If you decide to dress up your dog or cat in a Halloween costume, do what you can to keep them safe and comfortable throughout the night. If you don’t put your pet’s needs first, they may have an accident, requiring an emergency trip to the veterinarian.

3 Safety Tips for Your Pet’s Halloween Costume

1. Choose Something Simple

A simple bow tie or bandana is the best option for most animals, especially if they don’t enjoy wearing a costume. If your pet can wear clothes without getting upset, get an outfit that fits perfectly. If the garment is too tight, it may prevent them from breathing and moving easily, cut off circulation, or create sore spots. A loose outfit can trip your furry friend.

You should also choose a costume that has minimal loose pieces and embellishments. These accessories can get snagged on doors and other objects and quickly become choking hazards if your pet decides to chew on them. If this happens, take your pet to the veterinarian immediately while keeping them as calm as possible.

2. Make Sure They’re Visible

If you plan on taking your pet trick-or-treating with you, make sure that drivers can see them if they dart into the street. It’ll be dark outside on Halloween night, and a brightly colored costume can keep your furry friend visible. You can also buy reflective tape and apply it to their clothes. To prevent your pet from bolting off, keep them in a stroller or on a harness.

3. Use Proper ID

Whether you’re going trick-or-treating or staying home and passing out candy, your furry friend will have more opportunities to expand their boundaries and explore new places. Make sure that your dog or cat has an ID tag on their collar. If your pet curiously wanders away, the tag will increase the likelihood of someone returning them. You may also want to visit your veterinarian and to have them microchipped for a more permanent identification method.

Get more Halloween pet safety tips by contacting Maika’i Veterinary Clinic in Hilo, HI. These veterinarians offer many animal health services to dogs, cats, and exotic pets. The clinic is open seven days a week, and their skilled team provides routine checkups and teeth cleanings as well as emergency care and surgeries. As a one-stop-shop for all your furry friend’s needs, their pet supply center is stocked with collars, food, and dental chews. View their full list of services online, or call (808) 959-2273 to schedule an appointment.