How To Get Your Pet Dressed Up For Halloween!
Tips for helping pets get comfortable their super cute costumes.
There’s not much cuter than a pet in a Halloween costume, but if you’ve ever tried dress up your dog (or cat!) you know that it is no easy feat to wrangle them into their ensemble. Here, we’re exploring the best ways to make your furry family member comfortable enough to rock their look for Trick or Treating—with a little help from the furriest friends in the Gabe’s family. The strategy: Start early and get them used to their costume so they’re ready for the big day. And, shop Halloween pet apparel starting at just $3.99 at Gabe’s.
Tip 1: Know What Your Pet Likes
Will he be bothered by a lion’s mane or feel bound up in a coat? You know your pet best, so consider their comfort level when you brainstorm costumes. If your small dog wears sweaters for walks, they’ll feel right at home in a costume that is similar but may not respond well to a head piece. Being cute is one thing but being comfortable is the priority. This may mean trying costumes by trial and error—but don’t worry, they’re available at spooky low prices at Gabe’s.
We’re not “lion” when we say Chester looks so cute!
Owner: Becca Straface
Tip 2: Let Your Pet Investigate
Don’t pop out the costume and put it on. Instead, leave it where your pet can sniff it and look it over. He may be curious and want to process it in a way that works for him first.
Zoe traded her paws for claws!
Owner: Julie Burke
Tip 3: Start Slow
The first time you put on your pet’s costume, lay it on them—literally. Simply place the costume over them so that they can easily shake it off. Do this a few times before you actually put the costume on, snaps and all.
Lola thinks her look is pretty super.
Owner: Subrina Hossain
Tip 4: Try On Over Time
Introduce your pet to his costume weeks before Halloween begins. Trust us: If you only try to get him into it before heading out for treats, you’ll find he’s overwhelmed and unwilling. Instead, put it on him weeks before, trying a few times a week for longer periods each time. After each wearing, give him a treat and tons of praise. He’ll associate his costume with happy moments and look forward to putting it on.
Cowboy Gibbs rally lassoed our hearts!
Owner: Lauren Dugan
Tip 5: Go Treating!
When the big day arrives, dress your pet in the way that’s worked in your practice sessions. Be sure to remain calm and speak in a soothing voice and praise him as you did before. And, remember to bring treats for your pup as you hit the neighborhood candy spots—he’ll be expecting them (and he’ll deserve them, too!)
Rufus thinks Halloween is out of this world.
Owners: Jennifer and Matt Livengood
Tip 6: Check In With Your Pet
With throngs of trick-or-treaters and people dressed in sometimes scary costumes, Halloween can be overstimulating for even the most calm pet. Make sure you’re checking in on their moods regularly and if they seem agitated or nervous, bring them home. Always keep dogs leashed to ensure their safety should they be startled.
Thor is really “relishing” his Halloween experience.
Owner: Brandi Whoolery
Tip 7: Mind Your Treats
Remember that certain types of foods—like chocolate—can be harmful to dogs. Always make sure your pet stays away from the treats that can hurt him! Stick to the pet treats he loves instead. (available at Gabe’s starting at $2.99!)
Ari adds some “Aargh!” to her “Arf!”
Owner: Adrienne Kingsley