These are important tips for Dog Skeleton Costume that every pet owner should know to ensure their pets’ safety and comfort.
It is hard to ignore the adorable costumes of pets on social media. There are so many costumes to choose from for Halloween, Christmas, or any other occasion.
You can make your own Dog Skeleton Costumes or purchase ready-made ones. But remember, there is a dog in the costume. It’s not something anyone wants to do.
These are important tips for Dog Skeleton Costumes that every dog owner should know.
Dog Skeleton Costume Tips
Although you may think your dog looks adorable dressed up as a bumblebee, a dog with a flat head and round eyes is actually distressing.
Dogs can display many facial expressions that we find attractive, which are often signs they are uncomfortable. These signs can be identified and corrected immediately.
You can also see signs that your dog is distressed or conflicted.
- Lip licking
- Yawning
- Pinched-back ears
- Wide eyes
- Flat whiskers
- Heavy panting
- You are slinking away
After a bath, shave as if you were taking a shower
- Gradually introduce the dog to the costume
- Dogs with rustling plastic bags will do double takes when you approach them.
- Imagine putting the dog in the plastic bags, leaving a hole at the top for his head. Unprepared dogs will likely panic.
- It’s almost the same as when you put on a costume for a dog. You force them to accept something different covering their bodies.
These Dog Skeleton Costume Tips will help you slow down
- Take the costume out of its wrapper well in advance so that it smells familiar.
- You can leave the costume out so your dog can sniff it. Reward them for their bravery with praise and a treat
- Place the costume on their back, without fastening it. Praise and reward them as you go.
- Spend several days building their confidence. Dress them only when they are wagging their tails and their eyes are shining.
- “If a pet doesn’t feel comfortable in a costume they will work hard to get rid of it,” Dr. Stacy Eckman is a clinical assistant professor at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.
Dr. Eckman warns that it can affect the way they move and walk, making them a tripping hazard. It can also affect their breathing and cause anxiety, such as panting or panic.
Dr. Marty Becker DVM has a simple suggestion: “If your dog doesn’t like costumes, put on a ghoulish collar or bandana and get him in the spirit of things.”
Costume Rules
- When dressing your dog, safety is paramount
- Be sure to consider the material and fit of the costume.
- The fit should be snug but not too loose. The costume should not be too tight or too loose for the dog to walk, sit, and use the toilet without any discomfort.
- No whiskers: The dog should be able to see the skin and should not have its whiskers covered.
- No scent: Dogs are more sensitive to smell than humans, so if your fur is scented with chemicals or other odors, it will be distressing.
- Avoid flammable substances: Keep pumpkin lanterns, candles and other flammable items away.
- Avoid chewable parts. Use Velcro to fasten the costume.
Additional Dog Skeleton Costume Ideas
- These are some simple rules to help everyone, especially dogs, enjoy the holidays and stay safe.
- Do not force your dog to go outside of their comfort zone. If you are unsure, take a quick picture of your dog in the costume before you remove it.
- Make sure that they are having fun. Dogs should have fun and not just tolerate their costume.
Do not leave your dog’s costume on the floor.
- Make sure your child can eat, drink and use the toilet without any fuss.
- Do not humiliate your dog. Dogs have dignity too.
- Limit the length of time they can wear the costume.
- Do not overpower your Dog Skeleton Costume by taking photos, attention or trick-or treating.
- Make sure to check your costume for any parts that might be swallowed and to make sure it is still comfortable.
- Finally, have a wonderful Halloween with your dog!