like it;the same reason my cat is not going to be wearing a costume (he absolutely hates it so i would never put it on him) My neighbors Pit Bull loved being dressed up for Halloween! He couldn't wait to get his costume on every year!

Mon, 10/15/2012 - 17:27 — Evelyn Harrison (Visitor)
Such thoughtful and thought provoking words. Pets are cute enough without costumes.

Sun, 10/14/2012 - 14:48 — Leslie (Visitor)
I bought that same one too! I also have one for Christmas that says "Santas little yelper" on it. My little guy gets cold easy & often snuggles on my heating pad any chance he gets.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 16:17 — Christy (Visitor)
What does coferly mean?

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 19:14 — Zamara Hernandez (Visitor)
Lol! I wonder what it means also!

Sat, 10/13/2012 - 02:11 — Saber Alexander (Visitor)
I THINK it might have meant "comfortably"?

Mon, 10/15/2012 - 17:31 — Evelyn Harrison (Visitor)
Coferly isn't in my dictionary. I was thinking "comfortably" fit there as well.

Tue, 10/16/2012 - 10:26 — Mister Cello (Visitor)
Yes! While hardly conventional, the spelling of "coferly" is quite efficient and communicates a cozy image. I like it!

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 10:12 — Mary Baugher (Visitor)
Pet costumes can be harmless fun if your pet doesn't mind wearing them. But if your pet seems uneasy with it or is struggling to get it off, then ditch the whole idea. It has to be fun for them too.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 15:30 — Melinda (Visitor)
I agree. I had a Cocker Spaniel that would freeze even when you put a towel on her to dry her off, so when my Mother bought an expensive personalized doggie coat for winter walks, "Baby Girl" just froze up. It depends on the animal.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 10:20 — Faith Weiner (Visitor)
The best pet costume ever - I took my husky-shepherd out with my kids one year, and told the other young trick-or-treaters that he was a cat in a really good dog costume! They were all very impressed.

Sat, 10/13/2012 - 02:12 — Saber Alexander (Visitor)
LOL That's great.

Mon, 10/15/2012 - 17:33 — Evelyn Harrison (Visitor)
How clever. I love it!

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 10:22 — Joyce M. Coomer (Visitor)
I consider pet costumes to be inhumane and insulting to the pets. Several years ago, a few days before Halloween, I was driving to an adjoining town and alongside the road was the body of a black and white cat wearing what appeared to be a ballerina tutu. The only conclusion I could come to was that some little girl thought it was cute, the cat panicked and ran into the road and got killed. Please, please, please, please -- for the sake of my tender heart -- do not put costumes on your pets.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 10:47 — Julie (Visitor)
I agree with you Joyce. I find it very insulting to the pet as well. One of the many reasons I do not like the circus and would never attend. I love my dogs too much to put human clothes on them to make fun of them.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 12:30 — sarah (Visitor)
When i break out my dog's halloween costume she gets extremely excited and shoves her head right into it and sits there with her tail wagging while i fasten it. Im huge on animal rights and would never do anything that didnt make my little girl happy. It all depends on the dog.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 14:57 — helen ferrieux (Visitor)
Animals don't need to be treated like toys. Please, spare their dignity. They are perfectly beautiful (and happy) in the coats they were born in.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 10:23 — Jillie Huggins (Visitor)
Every year my dogs have the best costume. They dress up as DOGS! I must say they are scarily convincing in this role and they seem to love it. Beautiful fur coats, exquisite markings, beautiful muscular physique! Plus their useage of real animal fur is perfectly PETA acceptable. These costumes seem to fool everyone into thinking my dogs are dogs and not the fur-covered leprechauns that they truly are!

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 11:13 — AL DAILEY (Visitor)
LOVE YOUR COMMENT. YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAY, "GREAT MINDS THINK ALIKE". DOGS ARE NOT FOR THIS FRIVILOUS AND RIDICULOUS DRESS UP CRAP. IF THESE "ADULTS" WANT TO PLAY DRESS UP THEY NEED TO GET SOME DOLLS.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 12:02 — JoeM (Visitor)
What an awesome comment!

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 10:28 — Joan Mayer (Visitor)
We do dress our dog up every Halloween, but like you mention we stick to outfits he can easily move in. I use high value treats to condition him to wear them - so he enjoys playing dress-up. Last year we all went as a family of skunks - it was hysterical! I'll even take him door to door and have people give him a dog treat (I provide them) as a way to socialize him. Others enjoy it too :-)

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 15:01 — helen ferrieux (Visitor)
What? You "persuade" your dog with treats to dress up like an imbecile? You say he enjoys it; how do you know he enjoys it? Just go out and enjoy yourselves and take doggie friend with you, but please don't make him look like an idiot - it's not HIS choice!

Sat, 10/13/2012 - 02:14 — Saber Alexander (Visitor)
Dogs don't care what they look like. They just care what they feel like. If the costume doesn't bother a dog there is no reason not to put one on him. Not every dog is equal.

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