Halloween is a time for haunted happenings, ghoulishly good fun, and of course, plenty of costumes. You might already have a few ideas up your sleeve for what you'll become on October 31, but what about your pup pal? Over the years, dog Halloween costumes have grown in popularity, resulting in almost endless possibilities of how to deck out your pooch for the ultimate fright night.
Whether you plan to enter your dog into a costume contest, to participate as a duo, or you just want your dog to get into the full spirit of the season, there's bound to be the perfect costume out there for your pooch. But, with so many options, where do you even start?
Dog Costume Inspiration
You undoubtedly have a few ideas knocking around in your brain; perhaps you're thinking about dressing your pal as one of your favorite movie characters, a scary monster, or going with the classic hot dog costume. But more than likely, you're overwhelmed by the vast selection and would welcome a jumping-off point.
Here are a few ideas to get you started!
Dogs in Disguise
Whether you have a new puppy or your dog is a seasoned Halloween pro, it's time for trick-or-treating to go to the dogs!
These costumes are sure to help your pup snag some extra treats for his Rolly Cannoli!
Beetlejuice -- If you're a fan of this flick starring Michael Keaton as the hilarious title demon, then you'll love this costume!
UPS Delivery Person -- In today's world of online shopping frenzies, the UPS guy is a pretty common sight! Well, now there's the UPS pup, complete with fake arms holding a tiny package.
Shark -- Sharks have become very popular over the past few years. Shark Week, anyone? Dress your pooch up as this mighty ocean beast and start humming the Jaws theme song.
Lion -- This costume is a great idea for pups like golden retrievers. You'll look like you're walking the king of the jungle down the street when your pooch dons this get-up.
Teddy Bear -- You would be hard-pressed to find a costume more adorable than this one. The fake arms make it especially precious, playing up the illusion that your pup is a living, breathing, walking stuffed animal.
Puppy Latte -- If you can't start your day without caffeine, then you'll likely find this costume irresistible!
Hot Dog -- This classic pup costume really needs no explanation. It's cute, fun, and turns your pooch into a walking pun.
Dinosaur -- Whether you have a toy poodle or a large breed, a dinosaur costume works for any size pup! You could actually turn this one into a couple’s costume, just grab yourself some khakis and a shovel and be an explorer or paleontologist!
Garden Gnome -- Just because, well, why not? How cute can you get? It's a dog with a pointy hat and a long beard!
Unicorn -- Unicorns have popped up in cakes, jewelry, home accessories, and now, dog costumes. Whether you want to go all out or just get your pup a fun headpiece, it's sure to be magical.
Dog Halloween Costumes Perfect for a Dynamic Duo
Do you want your pup's Halloween costume to complement your own? Here are a few ideas of how you can dress your dog (and yourself) so you can make quite a statement together:
Ewok -- The Star Wars saga is more popular than ever, and if your pup is a cute, fuzzy Ewok, you get to be pretty much any of your favorite characters from a galaxy long ago and far away.
Scooby-Doo -- Scooby-Doo has to be one of the most enduring canine characters of all time. Dress your pup up as Scooby, and you can be any member of the famed Mystery Inc. Take your pick from best friend Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, Velma, or get a whole group together and be the whole gang!
Ghostbuster -- With the recent movie remake, this classic has a whole new generation of fans! Let your pup be the ghost-busting pooch, and you can be the ghost!
Tigger -- The wonderful thing about Tiggers is that the costume makes your dog absolutely adorable! Why not be Winnie-the-Pooh to your pooch’s version of this bouncy cartoon character?
Robin -- If you’re planning to be Batman for Halloween, you almost have to let your pup be Robin, right? Of course, it could be even funnier if you let your dog be the Dark Knight and you can put on some tights.
Banana -- This costume becomes even more adorable if you have a child that you can dress up like a monkey. You’re sure to win some super-cute bonus points!
Superman/Supergirl -- It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s...your dog! Let Fido be Superman to your Supergirl or vice versa. Really, any superhero is super popular these days!
DIY Dog Costumes
Of course, if you want to make your pup's costume extra-memorable, you can make it yourself. Or you can search for unique homespun creations on sites like Etsy.
If you think you might want to flex your creative muscles and make your dog's Halloween costume, try one of these crafty ideas:
All Business -- With just a few old clothes, your pooch will be ready for the next board meeting!
Going Buggy -- If you’re looking for a super simple and cute costume idea, this is it! Opt for a friendly ladybug like the one in the link, or pick your own favorite critter! You can choose a buzzing bee, pretty butterfly, or another bug buddy.
Flower Power -- All you need are some foam craft sheets and basic supplies for this costume classic!
Dog Costume Safety
Dressing up is lots of fun, but always remember, safety first! Make sure that your pet’s costume doesn’t contain any small pieces that can break off easily and pose a choking hazard. It’s also essential that your dog can move freely and the costume is not too tight.
Ensure that the costume allows you to place your pup on a leash for safe walks. Since you’re likely going to be out with your pooch after sundown, it’s also vital that his costume have some reflective qualities. If it does not, make sure that you add something to your pup’s ensemble to make him visible in the dark.
Tips for the Best Fit
Before you make your final purchase (or your first stitch), ensure you measure your pup, don't just guess! In fact, following the popular advice of "measure twice, cut (or buy) once" will save you lots of time, money, and headaches!
Depending on the costume, you'll likely need to measure your dog's height from the floor to his shoulder, his girth around his chest, and possibly his neck size. You'll also need his length, which you can get by measuring from his shoulder blades to the base of his tail. Compare your pup's measurements to the size chart that accompanies the costume so you can get the best fit!
Once you've found the perfect pooch costume, it's time to get dressed and celebrate! If you're looking for more Halloween-inspired ideas for your dog, check out the rest of our blog! There are also tons of helpful tips that offer guidance for caring for your pets. Now it's time to teach your dog to speak, think he can say “trick-or-treat?!”