Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
.

Our Location

541-902-2013

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • New Client Information
    • Online Forms
    • What to Expect
    • Veterinary Resources
    • Payment Options
  • About Us
    • Services
    • Meet our team
  • Petsimonials
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
  • Veterinary Topics
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletter Library >
  • Best Pet Costumes

Best Pet Costumes

  • Created in Newsletter Library
Cat dressed up as Dracula for Halloween

Finding the Best Halloween Costume for Your Pet

Halloween isn't just for people anymore. Pets are joining the fun as well with costumes made just for them. Although pet costumes are certainly cute, dressing up might not be the right choice for every pet. Before you go costume shopping, you'll want to consider these factors.

Your Pet's Personality

Some pets are perfectly happy to spend hours dressed as the Pope or Minnie Mouse. Others become agitated and upset if you place a hat on their heads for a few minutes. Wearing a costume shouldn't be an unpleasant experience. If your pet doesn't seem to like being in costume, don't insist that he or she participate.

Halloween night is the worst possible time to discover that your cat or dog doesn't want to be a cute spider or fierce tiger. Try the costume on your pet a few days or a week before Halloween and gauge his or her reaction. In some cases, you may be able to convince your canine or feline friend to dress up by gradually increasing the amount of time your pet wears the costume.

Safety and Comfort

The best costumes are the safest ones. When evaluating costumes, think about:

  • Flammability. Some Halloween costumes can be very flammable. In fact, the costume may go up in flames if your pet even brushes against a candle-lit pumpkin. Most manufacturers of pet costumes don't address the issue of flammability in their product descriptions. Luckily, the costume label can provide useful information. Costumes made of synthetic fibers are more likely to be flammable than those made of natural fibers. If you buy one of these costumes, keep your pet away from candles and open flames.
  • Potential Choking Hazards. Does the costume contain trim or decorations that can be easily removed with a little chewing? If it does, you may want to choose another costume or remove decorations that could pose a choking hazard to your pet.
  • Comfort and Mobility. Look for costumes made of soft, comfortable materials that allow your pet to move around easily. Avoid masks or hats that interfere with your pet's vision or cover their mouths and noses. The most comfortable costumes are made of lightweight, breathable fabrics.
  • Flexibility. Can you still use part of the costume if your pet doesn't like wearing the entire outfit? Your pet might squirm out of the unicorn costume but may happily wear the horn headband.
  • Leash or Harness Compatibility. Searching for your lost pet probably isn't the way you want to spend Halloween. Even the calmest pet can become anxious and run away when exposed to an array of frightening costumes. Choose a costume that allows your pet to comfortably wear their costume and leash together. Using a harness or leash will help ensure that your pet remains with you the entire evening. Be sure to put an ID tag on your pet's collar, even if he or she is microchipped.
  • Visibility. Costumes should be made of brightly colored fabrics or contain reflective materials if you and your pet will be out after dark. If the costume is hard to spot in the dark, add a little reflective tape to increase visibility.
  • Your Pet's Health. Costumes aren't always comfortable for older pets with arthritis or younger pets with joint issues or other health problems. If your pet has one of these conditions, it may be best to avoid full-body costumes.

Regular veterinary visits are important for your pet's health. Contact us to schedule your pet's next visit.

Sources:

American Humane Society: Eight Tips for Safe Pet Costumes

https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/news/eight-tips-safe-pet-costumes

Care.com: Halloween Pet Costumes, 7/17/13

https://www.care.com/c/stories/6238/halloween-pet-costumes-safety-guidelines/

ASPCA: Halloween Safety Tips

https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/halloween-safety-tips

  • We Help Your Pet With
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Orthopedics
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Birds
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Ferrets
    • Rabbits
    • Reptiles
      • Lizards
      • Turtles
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Providing Care
    • Travel
    • Saying Goodbye
  • Finding Your Pet
  • Newsletter Library
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Fun with Pets
    • Equine
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Unbelievable Pets
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Pet Dangers
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Cats
    • Keeping Pets Healthy
    • Fleas & Parasites
    • Behavior & Training
  • Video Newsroom
    • Health Topics
    • Technology and Science
    • Other Interests
  • Client Survey
  • Pets4Kids
  • Feline

Contact Us

We look forward to hearing from you

Featured Links

Click to find out more

  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.
    Learn More
  • Contact Us!

    Contact Us!
  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your own home or office.
    View Forms

Business Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Business Hours

Monday:

8:30 AM-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 AM-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 AM-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:30 AM-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:30 AM-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Location

Find us on the map

Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "We are from a neighboring town and had an emergency with one of our dogs and saw Dr. Barstow. She handled our emergency with such care and professionalism that we now take all our dogs to her even though its 30 min drive."
    - Team T. / Reedsport, Or

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

  • Preventing Obesity in Cats

    Even one extra pound could affect your pet's health. Find out how you can keep your cat slim and trim. ...

    Read More
  • Pet Dental Care - Tips to Manage Your Pet’s Oral Health

    Do you know how to keep your pet's teeth and gums healthy? ...

    Read More
  • Learn How to Master Walking Your Dog for Walk Your Pet Month

    Does your dog need a little help walking on a leash? ...

    Read More
  • Bringing a New Pet in the Home in the New Year

    Are you planning on adding a pet to your family this year? These tips will help you prepare for the arrival of your furry, feathered, or finned friend. ...

    Read More
  • Cold Symptoms in Dogs

    Could your sneezing, sniffling dog have a cold? ...

    Read More
  • Cold Weather Pet Safety

    Do you know how to keep your pet safe this winter? ...

    Read More
  • Keep Your Pet Safe During the Holidays

    Keep Thanksgiving day safe for your pet by following these tips. ...

    Read More
  • November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month

    Do you know the symptoms that can occur if your pet has cancer? ...

    Read More
  • How to Treat Common Injuries in Your Dog

    Would you know what to do if your dog was injured? ...

    Read More
  • Safety Guidelines for Pet Costumes

    Do you know how to keep your pet safe when wearing a costume? ...

    Read More

Contact Us

We look forward to hearing from you

Connect With Us

  • Copyright © 2021 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map