Dog Costumes: What you need to know before you dress up fido on halloween
Blue Mountain Canine is hosting an online Halloween costume contest! We have a category for large breeds and small breeds in costume. But what if your dog doesn’t love to dress up? We have a category for that too! Read more get our suggestions for dogs for who do and don’t love costumes.
Halloween is a spooky fun time for kids, adults, and even some dogs. As canine service professionals, we’ve had ample opportunities to try to dress up many dogs in costumes and have learned that not all dogs like to wear clothes. In fact, some dogs are so uncomfortable, they may bite the person trying to put a costume on them. Blue Mountain Canine is dedicated to bite prevention so here are some ideas to help you and your dog stay safe when playing doggy dress up this season.
Putting Your Dog in a Costume
It is recommended that you bring your dog with you to the costume shop, so you don’t have to go back and forth to the store if the outfit doesn’t fit. Watch for outfits with beads, snaps, buttons, ribbons, and elastic. These can be intestinal hazards. A bowel obstruction is not a fun way to spend Halloween night!
Your dog’s costume shouldn’t restrict their movement. Don’t get a costume that covers your pet’s eyes or ears. If your dog can’t move freely or has mobility issues in the costume, try a different costume. Your dog also needs to be able to use the bathroom without interference from the clothes. Keep in mind that the materials of the costume may potentially be irritating to your dog’s skin so watch for body sensitivity while your dog is dressed up.
According to the American Kennel Club it’s a good idea to start getting your dog used to a costume about two weeks before they will wear it on Halloween. The first time you attempt to put a costume on, let your dog sniff it and give plenty of praise and treats while your pup interacts with the costume. If your dog doesn’t seem stressed, move on to putting your dog’s paw through an arm hole or try draping the fabric on the back of your dog. Continue to treat and praise as you get the clothing on further and further. Practice having your dog wearing their costume fully a few times to make sure they are good to go for their Halloween appearance.
What to Do if Your Dog Doesn’t Like Wearing Costumes
It’s understandable that not every dog will like dressing up. If you’re attempting to get a costume on your dog and you see the following, immediately stop trying to dress them. Here are the body signals to look for:
Licking their nose or lips
Yawning without being tired
Turning their head or body away or trying to walk away from the situation
Shaking
Whale eye or side eye
Mouth closed tight
Freezing
Dilated pupils
Raised foreleg
If your dog is rolling around trying to get free
If they pull at the costume with their teeth or paws
Tail is turned down or between their legs
Here’s a helpful graphic on canine body language.
If wearing a costume isn’t your dog’s jam, there are fun alternatives that you can try with your dog. Daily Paws suggests trying a Halloween themed bandana, harness, or collar and leash. Some dogs will tolerate a spooky sweater. Another fun idea is to take a photo of your dog in a fun themed background and share it. Our canine costume contest has a category for dogs not wearing a costume but instead are in a Halloween themed background. If you live in Pendleton, please submit your dog’s photo here by October 27th, 2024.
Here’s our dog friend Theo, sans costume, in a fun Halloween background.
Making sure our dogs are comfortable is a great way to ensure they’re having as much fun as we are. Have a great Halloween! Stay tuned for more Halloween safety tips this month!