Halloween is coming up quick! The autumn holiday can be a fun time for Man’s Best Friend … but it can also be a bit dangerous. Seasonal foods and trappings, weather, and even costumes can all pose risks to your canine companion. Read on as a local Fayette County, KY vet goes over some of the ins and outs of spending Halloween with your furry best friend.
Is It Safe To Put Your Dog In A Halloween Costume?
That ultimately is going to depend on several things. The costume itself is of course the biggest one, but you also have to consider your pet’s size, temperament, and health.
Here are a few things to consider:
Fit: Making sure your canine pal’s outfit fits him well is very important. If it’s too big, he could trip or get tangled up in it, which could cause him to hurt himself. A costume that is too small will restrict his movements and breathing, and can also cause sores or blisters. And, regardless of whether it’s too big or too small, it will likely be uncomfortable and stress your pup out.
Whether you are ordering your pup’s outfit or going to a store, take his measurements before you buy anything. You’ll want to measure the circumference of his torso, tummy, and neck; his height at his shoulder; and the length of his spine. It’s probably not a bad idea to take a photo of the numbers and keep them on your phone, so you always have them with you.
Material: Material is also something to consider. You don’t want to put your pet in anything that is too hot or itchy. Flammable fabrics are also a hard no. Ideally, you’ll want something that is breathable and comfortable.
Construction: One thing that you should always be aware of with dogs is the fact that Fido has a very, very healthy appetite and will eat anything and everything. This can be cute, but it’s also quite dangerous. Many everyday items are either toxic to dogs or pose serious choking hazards. This is something to consider when picking décor, but also comes into play when choosing your pup’s outfit. Avoid anything with small parts, such as buttons. Your pooch may very well try to eat them, which can be quite dangerous. We would also advise against anything with zippers. Your pet’s fur could get caught, which could hurt him.
Temperament: You’ll also need to consider your pet’s personality. Some of our canine pals are pretty bombproof, and won’t blink an eye if you put a costume on them. Others are quite nervous and/or reactive, and will be upset about wearing clothes. Don’t force your furry friend to wear an outfit if he is clearly uncomfortable with it.
You’ll also want to be careful with Fido if he is super active. He may not mind the outfit so much, but if he is a bouncy ball of zoom, the odds of him getting stuck on something are going to go up.
Coat: Keep your pet’s fur length and thickness in mind as well. A pooch with thin fur may appreciate the warmth of an extra layer, but a dog with a thick coat, such as a husky, can very quickly overheat. That doesn’t mean Fido can’t join in the fun! He may just be better off with something minimal, such as antlers or a cute tie or bandana.
Fun Factor: Last but not least, have some fun with your pet. Fido has worn all sorts of adorable—and often hilarious—outfits over the years. He’s been a spider, a banana, a goat, a dinosaur, Mario, Willie Nelson, the Pope … the list not only goes on, but gets funnier every year.
No matter what sort of costume you pick, keep a close eye on Fido once he’s dressed. If he starts to look uncomfortable, snap a picture and take the costume off. It isn’t worth upsetting or frightening your faithful friend!
We would also advise that you get Fido used to his outfit before your event.
Can I Paint My Dog For Halloween?
You can, but only if you are diligent about his safety. The big thing is to only use paints and colors that are specifically made for dogs. This isn’t something to cut corners on: many paints and dyes are toxic to our furry friends. Even if you are choosing something made for dogs, try it on a small area first and watch for signs of irritation. Also, you’ll need to give your pooch a bath after the event, so keep that in mind as well.
Should You Have Trick Or Treaters With A Dog?
That ultimately depends on the dog, but you would need to take a few precautions to keep Fido comfortable. If your pet is aggressive, reactive, or fearful, then it’s probably best to keep the porch lights off.
Trick or treaters can be stressful for dogs for several reasons. For one thing, many pups are instinctively protective of their homes and humans, and will bark or growl when people approach. That’s one thing if you’re only dealing with occasional guests, but a steady stream of costumed visitors may be a bit too much.
You can also look into some calming options. There are pet-calming products available, including shirts, treats, collars, and sprays. Another option is to set Fido up in a quiet back room. Give him comfy bedding and a toy or chew that will occupy him and turn a TV or radio on to mask the sound.
What Are Other Halloween Safety Concerns?
Costumes and trick-or-treaters aren’t the only things to be aware of. Our canine pals really never run out of chances or ways to get into trouble!
Here are a few other things to be careful about:
Food
Those sweet treats can be dangerous—and possibly even deadly—to our furry friends. Many of those seasonal candies include ingredients that are toxic to dogs. That list includes chocolate, caffeine, raisins, and xylitol, which is often labeled as birch sugar. Your pooch could also choke on smaller hard candies and candy wrappers. Keep that candy dish out of paws’ reach!
Decorations
Keep your canine pal in mind when decorating. Anything small or sharp is a potential hazard. Heavy chewers can also choke or injure themselves on fragile or flimsy pieces, like that cardboard-and-plastic sign. Anything that uses a cord or batteries is also going to be unsafe for Fido, as are things that are long and stringy, like objects with ropes or cords. You’ll also want to be careful with flames and candles.
Traffic
Halloween brings an increase in both pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Keep this in mind when walking your dog. Wear bright, reflective gear when taking your pet out after dark. If you have a yard for Fido to chase squirrels around in, don’t leave him outside unsupervised. There’s just too much of a chance of mischief.
Ask your Fayette County, KY vet for more information.
Make An Appointment At Our Fayette County, KY Pet Clinic
Happy Halloween! Is your furry friend due for an exam, vaccines, or parasite control? Please reach out to us, our local Fayette County, KY pet hospital, anytime.
