Dog Halloween Costume Safety

New Halloween dog costumes are arriving daily at Life on the Leash, which means giggles galore. The canine fashion shows make me laugh until tears come to my eyes. Dog costumes are adorable and silly, but there are safety precautions to consider before you dress Fido to impress this Howl-o-Ween.

Check the Fit of Your Dog's Halloween Costume

Sure, Fido might look adorable in that chef costume, but if it sausages him until he can’t walk, choose something else. Watch the neck area as well to ensure that there’s no constriction. (And don’t forget to keep your dog’s ID tag on!)

Check the Temperature of Your Dog's Halloween Costume

Your dog is already wearing a fur coat, so be mindful of extra layers. October weather varies – who knows if we’ll have frost or humidity. If it’s warm don’t force the issue with hoods or other head coverings that will heat Fido up faster. Watch for panting too, which can be a sign of overheating or stress. Or both.

Check the Process

Face it – most dogs don’t love dressing up as much as we do, so make costuming slightly less arduous by selecting one that’s easy to put on and take off. Give Fido high-value treats the first time you put it on so that he associates good things with the costume. If possible, let him wear it a few times before the big parade or party.

Check Yourself

Fido hates his Halloween costume. Hates it. You had grand visions of seeing him dressed as Spider Dog or Charlie Sheen but it’s just not happening. Rather than forcing him to wear a misery-inducing outfit, snap a quick photo for Facebook and take the costume off. Try a stress-free Halloween bandana instead.

Millie doesn’t mind wearing costumes, so I’ve got a ton of options. I’m thinking something hyper-girlie since everyone calls her a boy. Princess? Ballet dancer? I’ll post pics once we make the decision!

For more guidelines about how to keep your pet out of harm's way during the holiday read our Halloween pet safety tips.