As spooky season approaches, costumes are extremely popular. While turning your pet into a pretty pup-kin might seem fun, PDSA, the vet charity for pets in need, is advising owners to think twice about the impact dressing up will have on their furry family member’s health and happiness.

PDSA Vet Nurse, Gemma Renwick, said: “While we may love to dress up as goblins and ghouls for Halloween, pets don’t share our enthusiasm. Costumes can cause significant discomfort and stress for our furry friends – what may seem like a completely innocent bit of seasonal fun can be detrimental to their health.

1. Costumes can reduce mobility

“Some costumes can be more of a trick than a treat by preventing your pet from walking, grooming, or even going to the bathroom comfortably. Pet clothing is often made from thick materials which may also cause your pet to overheat, as they can't regulate their body temperature as effectively when covered in layers of fabric. Worse yet, there’s a risk of choking on small parts, or injury if the outfit gets tangled or caught on something.

2. Dressing up doesn't come naturally to pets

“Imagine being wrapped up like a mummy when you didn’t ask for it! Dressing up doesn’t come naturally to pets, especially for cats, who can feel particularly distressed when forced into an outfit. Our pets will let us know through how they are feeling with their body language and behaviour. It’s important to consider what they’re trying to tell you and the situation to ensure that your furry friend is happy. If your cat is trying to hide, slinking low to the ground, making unusual vocalizations or even showing signs of aggression, it may be their way of saying that they are uncomfortable. Meanwhile, dogs might exhibit stress through behaviours like lip licking, yawning when they are not tired, or panting when they aren’t warm or exercising. They may become stiff or tense with ears pinned back and a tail tucked between their legs. They may try and look away, or even get away from what you are doing. Ignoring these signs could leave your canine friend resorting to aggression in a last attempt to communicate that they are not comfortable.

3. Costumes can mask communication signals

“Dogs rely heavily on body language to communicate with each other, and a costume can obscure these signals as it hides them from showing their natural behaviours, leading to confusion or even aggressive encounters. If your dog is feeling stressed, it may change how they behave around other pets, potentially leading to misunderstandings or conflicts.

4. Your pet isn’t a party prop

“While fancy dress may be fun for us, it's important to remember that our pets aren’t toys or a Halloween party prop. Dressing them in a way that makes fun of them or puts them in an uncomfortable position is just not a considerate thing to do. Our pets are adorable just as they are, and there are other ways to get them involved this Halloween, such as a snuggling up on the sofa for a spooky movie night together.

When can I dress my pet?

“However, there are times when pet clothing can be beneficial. Though not all pooches need one, a cosy winter coat can help keep a dog warm in cold weather, especially those with thin fur or certain medical conditions. Occasionally, special boots can be used to protect your pup’s paws, especially if they are prone to cuts and scrapes on their pads or are recovering from a paw injury.

“If your pet is happy to wear one, a well-fitted surgical vest can protect healing wounds from excessive licking post-operation. Therapy tops can sometimes be used in addition to other aides to reduce anxiety and stress, while hi-vis jackets can help ensure pets remain visible and safe on dark winter walks.

“While dressing up pets may be tempting, it's crucial to prioritise their comfort, safety, and dignity. If the clothing isn’t serving a necessary purpose, it's best to let your pet enjoy their natural look, free from the constraints of a costume. After all, they’re already your little pumpkin just the way they are!”

For more advice on dressing your pets, visit: www.pdsa.org.uk/dressing-up