Happy Halloween! Autumn holidays can be fun and enjoyable for Man’s Best Friend, but they can also be harmful. Seasonal meals and trappings, weather, and even costumes can all be hazardous to your canine companion. Continue reading as a local Town N Country, FL veterinarian discusses celebrating Halloween with your canine companion.

Is It Safe to Dress Your Dog in a Halloween Costume?

That is going to be determined by a variety of factors ultimately. The costume is, of course, the most important factor, but you should also consider your pet’s size, temperament, and health.

Here are a few points to consider:

Fit: Make sure your canine companion’s attire fits him properly. If it’s too big, he can trip or become entangled in it, injuring himself. A too-small costume may limit his movements and respiration, and it may also cause sores or blisters. And whether it’s too big or too little, it’ll most certainly be uncomfortable and stressful for your pooch. 

Take your dog’s measurements before purchasing anything, whether you’re ordering an outfit for him or going shopping. You should measure his torso, tummy, and neck circumferences, as well as his shoulder height and spine length. It’s probably a good idea to photograph the numbers and save them to your phone so you’ll always have them with you.

Material: Material is also an important consideration. You don’t want your pet wearing something excessively hot or irritating. Flammable fabrics are also a big no. Choose a breathable and comfy material. 

Keep in mind that most dogs have a pretty voracious appetite and may try to consume, well, everything. This may be cute, but it is also potentially deadly. Many common products are either toxic to dogs or dangerous choking hazards. This is something to think about while choosing décor, and also when selecting your pup’s wardrobe. 

Avoid anything that contains little pieces, such as buttons. Your dog may try to eat them, which can be dangerous. We also advise against anything with zippers. Your pet’s fur may become entangled. Ouch! 

Temperament: You will also need to think about your pet’s personality. Some of our canine friends are pretty bombproof and will not blink an eye if you put a costume on them. Others are really tense and/or reactive, and will be upset about wearing clothing. Don’t push your pet to wear an outfit if he is visibly unhappy with it.

You should also exercise caution with Fido if he is particularly active. He may not mind the clothing as much, but if he is a bouncy ball of zoom, the chances of him getting stuck on something increase.

Coat: Consider your pet’s fur length and thickness. A dog with thin fur may welcome the added warmth of an extra layer, but a dog with a thick coat, such as a husky, will quickly overheat. That doesn’t mean Fido can’t join in the festivities! He just may be better off with something simple, such as antlers or a nice tie or bandana.

Last but not least, have fun with your pet. Fido has donned a variety of adorable—and sometimes hilarious—outfits over the years. He’s portrayed a variety of characters, including spiders, bananas, goats, dinosaurs, Mario, Willie Nelson, and the Pope. The list is endless and grows funnier each year.

No matter what costume you choose, watch Fido closely when he’s wearing it. If he begins to appear uncomfortable, take a picture and remove the outfit. It isn’t worth offending or frightening your loyal pal!

We would also recommend that you get Fido used to his clothing before the event.

Can I Get My Dog Painted For Halloween?

You can, but only if you are careful about his safety. The important thing is to only use paints and colors designed exclusively for dogs. This isn’t something to skimp on: many paints and dyes are hazardous to our pets. Even if you choose anything specifically for dogs, test it on a tiny area first and look for symptoms of irritation. Keep in mind that you will need to bathe your dog after the event. (Sorry, buddy!)

Should You Allow Trick Or Treaters?

That ultimately depends on the dog. If your pet is aggressive, reactive, or afraid, keep the porch lights turned off.

Trick or treating can be stressful for dogs for a variety of reasons. For starters, many dogs are instinctively protective of their homes and humans, barking or growling when strangers approach. That is OK if you only have a few visitors, but a regular stream of dressed visitors may be a bit much for a timid or reactive pup. You’ll also want to be careful if your canine pal has a tendency to try and run off through open doors.

You could also look at some relaxing options. Pet-calming goods include shirts, treats, collars, and sprays. Just follow the instructions to the letter when using these. Another alternative is to place Fido in a quiet back room. Give him comfortable bedding and a toy or chew to keep him occupied, and turn on the TV or radio to drown out the noise. Check on him regularly. This is also a good option for keeping your pooch calm and comfy during those intense summer storms we get.

What Are The Other Halloween Safety Concerns?

Costumes and trick-or-treaters aren’t the only things to be mindful of. Our canine companions never run out of opportunities to get into mischief!

Here are a few more things to be cautious about:

Food

Those sweet goodies can be dangerous—and even fatal—to our canine companions. Many of these holiday candies include harmful chemicals for dogs. This contains chocolate, caffeine, raisins, and xylitol, sometimes known as birch sugar. Small hard candies and candy wrappers may also cause your dog to choke. Keep that candy dish away from paws!

Decorations

When it comes to decorating, keep your dog in mind. Everything small and/or pointy is a potential hazard. Heavy chewers can also choke or hurt themselves on delicate or weak items, such as the cardboard-and-plastic sign. Anything that requires a cord or batteries is likewise dangerous for Fido, as are long and stringy materials such as ropes or cords. You should also exercise caution around flames and candles. Keep these in secure holders and burn them in high spots, well out of paws’ reach.

Traffic

Halloween provides an increase in both pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Keep this in mind while walking your dog. Wear bright, reflective clothing while taking your pet out after dark. If you have a yard for Fido to chase squirrels in, don’t leave him there unaccompanied. There’s just too much potential for trouble.

Darkness

It’s getting dark earlier at this time of year. If you walk your pup after dark, use reflective gear on him and wear bright clothing yourself.

For further information, ask your Town N Country, FL veterinarian.

Make An Appointment At Our Town N Country, FL Pet Clinic

Happy Halloween, everyone! Is your pet due for a check-up, immunizations, or parasite control? Please feel free to contact us at our Town N Country, FL pet hospital at any time. We are always happy to help!