Dressing Up a Dog for Halloween or Carnival — Pros and Cons

Now that Halloween is approaching, many dog owners decide to celebrate the holiday with their pets the same way they do, dressing them up to match. But are we sure they actually like being dressed up?

If you've also asked yourself "can I dress up my dog?" you'll find out that this unnatural, humanized practice is much less fun than it seems, at least for dogs! Let's look at the dangers involved.

Is It Harmful to Dress Up a Dog?

How funny is it to see your pup dressed as a superhero, princess, ladybug, or ghost. With every last detail and accessory. It looks so cute and funny... right? Quick, take a photo and post it on Instagram!

This trend of dressing up dogs for our own benefit and entertainment is becoming more and more common in countries like the United States and Spain, and it's turning into a business for many. However, behind this "cute" custom hides a very different reality.

The vast majority of experts agree that dressing our dogs up in costumes, even just occasionally, distorts their canine nature and doesn't benefit them at all, since it alters their comfort and wellbeing and greatly restricts their movement.

Do Dogs Have Fun With Costumes?

Whether as a costume or everyday clothing, dogs only need their coat reinforced with artificial clothing when it's very cold and the dog is very small, prone to shivering, has short and sparse fur, or is a puppy or elderly.

• When to Bundle Up a Dog

In every other case, wearing things over a dog's coat won't make them feel comfortable at all, let alone cute or funny. That doesn't entertain your dog — all it wants is to go for its walk in peace.

In reality, the only one interested in putting a costume on their dog because they find it funny or cute is the owner. So before dressing up your dog, think about whether you feel like doing an activity that only you're going to enjoy.

Also, costumes make them look ridiculous and make them feel humiliated. What's fun for you is embarrassing and highly stressful for them. In fact, you'll be able to notice its discomfort, since it will tuck its tail, barely move, and look at you with a scared, confused expression.

Likewise, a costume can create aggression in a dog. Just as would happen to us humans if we felt mocked in an uncomfortable situation, dogs can also get upset about wearing a costume and end up ruining a situation that seemed "very fun."

Don't make your dog go through a bad time just to satisfy an aesthetic whim of your own. Your dog is neither an object nor a human — respect its animal nature. It's better to head to the park and play something you'll both enjoy.

The Dangers of Using Wax Crayons and Paint to Decorate Them

Even though there are many products sold for decorating dogs, the truth is using crayons and paint on dogs could trigger psychological and physical harm to your dog, both from stress and from poisoning and allergies.

In fact, numerous scientific studies reveal there are quite a few toxic agents found in dog makeup products, whether they're crayons, face paint, hair dyes, or nail polish.

Elements such as lead, present in these products, can cause illnesses such as asthma. So remember, even though the danger isn't visible at first glance, using this alters your best furry friend's health. Avoid it!

Tips for Dressing Up a Dog Without It Suffering

If despite everything we've told you, you still think the occasion deserves it and your dog won't suffer any unpleasant consequences, here are some tips to keep in mind before dressing it up.

• Buy the costume at a store specializing in pets.
• If you can go with a lightweight costume, much better — such as bandanas, hats, or bow ties. The less fabric they wear, the better they'll feel.
• Check that the fabric is soft, comfortable, and flexible. Cotton is a good idea to keep your dog as comfortable as possible. Avoid heavy fabrics like wool — they can cause it a heatstroke!
• Likewise, the clothing should be loose, especially around the neck. Check that it isn't tight.
• Avoid details such as buttons, zippers, rivets, glitter decorations, etc. It could choke on them!
• Always remember for the costume to be as un-humiliating as possible for it and to offer it comfort.
• Make it feel like everything's fine. Don't laugh at it or take it to strange or overly noisy, chaotic places.
• Lastly, watch its behavior. If you see your dog getting overwhelmed, don't hesitate to take the costume off. Its wellbeing should come first.