While most cats and dogs may not enjoy getting dressed up, some pets will have a blast dressing up alongside you and your kids for Halloween. However, while you might invest a lot of time and effort into your own costume, it can be tough to justify an expensive costume for your pet that may wind up torn to shreds. Luckily, there are plenty of ways that you can dress up your pet and save some extra money for bowls of candy.
Dancing Dogs
Your pup probably won’t dance for joy when she sees the pictures, but turning your dog into a dancer is one of the quickest and easiest costumes around. While a dancer’s tutu is probably enough to make this ensemble, you can take it up a notch by adding some neon leg warmers to give your gal some flair. For guy dogs, the Chippendale look never goes out of style. Cut the collar and cuffs off an old white dress shirt and put them around your dog’s neck and paws, and he’ll be turning heads wherever he goes.
Shepherd Shepherds
If you’ve got a dog known for herding, cut a rectangle of green fabric for your dog’s back, and superglue a few small stuff sheep dolls to the top. Add two Velcro straps that can wrap around your dog’s chest and one to go loosely around the neck, and you’ve got yourself a busy sheepdog.
Skeleton Dog
Old hoodie sweaters are great for making dog costumes. Take a black hoodie, cut off the hood and tighten the waistband for your pup. Then, use white paint to paint a skeleton on the back of the hoodie and slip it over your pup. They’ll be rattling for bones in no time flat.
Mummies
While you can just wrap your pet up in gauze and watch as they stumble around, there’s an easier way. Simply put your pet in a small, old white hoodie, then add strips of gauze or cotton around the hoodie to complete the look, and your pet will look frightfully good.
Superheroes
For both cats and dogs, it’s not hard to make them into a superhero, though dogs may tolerate it better. Use a small or a baby-size t-shirt and add your favorite superhero’s symbol in felt. If you need a cape, just add a small square of fabric to their collar, and they’ll be off in a flash.
Ghost Cat
Cats can be fussy about costumes, shockingly enough, but you can make it easy on them. Making a simple ghost costume is easy. Find a square of a light, gauzy fabric that won’t restrict them too much. Stitch or glue two straps for their midsection and one for the neck to the fabric and wrap them up. The straps will keep them from pulling it off too quickly as they haunt your home for catnip.
Costume Tips for Cats and Dogs
- Try to use straps with Velcro rather than elastic bands in your costumes. Elastics can get lost in fur, causing pain and swelling.
- Never leave your pet unsupervised when they’re in costume. It might be comfortable for some pets, but for most they find it uncomfortable and will stop at nothing to escape. Keep an eye to make sure they don’t start eating the costume.
- Use anti-chew sprays like Bitter Apple or Bitter Yuck to keep pets from gnawing.
- If you’re turning your pups into ghosts, make sure to cut the sheets above their paws to avoid tangles and injuries.
Vance Miller is a freelance writer for Natural Balance, a natural pet food company that has been serving your four-legged family members quality ingredients since 1989.
