Dog Halloween Costumes

Dog Halloween costumes make Halloween lots of fun whether you are having a holiday dog party or taking your dog Trick or Treating.

Holiday duds for dogs have become very popular, but like any other pet product, not all costumes are created equal.  Choose your dog’s attire with safety in mind, to insure a fun time.

When making your holiday plans, keep in mind that not all dogs have the personality to enjoy constantly meeting new people, who are strangers.

The Bichon Frise breed is typically friendly and sociable. Nevertheless, before buying a Halloween costume for your dog, think about how she behaves around strangers.

If your dog has been well socialized and enjoys meeting new people, the next step in choosing Bichon Frise puppy Halloween costumes is to learn what constitutes a safe outfit for your pup.

Safe Apparel for Dogs

Choosing a costume for your puppy is not difficult. But it is important that you follow a few simple guidelines:

Proper Fit

For Halloween safety pick an outfit that fits your dog properly. A getup that is too tight or too loose has potential dangers. Your dog should be able to move easily, without restriction, in his clothes.

Clear Vision

When you try the clothing on your dog, make sure she can see clearly. A costume that makes it difficult for your dog to see, can be frightening to him.

If you choose to dress your dog for Halloween, keep your dog’s Halloween costume simple without restricting his movements and vision.

Hearing

There are enough strange sounds on Halloween, without having a costume that makes hearing sounds, scary!

Breathing

Halloween attire should not cover your dog’s nose or restrict his breathing.  Most dogs won’t tolerate something over their nose.  But, even if yours does allow it, he needs to breathe freely.

Fabrics

Note that costumes with heavy fabric may cause your dog to become overheated. Remember that dogs cannot sweat, and you may not know that your dog is getting too warm.

Small Parts

Avoid clothing with elastic, buttons or other chewable parts that may prove poisonous or hazardous.

Reflective tape

You can make your dog more visible by adding some type of reflective element.  If your Bichon wanders away from you outdoors, or sneaks out the door when trick-or-treaters arrive, it will be easier to see her in the dark.

Once you find suitable Bichon Frise dog Halloween attire for your Bichon, you are not finished…

Tips for Successful Halloween Fun

• First, give your dog time to adapt to wearing a costume. Practice wearing his new outfit. Put it on for a few minutes every day before Halloween, slowly increasing the amount of time before you remove it.
• When you take the costume off, your pup or dog may show curiosity about it.  Let her smell the apparel and praise her for good behavior.
• When Halloween arrives, make sure your dog has an ID Tag , just in case you get separated.
• When walking around the neighborhood, do not let your dog walk without a lead.
• Keep him firmly away from any candy wrappers.
• When your dog shows signs of nervousness or stress, it’s time to head home and take him back to his comfort zone.

By the way, if you find that your Bichon Frise struggles repeatedly against wearing a costume, don’t push the issue.

As cute as a costume might appear, the anxiety it may create isn’t healthy for your dog–nor for your relationship with her.

Here is a nice selection of small dog costumes. Why not take a minute and check them out to see if they meet the safety criteria?