Halloween is a holiday that many people like to share with their pets, and they seem ready to celebrate again at almost pre-pandemic levels. Halloween consumer spending is expected to reach $10.14 billion, according to the National Retail Federation, and almost $500,000 million will be spent on Halloween for our pets.
In fact, in a recent survey, 29 million dog owners said they planned to buy or make a costume for their dog this Halloween. About 30 percent of these costume-loving pet owners are 18 to 34 years old, and 27 percent are baby boomers.
The most popular costumes for pets seem the same year to year: pumpkin, hot dog, superhero, cat, bumble bee, ghost, bat, lion, dog, witch, devil, pirate and batman.
If you’re buying or making a costume for your pet, here are a few things to consider.
Make sure any costume is open in the back so your pet can relieve himself without removing the costume. Don’t put anything on that is tight-fitting, but also make sure nothing on the costume drags or will cause them to trip or fall.
If you’re making a costume, a simple cape tied around their neck often works well for most medium to large dogs. Smaller dogs can get by with infant T-shirts as homemade costumes.
Most pets won’t tolerate hats or masks as part of Halloween costume. If your pets starts fussing and trying to take the costume, take it off rather than have them suffer for a photo.
Reuters file photo
When it comes to masks, don’t use them on your pets. This is not a political statement. Dogs just don’t understand them, and they don’t like to have their ears, ears or nose covered. So, no hats either.
If, at any point in time, your pet is fussing and trying to get the costume off, take it off and leave it off. Please don’t make your pet miserable just because you want to take some pictures for social media. Not every pet is willing to wear a costume.
Here are some other tips:
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