10 Do’s and Don’ts for Dog Halloween Costumes

Halloween is right around the corner. If you’re considering matching costumes with your pet, entering a dog costume contest, or just trying to get the perfect picture for Instagram, keep in mind the hazards that Halloween costumes can cause for our furry friends. There’s no denying that dogs in costumes are adorable but it’s important to make sure they’re safe and comfortable as well. Before purchasing that elaborate pet costume, consider these 10 do’s and don’ts for dressing your dog up for Halloween.

Do’s

1. Do Ensure They Can Move Easily: make sure that your pet can move comfortably in their costume. Your dog should be able to walk, bark, see, and hear without issue.

2. Do Avoid Toxic Materials: your dogs costume should be free of any material that could make them sick should it be ingested.

3. Do Buy Costumes Without Dangling or Small Pieces: dogs are curious creatures, be sure their costume doesn’t have any loose or small pieces that they could chew and possibly choke on.

4. Do Practice Wearing the Costume Before the Event: if you’re entering your dog in a costume contest or planning to bring them along for trick or treating, have them practice wearing the costume around the house several times before the event. This way they’ll be used to the costume, it’ll smell like them, and you won’t have to worry how they’ll react when the big day comes around. 

5. Do Watch Your Dogs Body Language: animals can’t speak, so they communicate with us through their body language. Watch them closely for signs of discomfort and remove the costume if they appear uncomfortable or scared. 

Don’ts

1. Don’t Put Them In Costumes That Limit Mobility: don’t put your dog in a costume with a mask that will limit their vision or shoes that’ll make it difficult for them to walk. 

2. Don’t Leave Them Alone in Costume: wearing a costume is not normal for your dog and can cause potential hazards. Don’t leave them in a room alone while they’re in the costume. Keep a close eye on them to make sure they’re comfortable, can move and see, and aren’t eating the costume. 

3. Don’t Restrict Their Breathing: in other words, don’t put them in a mask. Masks will cover their mouth and nose and make it difficult for them to breathe. This is especially important for brachycephalic dogs who already have a difficult time breathing. Masks restrict their vision as well, so it’s best to skip them altogether. 

4. Don’t Remove Their Collar and Tags: don’t take your dogs collar and ID tags off just because it doesn’t match their costume. At the end of the day, finding your dog should they run off is more important than a mismatched collar and costume combo.

5. Don’t Force It: if your dog is fighting the costume, is clearly uncomfortable, won’t move while it’s on, or keeps taking it off, do not force them to wear it. Your dogs comfort and happiness is more important than any halloween party, photo, or costume contest. If your dog clearly does not want to be in a costume, don’t force them to do so. Choose a This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own.