These are things that every dog owner should know before thinking about dressing up their dog.
As Halloween approaches, many dog owners will be getting their pets involved in the fun with a costume of their own.
While they might look adorable and make for a great Instagram or TikTok post, practising veterinary surgeon and co-founder of health brand OMNI Dr Guy Sandelowsky is reminding owners that what looks cute isn’t always comfortable or safe for our dogs.
From overheating and skin irritation to potentially dangerous decorations that can be swallowed, Dr Guy has shared everything you need to know to celebrate Halloween safely with your dogs.
Here’s what he had to say:
Remember that not every dog enjoys dressing up
There’s nothing inherently wrong with dressing your dog in a Halloween costume, provided they’re comfortable and the outfit doesn’t restrict their natural behaviour. Dogs don’t understand why we’re dressing them up and what seems like harmless fun to us can be confusing or stressful for them. My advice is to introduce costumes gradually using treats and positive reinforcement to encourage them.
The key is to never force a dog to wear something they’re clearly uncomfortable with which most owners who know their dog will sense.
Some dogs will happily tolerate a lightweight outfit while others won’t enjoy it at all. I’d also recommend keeping dressing up sessions short particularly if it’s something your dog isn’t used to.
Avoid heavy fabrics, especially with flat-faced breeds
Dogs regulate their body temperature differently to us so thick, padded or poorly ventilated costumes can trap heat against the body and make it harder for dogs to cool themselves down.This is particularly concerning for flat faced breeds such as French Bulldogs and Pugs, overweight dogs and those with respiratory problems, who may already struggle to regulate their temperature.
For these dogs, I’d generally recommend avoiding full body costumes altogether. A simple, lightweight accessory such as fitted Halloween bandana, may be a safer alternative, provided it doesn’t restrict breathing or movement. I’d also avoid rough fabrics, tight elastic and materials that could irritate the skin, particularly in dogs with existing skin allergies or sensitivities.
Remember that even a lightweight costume can become uncomfortable. Always supervise your dog and remove it at the first sign of distress or overheating.
Avoid costumes that restrict movement breathing or vision
One of the biggest mistakes owners make is choosing a costume based on how it looks rather than how it fits.
A dog should be able to walk, run, sit, lie down, breathe, pant and move its tail comfortably while wearing a costume” adds Dr Guy. “Avoid anything that restricts the neck, chest or legs, and make sure the outfit doesn’t interfere with their ability to see or hear what’s happening around them.Costumes should also allow dogs to go to the toilet normally. If your dog starts walking unusually, freezing or struggling to move, the costume needs to come off. I’d also recommend checking underneath the costume regularly for any signs of rubbing, redness or skin irritation.
Learn to recognise the subtle signs of stress
Repeated lip licking, yawning when they’re not tired, excessive panting, showing the whites of their eyes, pinned back ears or suddenly becoming very still can all indicate stress. One thing I always encourage owners to remember is that dogs don’t necessarily communicate discomfort in obvious ways. Some dogs will freeze when wearing a costume while some may repeatedly shake themselves, scratch at their outfit or try to hide. These are signals that your dog could be feeling overwhelmed. If you notice any changes in your dog’s normal behaviour, remove the costume and give them some space.
If they keep trying to get the costume off consistently, let them
If your dog repeatedly scratches at their outfit, bites at it, rolls around trying to remove it or becomes agitated, they’re communicating to you that they don’t want any part in playing Halloween dress up. Don’t try to distract them into tolerating an uncomfortable costume and remove it. Check for rubbing or irritation and give them space. Costumes should only ever be worn under supervision, and I’d strongly advise against leaving a dog wearing one unattended or while sleeping.
Beware of anything they can swallow
One of my biggest concerns with elaborate Halloween costumes is the risk of dogs chewing and swallowing parts of their outfits. Dangling decorations, plastic eyes, buttons, ribbons, bells and other small accessories can easily become tempting chew toys. If swallowed, these objects can become lodged in the stomach or intestines, potentially causing a serious gastrointestinal obstruction that may require emergency surgery. Long ribbons and strings are particularly concerning because they can cause dangerous linear foreign bodies in the intestines. My advice is to keep costumes as simple as possible, avoid anything with small detachable parts and never leave your dog unattended while wearing one. If you suspect your dog has swallowed part of a costume, contact your vet immediately.
What if your dog doesn’t enjoy dressing up?
That’s absolutely fine. A bandana is an easy alternative if they’ll tolerate it, or you could just pop them next to a pumpkin for the photo. Halloween can be stressful for dogs even without a costume. Constant doorbells, strangers, odd outfits and sudden noises add up. Set up a quiet space away from the front door, keep their routine as normal as you can, and reward calm behaviour.
Keep the sweets away
Chocolate is toxic to dogs, and sugar-free sweets can contain xylitol, which can cause life-threatening poisoning. Even discarded wrappers can upset their stomachs if swallowed. If you think your dog has eaten chocolate, xylitol or anything else dodgy, call your vet straight away rather than waiting to see what happens.
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