Halloween Dog Costumes

I never let anyone know (You see, I was a macho “tomboy”.) but I had moments of being afraid on Halloween when I was a child. I remember the panic I felt when my mask made it hard to see. I had to walk carefully or I would trip on a curb or step that I didn't see. Sometimes it was hard to breathe. And, if the night was warm, the mask made me feel really hot and sweaty. To top it off, the stink of the rubber in the mask could be nauseating.

When I was one of the youngest in the crowd, I had trouble keeping up with the others. It was frightening to think that I could get lost, because things looked very different in the dark and through my mask. Even though I acted like I had a great time, I didn't always feel that way. But the candy was worth all the suffering!

Think of how your dog feels. He doesn't really understand what is going on—and he doesn't know why he is wearing clothes. The clothes may feel uncomfortable, and, if they are too tight, he may become preoccupied with getting rid of them. If the clothing is too loose, it may trip him or he may catch it on furniture, small trees or bushes.

On trick or treat night, there are lots of noises and many voices than your pet is not used to hearing. The night is full of strange people. The doorbells in the neighborhood are all ringing. Some houses have strange music or recordings designed to scare the trick or treaters and create a frightening atmosphere.

And masks that smell funny make people that your dog usually knows—look and smell different. To your dog, his world becomes full of strangers, strange sounds, strange sights, and strange smells. And dogs are fearful and protective when things don't seem right to them. Some become aggressive, and some try to get away by hiding.

Your dog may behave differently under these circumstances. A normally happy go lucky dog may bark or even go into attack mode. A normally well adjusted dog may cower and hide in a back room—or worse, run away!

Dogs that Can Wear Halloween Dog Costumes
And Dogs that Can't!

Here are some things that you should consider:

• Your Dog's Personality - If your dog is usually easy going, loves children and is tolerant of being dressed and played with—he is a good candidate for trick or treat night and wearing a costume. If your dog tends to be anxious, snappy, barks a lot, and does not tolerate children, he will do better in a quiet room at home.

• Previous Experience with Clothing - If your dog is used to wearing dog or puppy clothing, he will probably do well with a Halloween dog costume. Dogs who wear jackets or sweaters to go outside in the winter or dogs who have been dressed for special occasions (and who tolerated it well) will adjust to the dog costumes easily.

• Your Dog's Obedience - How well does your dog listen? If things get a bit dicey, will your dog calm down and listen to you? If not, you (and your dog) may be in for a rough night!

How to Choose a Halloween Dog Costume

Halloween Masks for Dogs

If you absolutely MUST have a mask for your dog, make sure that the eye holes are extra large so that your dog's vision will not be blocked. Make sure that he can breathe easily. Make sure the mask is not too tight and that it doesn't bind him.

And also make sure that the mask won't slip out of place and cause your pet to panic. Even the most pleasant dog can get out of control if he is frightened and can't see or breathe.

Photo by Xersti/flickr, USA

Halloween Dog Costumes

• Try the costume on your dog before trick or treat night. Let him wear it around the house for an hour or so to get used to it. See how he reacts to it. If he keeps biting or scratching to get rid of it—the costume may not work for him. It should not be a constant irritation to your dog!

• Beads, ribbons, buttons, spiders, spider webs – Does the costume have small parts on it that your pet can chew off and swallow? Does it have parts that he can choke on? If so, remove them or choose another costume.

• Fabric – Is the costume going to be too hot? Choose light weight, natural fabrics like cotton instead of non-breathing fabrics like polyester for comfort. If you live in an area that is warm in October, be especially aware of how warm your dog will be. Halloween dog costumes that are too thick or heavy can make your dog too hot. Dogs overheat faster than you do, because they cannot sweat. The only way a dog can cool down is to take a drink.

• How tight is it? - Make sure the neck and armpit areas are loose enough that your dog can move easily and those areas won't be constricted.

• Does the Halloween dog costume have any parts that drag on the floor or stick out? - Any dangling part can get caught on something when your pet walks. For example, a ballerina costume with a net skirt could get hung up on a bush.

Halloween can be fun for both you and your dog. But you must think ahead and make sure that your dog's costume fits well and does not pose any dangers for her. Taking these easy steps will put you on the right track for a night of fun with your favorite pet!

If you would like to see more about Halloween, go to Dangerous Foods for Pets at Halloween, Dog Safety at Halloween, or Halloween Pet Parties.

Halloween dog costumes can be a lot of fun, and the topic of considerable conversation. As always, have a safe and happy halloween!

• TOP of Page - Halloween Dog Costumes
• Holiday Gift Shop
• Return to Holiday Dog Treats
• HOME of Best Dog Treat Recipes