Halloween Isn’t Just for Kids
October is a month filled with costume-themed fun, sweet treats, and connection. While this is true for humans, our furry friends get to enjoy the season just as much. There is nothing cuter than dog Halloween costumes—but we know it can be scary choosing the perfect one to keep your dog comfortable. Additionally, there are important things to keep in mind when dressing your pup for the spooky season specifically related to their health and safety.
At Pooches Playhouse, we’re all about you and your pups having fun. However, we also know how important it is to ensure your pooch feels safe and keeps healthy. In the spirit of this and Halloween, we’ve included some health considerations to keep in mind before dressing your pup up in their costume.
Dog Halloween Costumes: Things to Keep in Mind
Thermoregulation
Dog fur is an important part of their physiology. It protects them from cuts and scratches, helps showcase their breed, but most crucially, it’s responsible for their thermoregulation. What this means is that when you’re covering your dog with heavy clothing, you’re disrupting their natural ability to regulate their temperature.
While a few extra layers can be helpful in the cold winter months in some cases, for a dog with an already heavy coat of fur it can be both unsafe and uncomfortable. Therefore when considering your dog’s Halloween costume, choose one with light fabric.
Their Sense of Style
Another thing to keep in mind when choosing a dog Halloween costume is your pup’s personality. Just because it’s cute doesn’t mean that your dog will also love it. It’s important to test a costume out before the actual day to see if it’s something your pup will be comfortable in. Things like the smell of the material can throw your dog off of wearing it.
How They Communicate
We talk to our dogs every day, so it can be easy to forget that they communicate with one another much differently. According to the Animal Humane Society, dogs communicate through their body language and choosing costumes that hide the positioning of their bodies or their tails can limit their communication with other dogs. When choosing a costume, think about how it covers their bodies. Can you see their legs, tails, and adorable faces?
Make Halloween Spooktacular for Your Pup
Keeping these dog Halloween costumes considerations in mind can help make sure of that. When searching for dog costume ideas, make sure you’re not only thinking about how adorable your pup will look (we know they’ll be cute!). Think also about their own personalities and comfort.
Need a fun, safe place for your pup to stay while you’re out for Halloween festivities? We offer a range of boarding and daycare options. Contact us to find out more.