Halloween is just around the corner and while many of us are getting our costumes ready for a themed party, others are buying a costume for their pet. But you may want to undo that order, according to specialists.
Urging people "do not dress up" your pet, experts from Bella + Duke say you may not know it, but it could cause lots of issues for your dog. It explains: "It is not advised to dress up dogs.
"Costumes often restrict movement and can stress out your furry friend. They could overheat and then struggle to regulate themselves with the extra layers of the costume. Additionally, there is a risk of them getting tangled in furniture and ornaments, resulting in an injury or breakage."
It does add that "each dog is different" and "some may be comfortable in a jumper or costume for a shorter period of time with supervision." But in all cases, you should not dress them up if they are distressed and you should not have them in it for long.
As well as this, the experts note that you should aim to walk your dog before it gets too dark. This way, you are more likely to avoid trick-or-treaters, costumes and loud noises that could be dangerous or scary for your dog.
If you do encounter anything that scares your pup, calmly walk away and distract them. This could be through sprinkling treats on the ground to keep your dog preoccupied from the spooky trick-or-treaters, it suggests.
Remember to always "keep sweet treats away from snout." It says: "Always store sweet treats high and out of reach of pets. Sweets, chocolate, lollies, and cakes are delicious for humans but are one of the biggest Halloween dangers for pets.
"For example, lollies can be a choking hazard; the sticks are very sharp. When it comes to sugary snacks like marshmallows and cakes, not only can they contain dangerous ingredients like xylitol, but they are also packed with sugar, which can result in unruly behaviour.
"If your dog eats something it shouldn't, especially chocolate, contact your veterinarian immediately. It will help if you have the following information to hand: What your dog has eaten, how much your dog weighs, and how much your dog has eaten."
While trick-or-treating is happening, distract your dog away from the front door such as taking them into the back room or upstairs with games and treats.
The loud noises and exciting front door activity may be too much for your dog and could potentially lead to reactive, protective behaviour, anxiety - and even attempts to escape.
With this in mind, make sure your dog has a safe space and you comfort them if they need it. It concludes: "If your dog knows they have their own private rest area, it's easier for them to cope with whatever Halloween surprises there are."