Pet world publishes the third Saturday of each month.
Story last updated at 2:33 PM EST on October 20, 2007 Halloween has gone to the dogs
By JANE PETERSON
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Of The Oakland Press
Photo courtesy Pet Supplies "Plus"
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It's not just children who look forward to Halloween anymore.
Many people also like dressing up their four-legged friends for the holiday.
According to a survey by Pets Supplies "Plus," 29 percent of pet owners dressed their dogs for the festivities last year.
Dogs in general seem to enjoy parading around in costume more so than cats, but it really depends on the individual pet and whether it is willing to be dressed up and is comfortable in the costume.
With many sizes and costumes tailor-made for pets these days, they are popular purchases at pet stores this time of the year. Just consider the possibilities: superdog or princess pooch or how about a pirate, fairy or skunk? Choices creating a buzz at Bow Meow in Royal Oak include lobster, clown, witch, cheerleader, cow and angel costumes, said owner Marcie Theisen.
Kim Schmidt, owner of Bark Place Avenue in downtown Rochester, also reports lots of interest in pet Halloween costumes. The store carries a variety, including dinosaur and tuxedo outfits.
Other people will use common pet clothing as a costume, said Patty Livernois, co-owner of The Uppity Puppy in Royal Oak. She cited examples such as camouflage clothing, short sets, dresses and pajamas.
For the past couple of years, interest in pet costumes has continued to rise, Theisen said, because many people view pets as members of their family and they want to involve them in all the festivities.
It's important to keep in mind that not all cats and dogs want to wear Halloween costumes. If your dog appears uncomfortable when the costume is on, pants, cries, whimpers, hides under the bed or shows other signs that it is stressed, don't force the issue, said Bryan Cornwall, D.V.M. at Advanced PetCare of Oakland in Clarkston.
If your pet enjoys being around other people, another way to celebrate is by attending local Halloween events where pets are welcome. Or consider purchasing special holiday-themed dog treats.
Speaking of trick-or-treating, pets staying at home should be kept away from the front door, said Annette Engler, administrator at Union Lake Veterinary Hospital in Union Lake. With the door being opened and shut, the doorbell constantly ringing and people in costumes coming and going, pets may be stressed by all the activity or even dart outside.
Pets Supplies "Plus" offered these costume tips in a news release to help keep pets safe and comfortable this Halloween:
Make sure the costume has no small or dangling pieces that a dog may chew on.
Costumes must fit well. If they're too loose, dogs may trip on them. If they're too tight, movement or breathing may be restricted.
Lightweight fabrics are best to prevent overheating. Remember that dogs have thick fur coats and respond to temperatures differently than humans.
Costumes must not affect a dog's movement, particularly his legs, so that he can walk normally.
Vision, even peripheral vision, must not be obstructed by a costume or else the dog may become fidgety or panicked. Masks are best left to humans.
Many dogs are sensitive around the ears. In particular, be careful not to block hearing with any pieces of the costume.
Also, no part of costume should be near the mouth or nose. Otherwise, it might obstruct breathing or barking or fall victim to chewing.
Costumes should not have any parts that could potentially be torn off and ingested by dogs. Elastics, plastics and other pieces are choking hazards or may cause intestinal blockage.
Supervise costumed dogs at all times, to ensure that they stay comfortable and safe.
Never force a dog into a costume. Dogs may become agitated if they're uncomfortable, potentially harming others or themselves.
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