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
Hartland Animal Hospital

6425 South Jackson Hwy

Horse Cave, KY 42749 US

(270) 786-5545

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • Patient Center
    • Printable Online Forms
    • What to Expect
    • Virtual Office Tour
    • Veterinary Resources
    • Payment Options
  • About Us
    • Meet Our Team
    • Services
  • News
  • Petsimonials
  • Pet Memorials
  • Contact Us
  • Client Survey
  • Online Pharmacy
  • Newsletters
  • Blog
  • Veterinary Topics
    • Pet Health
      • Chronic Conditions
      • Digestive and Oral Health
      • Diseases and Viruses
      • Pests and Parasites
      • Orthopedics
    • Today's Veterinarian
    • Choosing Your Pet
      • Finding Your Pet
      • Cats
      • Dogs
      • Exotics
        • Amphibians
        • Birds
        • Reptiles
          • Lizards
          • Turtles
      • Small Mammals
        • Ferrets
        • Rabbits
        • Domesticated Animals
          • Prairie Dogs
        • Pocket Pets
          • Chinchillas
          • Guinea Pigs
          • Hamsters
          • Hedgehogs
          • Rats
      • Livestock
        • Cows
        • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
        • Goats
        • Pigs
        • Poultry
        • Sheep
    • Living With Your Pet
      • Bringing Your Pet Home
      • Children and Pets
      • Providing Care
      • Travel
      • Saying Goodbye
    • Newsletter Library
      • Tips for Pet Owners
      • Behavior & Training
      • Fleas & Parasites
      • Keeping Pets Healthy
      • Cats
      • Recognizing Illness
      • Nutrition & Food
      • Pet Dangers
      • Seasonal Topics
      • Visiting the Vet
      • Equine
      • Newsletter Archive
        • Fun with Pets
        • Unbelievable Pets
    • Video Newsroom
      • Health Topics
      • Technology and Science
      • Other Interests
    • Client Survey
    • Pets4Kids
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletter Library >
  • Seasonal Topics >
  • Safety Guidelines for Pet Costumes

Safety Guidelines for Pet Costumes

  • Created in Newsletter Library, Seasonal Topics

A dog wearing a Halloween costume

Tips For Safe and Comfortable Pet Costumes

Safety is an important consideration if your pet will be dressing up for Halloween or another festive occasion this year. Keeping these recommendations in mind when you shop will help you ensure that the costume you choose is safe and comfortable for your companion.

Costumes Should Allow Your Pet to Move Freely

Can your pet walk, run, jump, sit, and move normally when wearing the costume? If not, it may be best to keep shopping. Look for costumes made of soft, stretchy material that moves with your furry friend. Be sure to put the costume on your pet before the big day. If it restricts your pet's mobility or doesn't fit well, you'll have plenty of time to find a better choice.

Although costumes should allow plenty of room for movement, make sure they aren't too big or loose. Loose or large costumes may pose tripping hazards.

Stay Away from Flammable Materials

Costumes made with synthetic materials are more likely to catch fire than those made of natural fibers. If a fire does occur, your pet may try to run in an attempt to escape the blaze, increasing the risk of severe burns.

Reading the tags or online product descriptions for all of the costumes you're considering can help you avoid inadvertently selecting a highly flammable costume.

Make Sure Masks and Hats Fit Well

Masks, hats, wigs, and headbands can interfere with vision if they're not the right size for your pet. Make sure eye holes on masks are large enough to allow your pet to see in all directions. Poorly fitting hats, headbands, headpieces, or wigs can drift into your cat or dog's field of vision, making it difficult to spot obstacles. Make sure these items fit your pet snugly to avoid vision problems. Avoid masks that cover your pet's nose and make it hard to breathe.

Look for Choking Hazards

Dangly decorations, buttons, and elaborate trim make any costume look more authentic but can pose a choking risk. If your pet is a chewer, it may be best to bypass these types of costumes. In addition to triggering choking, swallowed decorations might damage your pet's stomach or intestines.

Choose Costumes That Can Accommodate Leashes and Harnesses

Parties and celebrations can be a little overwhelming for some pets, particularly if other people and animals are wearing costumes. If your pet tries to run away from a spooky witch or scary clown, a harness or leash will prevent him or her from dashing into the street or disappearing into the bushes.

