When Halloween night rolls around each year, it’s time for the cutest type of Halloween dog party: a Halloween pet parade. When a dog parade of furry friends wearing adorable pet costumes for Halloween comes to your door, every trick will be sure to earn treats galore.
Picking out a few Halloween costumes for dogs is one of the most festive ways for pet owners to celebrate the spooky season.
And what better way to show off those pet costumes than to host a Halloween dog costume party or costume parade?
Read on to learn about some spooky and silly animal costume ideas for a great Halloween dog party. Plus, discover tips for Halloween party pet food and how dog owners can keep their canine companions safe during a Halloween night parade route walk.
A Pet Costume Party
Pet costumes are a fun way to show off your pet pup’s cuteness any day of the week. But on Halloween night, canine costumes are a must (if your dog will allow it that is).
What better way to share your dog’s dress-up skills than in their very own costume party or costume parade? From Star Wars costumes and wig options to The Wizard of Oz costumes and more, here are some costume ideas that will have pet parents howling with joy.
Costume Ideas For Your Good Boy Or Girl
There are many places to buy a pet costume, from national retail outlets to online specialty shops. Whether your pet is a tiny teacup puppy or a giant woofer, here are some outfit ideas for Halloween costumes that will put a smile on everyone’s face.
Star Wars Character
The bark will be with you if you dress your pooch as Han Solo, Chewbacca, Princess Leia, or any of the creatures from Star Wars. First prize in the costume contest… you’re my only hope.
The Wizard Of Oz
Follow the yellow brick road to costume success – just make sure you put a leash on your pup for the pet parade party first. Those winged monkeys can make loud noises, and you don’t want your Toto getting spooked.
Superhero Super Costumes
A puppy wearing a Superman outfit or a senior dog dressed as Spider-Man would be a super costume idea.
An Animal Dressed In A Different Animal Costume
A pup in a parrot outfit? A dog in a dinosaur costume? A lion’s mane wig on a miniature poodle? That’s a trick you’ll have to see to believe.
Food Costume Ideas
If your pet has a big appetite, why not put them in a food costume? Try dressing your Pekingese as a pumpkin or your Boxer as a burger. And of course, everyone loves seeing a Dachshund wearing a hot dog costume.
Halloween Party Pet Food And Animal Snacks
When the costume contest is over, you may want to reward your animal guests with some delicious pet snacks. However, be aware that most traditional human Halloween treats are dangerous for dogs.
Human Halloween Food To Avoid Feeding Your Furry Friends
A human Halloween party always includes lots of tasty treats and snacks. However, these foods are toxic to your pet. Make sure to avoid serving them at a Halloween party for man’s best friend. If you want to give your pet a special treat this halloween, pick up their favorite pup treats or go for some spooky dog cookies and pumpkin-flavored bones.
These are some examples of Halloween human food to avoid serving a pet:
Chocolate
The king of all Halloween treats, chocolate is very bad for pups. It contains caffeine and a chemical called theobromine, which can negatively affect a dog’s nervous system.1
Candy And Chewing Gum
The sugar and xylitol found in many types of candy and gums can be bad news for furry friends. Sugar-free candies may substitute sugar for xylitol, which can be fatal to a canine.2 Sugar is a no-no for your pet, as it can cause obesity and dental issues.
Apple Seeds
Tell your canine guests there will be no bobbing for apples at their Halloween party, as the seeds contain a chemical that can be harmful if ingested.3
Raisins And Grapes
These tiny foods can cause your animal friend big trouble. Vomiting, low energy, and even kidney failure may result from just a handful of grapes or raisins.4
Pecans, Pistachios, Walnuts, And Macadamia Nuts
Certain types of nuts should be avoided at all costs, as they may be toxic or give your pet serious digestion problems.5
A Hot Dog With All The Fixins
While feeding your pet the occasional hot dog may be acceptable, you should not give your pet a hot dog with garlic, onions, or certain types of sauces. These may be toxic and should be avoided.6
The Bottom Line
Keep all of your delicious party treats and snacks out of reach of your pup or sealed off in containers. Your pet might be especially tempted to sneak something with all the hustle and bustle of the party. Again, give them some pup-approved treats or bones if you don’t want them to feel left out of the spooky fun. It’s much better to play it safe than to have to spend Halloween night at the vet’s office.
Safety First: What To Do If Your Pet Eats A Toxic Food
If you, or any of your guests, suspect that a dog at your Halloween party may have eaten a toxic food item, call a veterinarian immediately. You may also want to contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.7
If an animal at your party has eaten something they shouldn’t have, you may witness one or more of the following symptoms:
- Dry Heaving
- Gagging
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
If this is the case, be sure to contact your veterinarian.8
Follow These Tricks for A Halloween Party Treat
Now you can plan the perfect Halloween dog party for your own furry friends. A Halloween trick in an adorable canine costume is sure to earn your pet plenty of yummy treats. From Halloween costume parades to Halloween-themed dog treats, these tips are sure to make your monster mash a success.
Learn More:
How To Potty Train A Kitten: Litter Training Your New Cat
Why Do Dogs Howl At Sirens?
DIY Pets: How To Make a Stylish Dog Or Cat Teepee
Sources
1. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/what-to-do-if-your-dog-ate-chocolate/
2. https://www.petmd.com/blogs/nutritionnuggets/dr-coates/2015/may/sugar-free-can-be-deadly-dogs-32731
3. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/apple
4. https://www.caninejournal.com/foods-not-to-feed-dog/
5. https://petcube.com/blog/nuts/
6. https://www.rover.com/blog/can-my-dog-eat-hot-dogs/
7. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets
8. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/gastroenteritis-in-dogs
