Barbie cat? Hot dog? Safety tips for your pet’s Halloween costume Posted on October 25, 2024 By xzuan Pumpkins, Elvis, ghosts, hot dogs, lions, devils, Barbie, or Taylor Swift, all running around on four legs. There’s something about Halloween that causes normally sane pet owners to assault their loved one’s dignity and stuff them into colorful costumes. According to the National Retail Federation’s annual Halloween spending report, U.S. pet parents are expected to spend about $700 million this year to dress up their furry friends, as compared to $3.8 billion on themselves. To be fair, some of the pets seem into it. “Keep in mind that your dog likely isn’t as interested in Halloween as you are,” Hilarie Erb wrote for the American Kennel Club. “They probably think their coat or fur is just fine and no costume is necessary.” If your dog, cat or other critter wants nothing to do with the holiday, never push it. The ASPCA warns that wearing costumes can cause undue stress and fear for some pets. But if they love it or they’re patient and indifferent, glow ’em up. Just keep the candy away from them. Table of Contents Toggle Do let your pet become accustomed to the ideaDo make sure your pet’s costume fits properly and is comfortableDon’t include elements in your pet’s costume that can easily be chewed offDon’t put costumes on your pet that block sight, hearing, their mouths, or movementDo keep collars or ID tags onDon’t leave a costumed pet unsupervisedWhat are the most popular pet costumes in 2024?How can I tell if a costume is upsetting my pet? Do let your pet become accustomed to the idea Wrapping your cat up like a burrito makes for a fun picture, but it’s generally not something you can do right away (not more than once). Your best bet is to let them get accustomed to the costume days or weeks ahead of time (the AKC suggests at least two weeks but the clock is already ticking). You might also try lying the costume in their bedding (or yours) every now and then, so it will smell more familiar when the time comes. Give them treats for sniffing it and allowing it to be placed on their body or on their back. Work up slowly to getting them to wear it and treat them well so they associate the costume with good things. Do make sure your pet’s costume fits properly and is comfortable If a costume irritates your pet, it won’t stay on long. Outfits should be soft, durable and well-fitting so they don’t cause discomfort or slip and allow the pet to get tangled up in them. If your pet won’t tolerate body costumes, consider a headpiece. Keep it simple. Don’t include elements in your pet’s costume that can easily be chewed off Make sure there aren’t any dangly bits (especially buttons, bells or other small hard things) your pet can easily reach and chew on, because they probably will. That can lead to choking hazards, internal injuries or blockages, illnesses, or just unneeded stress. The best costumes are entirely cloth or plus material, the AKC said. Never include glow sticks, glow jewelry or luminescent items in or on a pet costume. They are generally non-toxic, but the active ingredient — either dibutyl phthalate or n-butyl phthalate — has a bitter taste that may cause a strong reaction in your pet. The ASPCA recommends giving them a strong-tasting treat or sip of milk to calm them down. Don’t put costumes on your pet that block sight, hearing, their mouths, or movement It’s cute seeing your own little Captain America or Amazon package run around, but make sure your pet is fully mobile and none of their senses are obstructed. They not only need freedom of movement, they need to be able to detect their surroundings and avoid potential accidents or threats. Do keep collars or ID tags on Even if you don’t take your pet outside, you may be opening and closing your door a lot through the evening and there’s always the chance the excitement, the noise or the new people might cause your dog or cat to make a run for it. Your pet should always be tagged. If you do take your pet outside, make sure they are on a leash, even if it doesn’t go with your artistic vision. Don’t leave a costumed pet unsupervised Whatever you don’t want your pet to do while in costume — chew on it, roll in the mud (or worse) in it, get tangled up or hurt themselves — they will do the second your back is turned. Always remove any costumes and praise them for their performance before letting them run free again. What are the most popular pet costumes in 2024? According to the NRF, the most popular pet costumes this year are: How can I tell if a costume is upsetting my pet? According to the AKC, signs will vary from pet to pet and the general thing to look for is if your pet is acting anxious. Some signs may be the whites of the eyes showing more than usual, ears pinned low, or a tucked tail. A dog may also cower, holding their body and their head low. “Remember, always consider your dog’s safety and comfort, regardless of how you choose to celebrate Halloween,” Erb said. “After all, dogs deserve to enjoy the party, whether or not they’re in disguise.” Pets tips BarbieCatcostumeDogHalloweenHotPetssafetytips
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