Dressing up your pet? Here’s how to costume your pet safely!
Dressing up should be fun, especially for a festive time like Halloween. If you have a pet you want to get involved in the activities, you might be thinking about giving it its own costume as well. Pet costumes can be amazing, but safety is the priority. Follow this guide to safe pet costumes and have fun!
Keep Pet ID On
If you are bringing your pet to a party or are inviting guests who will be coming in and out of your home, it’s best to keep your pet’s ID collar on, whether it is a cat or a dog. Even if you are confident that your pet won’t dart and run, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Know If Your Pet Would Accept It
Not all pets are willing to wear a costume. Some pets won’t mind at all, while others will want to get it off as soon as possible. If you have a pet costume in mind, test it out on your pet first so that you know if your pet will tolerate it and if the costume fits.
Limit Costume Time
Pets aren’t meant to wear clothing or accessories for long periods of time. Limit the time your pet is wearing a festive costume to maybe a few hours at most. Wearing clothing long-term could cause matting and skin problems.
Keep the Costume Simple
Some pet costumes can be highly creative, including accessories like pet boots, fake spectacles, and hats. In principle, a great design is simple. Keep the pet costume as simple as possible and avoid any bits that could be choking hazards if your pet chews them off.
Maintain Movement, Visibility, Etc.
The pet costume should fit well and allow the pet to move and function freely for its safety. The costume should be snug, not too tight, and not too loose. It should allow the pet to see, hear, move, breathe, and even do its business unhindered.
Avoid Toxic Costume Materials
Do not purchase, make, or decorate a pet costume that uses toxic materials like paints, chemicals, etc. Make sure your pet is not allergic to any of the costume materials.
Supervise Your Pet
If your pet is perfectly fine or even happy to wear a great outfit, supervise your pet when it is wearing it. Check for any signs of stress and make sure your pet is comfortable and uninhibited.
Trust the Care of Your Pet to the Professionals at Everhart Veterinary Medicine!
At Everhart Veterinary Medicine, our veterinary professionals strive to provide your pet with the very best of veterinary care. We believe that the best care for your pet should be provided by experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable veterinary professionals. With three Maryland locations in Baltimore, Pasadena, and Cross Keys, we are always ready to welcome your pet as a new patient! Give us a call today at 410-355-3131, 410-793-7670, or 443-470-6790! For more information, as well as updates on veterinary news and topics, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!