Halloween pet costumes can be scary good

Children are not the only ones in costume today on Halloween.

A trend is growing for pet owners to dress up their dogs and other pets in Halloween costumes.

Liam Culin, executive director at the North Bay & District Humane Society believes you need to choose the right costume.

"You know your pet best, so be sure to choose a comfortable costume that your pet will enjoy wearing," he said.

"Make sure your furry friend can see clearly and can walk comfortably without restriction. Consider adding reflective material to ensure pedestrians and drivers can see your pet."

Culin says you should familiarize your pet with its costume before going out.

"Understand how the costume fits over the body and where it may need adjusting around collars, harnesses, and leashes," he said.

"Trying the costume on a few times - encouraged by treats - will make the pet less anxious about the whole process."

Also, realize your pet may only tolerate the costume for a short time.

"Your pet can get overwhelmed by loud noises, unfamiliar sounds, or crowds, so set a time limit for costume and trick-or-treating time," said Culin.

"Your pet will thank you."

And make sure to keep an eye on your pet - in costume or not.

"As always, when your pet is in public, be sure to keep an eye for any change in demeanour or reactive behaviour which could cause issues," noted Culin.

Chocolate, raisins, xylitol (a sweetener found in some gums and candies), and other human sweets are toxic to pets. "Make sure your pet doesn’t have access to the candy stash by keeping treats out of reach and providing pet-safe alternatives," the humane society said.

If your pet lets you put a costume on them, look out for loose pieces, such as buttons or accessories, that your pet could chew off and potentially swallow. Some pets may feel more comfortable in a simple bandana or Halloween-themed collar, especially if they’re not used to wearing clothes. "You might want to let your pet get used to their costume before the big day by starting with short periods and offering treats to create a positive association," the humane society said.

If your pet enjoys being outside and socializing, you may end up taking them along for trick-or-treating. If you do, the humane society urges using reflective collars or leashes to make your pet more visible on what is usually a busy night.

And if your pet is nervous around loud noises, crowds, or strangers in costumes? It might be best to leave them at home and also go for a short walk before things get too busy, the humane society said.

Even the most social pets can become overwhelmed by the chaos of Halloween, per the organization, which recommends looking out for signs of stress, like panting, hiding, pacing, or barking.

How to know if your pet is freaked out by Halloween? Click here to watch a video on cat body language and here for dogs.

It's not just outside.

Ever wonder what your dog is thinking when everyone is dressed differently on Halloween, children are knocking on your door or ringing the doorbell, and it's the kids getting the treats instead of the dogs?

The Toronto Humane Society says it's important to remember not all pets enjoy the excitement of Halloween. Many a Fido and Rover just can't wait for it all to be over.

Whether their tail wags for Halloween or not, the humane society has some tips to help you and your pet get through the festivities today.

Dress Up Your Pet—Comfortably

Dressing your pet in a Halloween costume can be adorable, but it’s important to make sure they’re comfortable and safe. When choosing a costume, follow these tips:

Ensure proper fit: The costume should not restrict your pet’s movement, breathing, or vision. Avoid anything that covers their face or is too tight around their neck or chest.
Check for hazards: Look out for loose pieces, such as buttons or accessories, that your pet could chew off and potentially swallow.
Keep it simple: Some pets may feel more comfortable in a simple bandana or Halloween-themed collar, especially if they’re not used to wearing clothes.
Introduce the costume gradually: Let your pet get used to their costume before the big day. Start with short periods and offer treats to create a positive association.

Join the Trick-or-Treat Fun

If your pet enjoys being outside and socializing, you can take them along for trick-or-treating. Here’s how to make it enjoyable and stress-free for both of you:

Leash and harness: Keep your pet on a leash to ensure they stay close by and safe, especially with the excitement of children and crowds.
Reflective gear: As Halloween often takes place after dark, use reflective collars, LED collars, or leashes to make your pet more visible to others and cars.
Know your pet’s temperament: If your pet is nervous around loud noises, crowds, or strangers in costumes, it might be best to leave them at home or go for a short walk before things get too busy.
Avoid candy: Keep candy—especially chocolate, xylitol (found in sugar-free candies), and other toxic treats—away from your pet. Make sure they have their own pet-safe treats if they’re part of the trick-or-treating adventure!

Decorate with Caution

Halloween decorations can make your home feel festive, but some can pose risks to your pets. Keep these tips in mind:

Watch for small parts: Decorations with dangling strings, small pieces, or sharp edges can be tempting for pets to chew on or play with, potentially causing choking hazards.
Keep candles and jack-o’-lanterns out of reach: Lit candles can be dangerous if knocked over by curious pets, leading to burns or fires. Opt for flameless candles or LED lights instead.
Pet-safe décor: Use decorations that won’t harm your pet if accidentally ingested. For example, avoid using fake cobwebs or tinsel, as these can cause digestive blockages if swallowed.

Create a Safe Space at Home

For pets who aren’t keen on the hustle and bustle of Halloween, it’s a good idea to create a calm, safe space where they can relax away from the noise and excitement:

Quiet zone: Designate a room where your pet can retreat if they feel overwhelmed by trick-or-treaters or visitors in costumes.
Background noise: Play soothing music or leave the TV on to help drown out the doorbell or other sounds that might stress your pet.
ID tags and microchips: Make sure your pet’s identification is up-to-date in case they get frightened and try to escape.

Health and Safety Reminders

Halloween is full of fun and frights, but it also brings a few sneaky risks for our furry friends! Keep these health and safety tips in mind to ensure a happy and healthy Halloween for your pets:

Avoid toxic treats: Chocolate, raisins, xylitol, and other human sweets are toxic to pets. Make sure your pet doesn’t have access to the candy stash by keeping treats out of reach and providing pet-safe alternatives.
Watch for stress signals: Even the most social pets can become overwhelmed by the chaos of Halloween. Look for signs of stress, such as panting, hiding, pacing, or barking, and remove your pet from stressful situations. Click here to watch a video on cat body language, and here to watch a video on dog body language.
Monitor costume wear: If your pet seems uncomfortable, stressed, or agitated in their costume, it’s best to take it off. Prioritize their well-being over keeping them in a cute outfit.
Secure your pet indoors: If you’re expecting trick-or-treaters, keep your pet secured inside so they don’t bolt out the door. Some pets can get startled by costumes and loud noises, increasing the risk of them running away.

Including your pet in your Halloween festivities can be a lot of fun, but always prioritize their safety and comfort. With the right preparation, you can ensure your furry friend enjoys Halloween as much as you do!