Halloween is a fun holiday for kids and adults alike, and many pet owners have decided to include their pets in the festivities, too. Dressing up your pet for Halloween can be fun, but it's important to take certain precautions to make sure they don't get hurt. Here is how you can keep your pet safe and have fun at the same time.
Buy Pet-Safe Costumes
First of all, don't buy children's clothing for pets; buy costumes intended for pets. Costumes that are designed for pets are intended to be worn by an animal that walks on four legs, rather than one that walks on two. Your pet will have more space to breathe, and walking may be easier than trying to throw them into a child's outfit.
Check and Reinforce Stitches
Even if you buy a pet costume, it's a good idea to examine the costume before trying to put your pet in it. Check for any loose stitches or seams that may come loose or unravel while your pet is wearing the costume. Loose threads can be dangerous, since pets can potentially eat them, or if the costume starts to fall apart, your pet may become tangled up in it.
If you find any loose stitches or seams that are coming apart, return it, reinforce the stitches, or take it to a seamstress for repairs.
Monitor Your Pet
Even a costume that's well-designed and intended for pets can potentially cause a problem if your pet is unsupervised. If your pet becomes frightened or somehow gets stuck, a tangled costume could potentially choke or hurt your pet. Make sure that if you want your pet to dress up that you're keeping a watchful eye on them at all times, especially if you plan to attend a party or go trick-or-treating with lots of people around that could potentially spook your pet.
Ask Vet
Finally, if your Halloween adventure will include any food or encounters with other pets, make sure to visit your vet for a quick check-up ahead of time. You can talk to your vet about foods to avoid that could be poisonous for your pet, too, in case you plan on feeding your pet some of the spoils of Halloween.
Halloween is a fun holiday for nearly everyone, and there's no reason not to include your pet. Just make sure to take these precautions and you can both enjoy a happy and safe holiday together.
