Last updated: 21 Mar, 2023
Published on: 28 Oct, 2022
5 reasons your pet doesn’t need a Halloween costume
With so many adorable pet costumes out there, it’s no surprise that we’ve thought about dressing up our pets. They would look adorable in anything. But maybe costumes are just not for them…
Here are some reasons why your pet can skip dressing up this Halloween:
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Your pet doesn’t know what Halloween is: Your pet missed the memo for Halloween and probably doesn’t feel the excitement that you do.
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They don’t understand pop culture references: Dressing your pet up is the equivalent of Gen-Z kids buying Rolling Stones t-shirts because they were half-price.
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They can’t show off their ‘stumes - In an ideal world, your neighbour’s cat would be hyping up your cat’s Harry Potter costume on social media. But in this world, they’re both sitting at the window judging all the trick-or-treaters.
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They’d rather wear their birthday suit - With millions of people dressing up as cats, dogs and bunnies for Halloween, we think your pet already has the best costume!
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Your pet might be uncomfortable - They can’t express themselves like humans, and we might not even realise that they’re uncomfortable. If you’re dressing up your pet, make sure you keep a close eye to spot any signs of distress.
When buying clothes for your pet, avoid outfits that:
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have dangling accessories that can be chewed off or swallowed
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are too tight or may cut off circulation
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cover your pet’s eyes, ears or whiskers
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prevent them from expressing their normal behaviour
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might overheat your pet, especially if they have a thick coat
Signs your pets don’t want to dress up:
🐶 Dogs
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Run or hide when you bring the clothes/costumes
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Your dog refuses to move or freezes
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They are walking oddly or seem uncomfortable
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Licks their lips—a sign of anxiety
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Avoid direct eye contact or you can see the whites of their eyes
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Try to get out of their clothes
Find more resources about dog behaviour
🐈 Cats
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Run away or scratch at you as you try to get the outfit on
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Vocalises
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Chew or claw at the fabric
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Drop to the floor
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Walk backward or low to the ground
Find more resources about cat behaviour
Do all pets dislike wearing clothes?
Every pet is different. Some pets may enjoy the attention they get from wearing costumes, and some with short hair might enjoy the warmth of a nice winter coat. Typically pets have evolved to cope with the cold weather with their fur or feathers and do not need clothes.
A slow introduction
Like all new things, if you really want to put your pet into a costume, get them accustomed to clothes before rushing to dress them up as a pumpkin. Go slowly and offer treat rewards. Teach them to associate positively with clothes and avoid forcing them at any point. If they absolutely do not engage, think again about your reasons for dressing your pet up.
If you do enjoy a holiday costume and your pet is not so keen, why not try a fun bandana instead?
Excited to include your pet in all the holiday fun? Here are some enrichment party games for you pet!