The idea of your dog dressed up as a shark or your cat dressed up as a pizza slice might sound irresistibly cute. However, approach pet costumes with caution so that your Halloween festivities don’t end up being more trick than treat. The team at Aspen Animal Wellness has three tips to help!
#1: Ensure you purchase the appropriate size costume for your pet
While shopping, you may discover the most adorable costume for your pet but not remember how much they weigh, so you eyeball the outfit, trying to envision your pet wearing the costume comfortably since they can’t try it on. Weigh your pet before heading out costume-shopping, and be a good judge of fit, rather than trying to cram your English bulldog into a costume meant for a miniature dachshund.
#2: Double-check your pet’s comfort level in their costume
As your pet moves, jumps, and plays, their costume may shift and slide, cutting off their vision, airway, or circulation. Carefully check the fit of your pet’s costume to ensure their eyes, nose, or mouth are not covered, and the outfit is not too tight around their legs or neck. Also, ensure their costume is not too loose and hanging down where their legs can become caught, causing a dangerous fall.
#3: Remove ribbons, ties, buttons, and other items your pet can chew off the costume
Dangling objects can prove irresistible to pets, particularly those that trail from their bodies. Flashy costumes may be adorned with ribbons, ties, buttons, and a multitude of other accessories that can prove too tempting to resist nibbling. If your pet is known for chewing off-limits items, stick to a simple costume.
If you have any questions or concerns about Halloween safety, contact us.