With Halloween only days, away children throughout the United States are excitedly discussing their costume selection. In many families not only will adults and children be dressed for the holiday, but in a growing trend so will the family pet. Marketing Halloween costumes for dogs has become a big business, but some experts warn not all “furry babies” truly appreciate a night spent receiving small sized ghost and ghouls at the door.
Big sellers for pets included Ewoks, Beanie Babies, and the ever-popular bee costume. The more traditional flowers, various types of other animals will combine this year with dogs dressed as witches, phantoms, and cartoon characters. Some costume shops now offer outfits for pets along with their human customers, and most pet stores carry at least a few Halloween disguises for dogs. Some pets do seem to appreciate the additional attention from an evening spent entertaining, but dog experts warn there are some threats to a pet’s peace on mind on All Hollow’s Eve.
Pet owners are warned that a dog might respond negatively to a person decked out in scary getup, even if the animal is familiar with this individual. Flowing gowns, flashing lights, or scary masks can startle an animal and provoke an unexpected or aggressive response. Only those dogs that have a truly laid back and very social response to people coming to the door of a home should be around when trick or treaters start showing up. It’s best for many dogs to spend the night away from the front on this night in order to avoid the potential for a surprised or overly excited animal snapping or biting.
As with small children the dog costume should be checked over for potential risks such as dangling pieces that could tangle and choke the pet. Small pieces that come loose easily could choke the dog. Over tight outfits could affect a dog’s breathing, and masks can restrict their ability to see easily, which can cause the animal undo stress.
Owners should not forget no matter how remarkable or cute the Halloween get-up might be the dog should still be wearing a collar and tag. The best way for lost pets to be found and returned home is in being microchip, but in many cities, towns and states throughout America it’s against the law for a dog to be on the street without a rabies inoculation tag, and in some locations a registration tag is also required. Pet owners can be fined for not having such tags, and in some places the dog can even impounded until the dog’s status is proven.
Lastly, with so much candy possibly lying around on tables, chairs and even the floor of children’s bedrooms all pets should be closely watched. Chocolate is very dangerous for both cats and dogs, and other candies can have ingredients not safe for pets. Active animals should also be watched carefully around candles such as those lighting pumpkins, and kept away from electronics that could give them a shock.
