Halloween is approaching quickly! The autumn holiday season can be enjoyable for Man’s Best Friend, but it can also be perilous. Seasonal meals and trappings, weather, and even costumes might endanger your canine companion. Read on to learn more about spending Halloween with your pet best friend from a local Wichita, KS veterinarian.

Is It Safe To Dress Your Dog In A Halloween Costume?

This will ultimately be determined by a number of factors. The costume is obviously the most important factor, but you should also consider your pet’s size, temperament, and health.

Here are some factors to consider:

Costume Fit: It is critical to ensure that your dog’s attire fits him properly. If it’s too big, he may trip or become entangled in it, causing him to injure himself. A costume that is too small can limit his motions and breathing, resulting in sores or blisters. And, whether it’s too big or too small, your pooch will most likely be uncomfortable and stressed in something that isn’t fitting right.

Take your dog’s dimensions before ordering an outfit or heading to the store. You’ll want to measure Fido’s torso, tummy, and neck circumference, as well as his shoulder height and spine length. It’s probably a good idea to take a photo of the numbers and save them to your phone so you always have them with you.

Fabric/Material: Material is also important to consider. You should avoid putting your pet in anything excessively hot or irritating. Flammable fabrics are likewise strictly prohibited. Choose a breathable and comfy material. Keep in mind that dogs have a voracious hunger and will consume almost everything. This can be cute, but it’s also very dangerous. Many common household products are harmful to dogs or represent major choking concerns. This is something to think about while choosing decor, but it also plays a role when selecting your canine pal’s wardrobe. Avoid anything with little elements, like buttons. Your dog may try to eat them, which might be dangerous. We would also advise against anything containing zippers. Your four-legged friend’s fur may become entangled, causing injury.

Fido’s Character: You should also consider your pup’s personality. Some of our canine companions are pretty bombproof and won’t blink an eye if you put a costume on them. Others are very tense and/or reactive, and will be upset about wearing clothes. Do not push your pet to wear an outfit if he is visibly unhappy with it.

If Fido is particularly active, you should also exercise caution. Your pup may not hate the clothing so much, but if he is a bouncing ball of zoom, his chances of getting trapped on something increase.

Your Pup’s Coat: Consider the length and thickness of your pet’s fur. A dog with thin fur may benefit from an extra layer of warmth, whereas a dog with a thick coat, such as a husky, can overheat. That is not to say Fido cannot join in the fun! He may be better off with something simple, like antlers or a nice tie or bandana.

Finally, have some fun with your pet. Fido has worn a variety of charming (and frequently comical) clothes over the years. He has portrayed a variety of characters, including spiders, bananas, goats, dinosaurs, Mario, Willie Nelson, and the Pope. The list is endless and just gets funnier with each year.

No matter what costume you choose, keep a watchful eye on Fido once he is clothed. If he begins to seem uncomfortable, take a picture and remove the outfit. It’s not worth offending or frightening your loyal pal!

We also recommend that you get Fido used to his clothing before the event.

Can I Paint My Dog For Halloween?

You can, but only if you are conscientious about his safety. The important thing is to always use paints and colors that are specifically designed for dogs. This is not something to skimp on: many paints and dyes are harmful to our pets. Even if you choose a product designed for dogs, test it on a tiny area first and look for symptoms of irritation. Also, remember to give your dog a bath after the event.

Should You Invite Trick Or Treaters?

That ultimately depends on the dog. If your pet is aggressive, reactive, or afraid, it is generally best to turn off the porch lights. If you feel comfortable having people stop over, you should take a few precautions to keep your pet comfortable.

Trick or treaters can cause stress in dogs for a variety of reasons. For starters, many pups are naturally protective of their homes and humans, barking or growling when strangers approach. That’s fine if you only have a few visitors, but a constant stream of dressed visitors may be a little much. Fido may be terrified by all the vampires, ghouls, and fruits coming to the door!

You could also look at some relaxing alternatives. There are pet-calming products available, such as shirts, snacks, collars, and sprays. Follow the directions on these products carefully, and ask your vet for specific instructions. 

Another alternative is to put Fido in a quiet back room. Provide your canine pal with comfortable bedding and a toy or chew to keep him occupied, and turn on the television or radio to drown out the noise.

What Are the Other Halloween Safety Concerns?

Costumes and trick-or-treaters are not the only things to be concerned about. Our canine buddies never run out of opportunities or ways to get into mischief!

Here are some other things to be cautious about:

Food

Those sweet goodies can be dangerous—and perhaps fatal—to our canine companions. Many of the seasonal candies contain substances that are hazardous to dogs. That list includes chocolate, caffeine, raisins, and xylitol, sometimes known as birch sugar. Your dog may also choke on smaller hard candies and candy wrappers. Keep that candy dish out of paws’ reach!

Decorations

Keep your canine companion in mind when decorating. Anything small or pointy is a possible hazard. Heavy chewers can potentially choke or hurt themselves on breakable materials, such as the cardboard-and-plastic sign. Anything with a cable or batteries is also dangerous for Fido, as are long and stringy materials such as ropes or cords. You should also exercise caution with flames and candles.

Traffic

Halloween leads to an upsurge in both pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Keep this in mind as you walk your dog. When taking your pet out after dark, make sure to wear bright, luminous clothes. If you have a yard where Fido can chase squirrels, do not leave him outside unaccompanied. There’s just too much likelihood of mayhem.

Weather

It’s getting pretty chilly now. Make sure your pet has a comfy bed to snuggle up in. If Fido has a thin coat, he’ll likely need a jacket or sweater to keep  him warm on those frigid nights. 

Contact your Wichita, KS veterinarian for further information.

Book An Appointment At Our Wichita, KS Pet Clinic

Happy Halloween! Is your pet due for a checkup, vaccinations, or parasite control? Please contact us, your local Wichita, KS pet hospital, at any time. We are always here to help!