Many dog and cat owners like to dress up their furry friends for Halloween. If you plan to get your animal an outfit, following a few pet care tips will help ensure a safe holiday. Use this guide to find out how to help your pet enjoy Halloween in a costume.

Do:

Choose the right apparel.

When buying a costume for your furry friend, make sure it fits comfortably. An outfit that’s too loose may cause your pet to trip, while an ensemble that’s too tight can restrict movement and breathing. Opt for lightweight outfits that don’t cover their eyes, nose, mouth, and ears.

Be safe.

Make sure the costume doesn’t put your pet’s safety in jeopardy. Stay away from outfits with beaded accessories that present choking hazards. Their costume should also leave room for their collar or harness, especially if you plan to walk them in the evening.

Don’t:

Spring the costume on them.

Familiarize your pet with the costume a few days before Halloween, so they can get used to it. Do test runs at home and let them sniff and wear parts of the garment. Carefully observe if any component makes your furry friend uncomfortable, so you can make the necessary adjustments.

Ignore their body language.

A critical component of pet care is paying attention to your furry friend’s body language when they’re in costume. Remove the outfit if you see any signs of distress, like pawing, shaking, running, hiding, or pinned ears. If your pet doesn’t seem comfortable in costume, don’t force it on them.

If your furry friend isn’t up for the Halloween experience, they may be more comfortable at a boarding facility. The pet care team at Furever Friends Play and Stay in Mapunapuna, HI, provide comfortable spaces for animals to roam, rest, and have fun. Everyone on their staff has prior pet clinic experience, and they undergo monthly training to familiarize themselves with dog behaviors. Call (808) 845-7297 or visit their website for more information about their services.