Halloween is so much fun, with kids and adults running around in every conceivable costume, going door-to-door collecting mounds of candy, or heading out to parties with friends. It seems like a shame to leave anyone out of the hijinks, including your pet. If your dog is of a sociable temperament, why not bring him along for the ride this year? There’s no better fodder for Instagram than an adorable pup with a creative costume, living it up, and pretending to be a canine superhero or four-legged freak for a night. Check out a few inventive, can’t-miss costume ideas for this year’s All Hallow’s Eve festivities, and take note of some safety suggestions to boot.
Dairy Dog
This is an easy one; all it takes is a surgical glove and some twine, and you’ve transformed the family dog into the scariest little cow on the block. Just inflate the glove so it looks like a cow’s udder, tie a length of twine loosely around your dog’s mid-section, and attach it to the inflated glove so it looks like it’s hanging off your pet’s belly.
Hulk Dog
What’s more fun than spray painting a dog green and pretending he’s the Incredible Hulk? Grab a can of pet-safe green temporary hair color spray and you’ll find out. (This works best with a dog with light-colored fur, like a bulldog.) If you can fit a small pair of blue jeans shorts around your pup’s rear and slide his back legs through, it’s Bruce Banner on his worst day. Don’t worry, the green will wear off… unless you make him mad again!
Prancing Pup
This is a good one if your dog has a face that only a mother could love. Simply slide a large-sized garter (pastel blue is a good color) around your dog’s neck and slip a tiny black baby sock around each paw to simulate dancing slippers. Not exactly a prima ballerina, but it’ll sure get plenty of laughs and earn somebody some candy.
Sharing on Social Media
When you capture those precious moments of your pet in costume, sharing them on social media can spread the joy. Posting your pet’s Halloween adventures can be a fun way to engage with friends and family. To make this process easier, consider using an Instagram scheduler to plan and share your festive posts efficiently. Scheduling your posts can help ensure you capture the best moments without the stress of posting in real-time.
Dog Safety
The cutest costume in the world isn’t worth it if your pet gets injured, sick, or lost, so be sure to follow some basic safety rules. Since it’s Halloween, the first rule is to keep your dog away from the candy jar. Don’t offer anything chocolate or leave the treats somewhere that’s tempting for your pet. Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats, as is xylitol, a sugar substitute found in many candies. If your pet gets into the chocolate this Halloween, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Instead, consider buying your own safe treats specifically made for pets to keep them happy and included in the festivities.
Costumes
Don’t try to force a costume onto a dog that’s clearly not into it. And always make sure there’s no restriction of movement, breathing, or anything that might make your pet panic or react in a negative manner. Anything hanging off an ill-fitting costume could represent a choking hazard.
Lights
If you’ll be out trick-or-treating or walking a dog where cars will be driving by, be sure to use a reflective collar or LED lights, and consider using a harness and retractable leash for maximum control of your pet.
Whatever costume idea you come up with, give it a trial run before Halloween to make sure it’s safe for your pet and that he’s on board with the whole idea. If not, consider a festive bandanna instead. And, above all, take every safety precaution to make sure everyone has a great time.
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