Getting Your Pets Into The Halloween Spirit

By Phil Sikes

During Halloween celebrations, many people choose to wear animal costumes of all sorts. Pets can join in the fun by dressing as people. Since pets often become family members in a very real way, going to the spa for treatments and traveling literally everywhere with their owners, it makes sense that pets would don costumes for Halloween, too.

Now, it goes without saying that dressing your pet in a Halloween costume is more for the owner's enjoyment than the pet's. Having said that, you'll know your pet better than anyone.

Some pets don't like wearing clothes at all. If they are showing signs of stress or frustration, don't force your pet to wear a costume.

Pets will do best with unrestrictive, flexible costumes. Hats, crowns, and other headgear are usually alright in addition to some sort of clothing that can be tied around their midsection, although it should be loose.

It is best to leave pet costumes simple. If they become too complex, the animal could decide that they don't want to have it on and rip up the outfit in the end anyway.

Many pet stores carry pet costumes, especially around Halloween, but you'll probably find the best selection online. Most costume websites also carry costumes for pets, which are usually sized according to the animal's weight.

Costumes designed for pets should be made without any dangerous pieces, but you should always double check before getting your pet all dressed up. Watch for anything that could be swallowed or anything that could get tied up, whether around your pet's neck, it's legs, etc.

After all the hard work you will have done to find a costume and get it onto your pet, the most difficult part is sure to be getting the perfect picture. Though some pets will be good and sit quietly while you take a picture, for most it will require quite some effort to get your pet to calm down long enough for you to enjoy their costume.