The ASPCA recommends that pets wear identification tags when in costume. ID tags are a good idea even if your pet is microchipped. Good Samaritans who find your pet won't have microchip scanners, which could delay your reunion with your dog or cat.

Make Sure Your Pet's Costume Can Be Seen in the Dark

That black vampire costume may be a hazard if your pet will be outside when it's dark. Choose costumes that contain bright colors or include reflective trim and materials if you'll be spending time outdoors in the evening.

Be Patient

Your cat or dog may not like wearing a costume at first. Place the costume on your pet for a few minutes initially, then gradually increase wearing time. If your pet is obviously unhappy, fearful or anxious, or tries to bite and tear the costume, it may not be the best option. Try another costume, or buy your pet a decorated collar or bandana instead. Collars and bandanas offer a festive touch and are well tolerated by many pets.

If your pet doesn't like dressing up, consider a more creative approach. Pulling your pet in a small decorated wagon may be a better option than forcing your cat, dog, or small animal to wear a costume.

Do you have a few questions or concerns about your pet's physical or mental health? Contact our office to schedule your furry friend's appointment.

Sources:

ASPCA: Tips on Costumes, Candy and Celebrating Safely with Your Pets This Halloween, 10/26/16

The Humane Society of the United States: Halloween Safety Tips for Pets

American Kennel Club: 10 Tips for Dressing Up Your Dog Safely, 10/26/16

  • Pet Health
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Orthopedics
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Finding Your Pet
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Exotics
      • Amphibians
      • Birds
      • Reptiles
        • Lizards
        • Turtles
    • Small Mammals
      • Ferrets
      • Rabbits
      • Domesticated Animals
        • Prairie Dogs
      • Pocket Pets
        • Chinchillas
        • Guinea Pigs
        • Hamsters
        • Hedgehogs
        • Rats
    • Livestock
      • Cows
      • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
      • Goats
      • Pigs
      • Poultry
      • Sheep
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Children and Pets
    • Providing Care
    • Travel
    • Saying Goodbye
  • Newsletter Library
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Behavior & Training
    • Fleas & Parasites
    • Keeping Pets Healthy
    • Cats
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Pet Dangers
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Equine
    • Newsletter Archive
      • Fun with Pets
      • Unbelievable Pets
  • Video Newsroom
    • Health Topics
    • Technology and Science
    • Other Interests
  • Client Survey
  • Pets4Kids

We are accepting new patients.

Please call us at 270-786-5545 or use the form below to request an appointment.

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
  • Make An Appointment

    We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Schedule an appointment today!
    Schedule Now
  • Online Forms

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

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

7:00 am-4:30 pm

Tuesday:

7:00 am-4:30 pm

Wednesday:

7:00 am-4:30 pm

Thursday:

7:00 am-4:30 pm

Friday:

7:00 am-4:30 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Location

Find us on the map

Testimonial

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "Wonderful people who understand that our pets are part of the family. So kind and compassionate."
    Phyllis W. Horse Cave, KY

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

  • February Newsletter: Where to Start When Training Your Puppy

    Is your puppy ready to be trained? ...

    Read More
  • February Newsletter: Weird Things Your Cat Does and What They Mean

    Looking for an explanation for your cat's strange behaviors? ...

    Read More
  • January Newsletter: National Bird Day

    Got any plans for National Bird Day? ...

    Read More
  • January Newsletter: Don't Forget to Vaccinate Your Pets this Year

    Is pet vaccinated? ...

    Read More
  • December Newsletter: Cold Weather Tips for Your Pets

    Are your pets ready for winter weather? ...

    Read More
  • December Newsletter: Pets and the Holidays: What to Know before Feeding Your Pet Table Scraps

    Could holiday table scraps cause health woes for your pets? ...

    Read More
  • November Newsletter: How arthritis can affect your pet

    Could your pet have arthritis? ...

    Read More
  • November Newsletter: National animal shelter appreciation week

    Looking for ways to support your local animal shelter? ...

    Read More
  • Three Reasons to Always Microchip Your Pets

    Wondering if microchipping is right for your pet? ...

    Read More
  • Bad Breath Can Indicate Your Pet Needs Dental Care

    Could bad breath mean that your pet has a dental issue? ...

    Read More

Newsletter Signup

Sign up for more articles

Connect With Us

  • Copyright © 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map