Halloween Costumes 101

Thinking of putting Fido or Kitty in a costume for Halloween?  There are a number of costumes available on the web and in retail stores.  However, not all of them have your pets safety or comfort in mind.  It is up to you as a pet owner to pick a costume for your pet that will not pose a chocking hazard, or cause your pet undue stress.  Take some time reading through our tips and tricks to help you and your pet enjoy Halloween.

• Safety must always come first!  Never select a costume that obstructs your pet's eyes, restricts his or her breathing, or doesn't enable them to walk properly.  Always check for small parts around the neck and muzzle that could pose a chocking hazard.
• Never leave your pet unattended while wearing a costume.
• Never make your pet wear a costume for a long period of time.
• If your pet is really anxious in the costume, or is extremely irritable do not force your pet to keep on the costume, instead try easing him/her into the idea of wearing the costume by following our tips below. If that does not work, you may have to give up the idea that your pet will be wearing a matching bunny costume with you this year.

How to Ease a Pet into Wearing a Costume:

While some dogs or cats will let you put anything on them, and actually enjoy all the fuss and attention they receive, others will be frightened, insecure and anxious about the prospect of wearing a costume. Like all the other training you have given your pet, for example, housebreaking, basic commands like sit, stay, and fetch, getting your pet to wear a costume will take patience and calm assertive leadership on your part.

To make things easier on both of you I would buy a bag of your pets favorite treats and have them ready for the day you begin to ease your pet into costume wearing.  Addittionally, I would keep the costume mixed in with your dirty laundry for a day or two to get your scent on it, or sleep with it under your pillow for a night if it isn't too bulky.

First Step: Give your pet a piece of the costume that has your scent on it, and allow him/her to nuzzle it, sniff it and even lay with it. Act as if you have just handed him/her a toy.  Be happy, and positive, and make a big fuss about how wonderful what you just gave your pet is. Give your pet a treat if he nuzzles the costume.

Second Step: Begin introducing all the pieces of the costume in the same manner.  As if it were a game, take a piece away, hide it, give it back.  Make your pet look for the costume, as if he/she has to have it. All the while offering praise, treats, and keeping a jovial attitude.

Third Step: Put on the smallest most unobtrusive piece of the costume, like a neck piece, or tail piece.  Offer lots of praise compliments and treats. You may have to take the piece on and off several times before your dog or cat gets comfortable and associates the costume with treats and praise.

Fourth Step: Once your pet is comfortable with one piece on, try introducing a second piece to the costume in the same manner.  Keep up your positive attitude, and re-inforce their good behavior with treats and praise. Be very mindful of your pet's anxiety level.  If it starts to rise you need to backtrack to where your pet was calm and comfortable and continue patiently from there.

Fifth Step: Depending on the amount of pieces in the costume there may have been several fourth steps.  The Fifth Step is when you've reached the point where your pet is wearing the costume in its entirety and is calm, and even seems rather pleased with him/herself.  I would repeat these steps one by one for several days to reinforce how wonderful the costume is before Halloween arrives.

Please Note:  If you can not make it to step five a costume may be to high-anxiety ridden for your dog or cat.  I would not under any circumstances force my pet to wear a costume if he/she was not comfortable in it. I would simply put on a fancy collar, harness or bandana to dress the animal up for the day, or I would try something like Strip N' Dog Costume - Dog Costumes.

However, if you do think that your pet will take a shining to a costume you should take a look at some of our picks by clicking here Pet Costumes.

PetAmore.com wishes you and your pet a safe and Happy Halloween!