Second Chance: Howl-o-ween Costume Ideas for Your Dog!

16 Oct Second Chance: Howl-o-ween Costume Ideas for Your Dog!

For 30+ years, the Animal Resource Center and Shops of Second Chance Humane Society have been serving Ouray, San Miguel, and Montrose Counties. Adoption hours are from Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. View shelter pets and services online at www.secondchancehumane.org.

“Connecting Pets, People, and Community While Saving Lives.”

View shelter pets and services online: www.adoptmountainpets.org.

Donate here or mail to: PO Box 2096, Ridgway, CO, 81432. 

Go here for more options from Second Chance.

Halloween is yet another excuse to dress up your canine family members! (Dog eyeroll.) Although your pet may be perfectly adorable every day, costumes can make them even more photo-worthy. Whether you dress as a “couple” (Shaggy & Scooby, Peter Pan & Tinkerbell, Devil & Angel, Beauty and the Beast) or pick a costume just for your dog (hot dog, superhero pup, princess pooch, bat dog), there are a few things to consider.

Make sure costumes are made of soft, lightweight materials that don’t obstruct your pet’s movement, eyes, nose, or mouth. A dog costume should not interfere with walking, sitting, lying down, eating, and going potty. The outfit must be the right size. If the costume is too tight, your dog could get hot or have difficulty moving comfortably. If it’s too big, your pet could trip or get it caught on something.

Let your dog decide. Before Halloween, try the costume on several times to get him used to wearing it. Make sure to give lots of love and treats while he’s wearing it. Never force a dog to wear something that is just too stressful.

Loud noises, creepy costumes, and flashing lights can make Halloween night a scary experience for your dog. Don’t leave home without a leash, whether it matches the rest of the costume or not.

Stumped for ideas?

Cow Dog- Some black and white fabric and a simple cow horn headpiece transforms your dog from cute to udderly adorable.
Some dogs look just like an Ewok, which makes it easy for the whole family to dress up in theme. Skywalker, Darth Vader, Jedi…
Do you have a golden or tan dog? A simple lion’s mane will make your pet king of the jungle.

A dog in uniform is always a hit. Police officer, firefighter, or a UPS delivery person are easy costumes for a dog. Or, you could dress in uniform, and your dog could be a donut (police officer), a hydrant (firefighter), or a special delivery package (UPS driver).

Some dogs won’t tolerate something on their head, which rules out wigs, tiaras, and hats. Spider legs or bat wings attached to a jacket around their torso are a great option for a black dog. A lightweight pair of butterfly wings will turn your dog into an insect (and your costume could be as simple as a sun hat and butterfly net). Get a dog t-shirt and affix clock faces to it to make a “watchdog.”

Simplest of all, attach something creative to their collar, such as a TY Beanie Baby tag, a smart bowtie, flowers, or a creepy spider.

Whatever you choose – make sure to take lots of photos!