Halloween dog costumes are the perfect way to let your pooch take part in all the fun of this spooktacular holiday and while there are some safety issues that are important to be aware of, with a little bit of advance planning and caution, you and your pup will be able to have a blast together.
Should you buy a Halloween costume for your pet is often a hot topic of debate among pet professionals and pet owners and for good reason. While there are a lot of costumes available for purchase these days, not all of them are safe for our canine companions to wear - even if they are being marketed as dog-friendly.
Rest assured, the last thing we want to do is rain on your parade and take all the enjoyment out of this popular holiday, but we do want to make sure that your dog can enjoy all the festivities safely, so before choosing a costume, there are a few things worth considering.
First up, select a costume for your dog that feels comfortable to wear, ensuring that there's plenty of room for them to move about freely. A good test is to check to see if your pup can still walk, run and carry out their other daily activities without any restrictions or difficulties. If they can, their potential Halloween outfit has passed the first hurdle.
You'll also want to avoid any costume that blocks your dogs ears or eyes. Your canine companion needs to be able to see and hear what's going on around them as this will help them to feel much calmer and more relaxed, so be sure to avoid anything that obstructs their hearing or vision.
We highly recommend that you purchase a costume well ahead of the big night so that you have a chance to do a trial run of your dog wearing their outfit before they need to go out in it. This will help you to ascertain how comfortable they feel and whether or not they're going to be able to handle wearing a costume for any length of time. If your dog shows any signs of stress or anxiety, it's important that you remove their costume immediately.
If you'd prefer to avoid putting your pup in a full costume, why not check out the best Halloween dog collars? These enable your beloved bundle of fluff to join in on all the fun but in a low-key and minimalist way that won't cause distress.
Now that you know a little bit more about what to look for in a costume, it's time to get into the good stuff! From understated and sophisticated to extravagant and downright hilarious, here are our favorite Halloween dog costumes for 2022...
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PetsRadar's pick of the best Halloween dog costumes
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We are head over heels in love with this adorable pumpkin fleece, so it’s no surprise that it takes top spot. Turning up in a pumpkin costume on Halloween might be a tad predictable, but when it’s this cute, who cares?
Your dog is going to be turning heads left, right and center in this warm and cozy hoodie, and the soft and breathable microfiber material will have your pooch feeling super comfortable while doing it.
If you love Halloween costumes but worry about safety, this is a great option. There’s no obstruction of your dog’s ears or face, and no small parts that they might decide to chew or swallow. It’s easy to put on and take off, with a simple, click-together button design, and it’s durable with solid stitching to prevent fraying.
You’ll be relieved to know this costume holds up well in the washing machine too, simply wash with warm water and air dry. There’s a variety of sizes and a handy measurement and recommended weight guide to help you choose the right one.
Sizes are a little snug, so if your pooch is at the upper end of the guide for one size, we would recommend choosing the next one up to ensure it fits well with plenty of space for comfortable movement.
For the dog who prefers understated minimalism to going all out, these colorful holiday-themed bandanas are just the ticket. Super affordable, you'll receive four in a variety of colors and patterns, all for under $10!
Made from cotton, these triangular bibs will fit small dogs as well as larger breeds such as German Shepherds and Labradors. Soft and breathable, they fit comfortably around the neck and are durable enough to be machine washed.
The orange bandana features ghosts and spiders, the purple has pumpkins, the black features funky skeletons and the blue has a haunted cemetery theme - so no matter how many parties you and your dog are attending, they'll have a fresh look to wear to every one.
Come on down bachelor number one! This is the ultimate in suave sophistication for the lad about town, the James Bond of Halloween costumes if you will. Whether your pup is single and ready to mingle or more of the older gentleman type, this costume oozes style and class.
This is a tuxedo that’s as comfortable as it is convenient. The black jacket comes secured to the white shirt flap, and the bowtie is sewn-on – you’ll love this all-in-one ensemble. We love that the hook and loop fasteners won’t snag your pooch’s hair, and the strips allow for adjustability to get that perfect fit.
Unlike some costumes, this one comes with a leash hole, which makes it super easy to walk your pup and keep an eye on them; after all, when they’re dressed to impress in this get-up, who knows what they might get up to.
Fully machine washable, the costume is easy to keep clean, and air drying will keep it looking crisp. The only drawback is that the velcro isn’t the best quality, but if you don’t mind bearing with it or attaching your own, then this is definitely one of the swankiest costumes around.
If you’re a fan of Ancient Rome, then why not dress your pup up like a mini Julius Caesar in this sweet toga costume that will never go out of style. The soft material makes it comfortable to wear, while the ivy headwear and golden clothing are sure to draw admiring glances.
Available in four different sizes, this is an especially great costume for small and medium-sized dogs. We love how lightweight this costume is, so your dog will barely know they’re wearing it. At the same time, it’s made from durable fabric that can be gently machine or hand-washed.
The team at Coppthinktu are so sure you’ll love their premium products, they will happily give you a full money-back guarantee if you’re not happy with the costume. You can also exchange it for a different size if it’s too big or snug.
The only drawback is the lack of a leash hole, but aside from that, this is a super cute costume that’s sure to make your dog the envy of any Halloween party.
Your pup will be the star of any Halloween party when they rock up wearing this adorable Batman costume and even better? It can be worn all year round!
Available in XS through to XL, there's a size to suit most breeds, and the super soft and itch-free material allows for a really comfortable fit.
The Batman logo is visible on both the front and back of this pullover costume and there's a hood to keep your dog's head warm if the weather gets chilly.
This is a really fun costume that's easy to put on and won't restrict your dog's movements. It's also machine washable, so keeping it clean will be a breeze.
If your dog loves being the center of attention, they’ll enjoy dressing up in this playful cowboy costume. This hilarious get-up has been a hit with pet parents, and it’s not hard to see why with the costume blending uniqueness and fun with affordability.
Available in four sizes, this is a good choice for all breeds of dog, and the hook and loop system makes it easy to put on. The straps are self-adjustable to ensure a comfortable fit and the saddle won’t slide around once in place. The cowboy doll is fixed in place and completes the look perfectly. The hat can be worn on or off his head.
Made from high-quality cotton, the costume is lightweight so it won’t weigh your dog down or restrict their movements. It’s a great choice if your dog is already used to wearing a harness or coat, as it gives that same sort of feeling.
The one downside is that pet parents report the sizing can be inconsistent, and the measuring guide is not always accurate, so we recommend reading the accompanying sizing advice carefully before purchasing.
Looking for a show-stopper of an outfit to have your canine companion strutting their stuff in this Halloween? Then look no further than this glitz and glamor mermaid costume from Cyeollo.
Shiny and sequinned, this super fun outfit will have your pup turning heads for all the right reasons.
Available in sizes XS - XL, this costume can comfortably accommodate pups up to 85lbs and with two adjustable hook-and-loop straps, you won't have to worry about trying to get this outfit on over your dog's head.
We love that this costume comes with a soft fleece inner to keep your dog warm in cold weather and it's machine washable too, so keeping it clean will be an absolute breeze.
For a beautiful and eye-catching costume that's bound to earn lots of admiring glances, it's hard to go past this playful monarch butterfly number.
Made from 100% polyester, the costume features soft foam wings that measure 19-inches and a black headpiece that fastens around the neck with a velcro strap.
This is a great choice for larger breeds who often struggle to find costumes that will fit as it can comfortably accommodate dogs up to 100lbs.
Bear in mind though that the straps aren't adjustable and they do tend to run slightly on the larger size.
You won't be able to machine wash the wings but they can be easily wiped or spot-cleaned if they get marked. A bright and vibrant costume at a really affordable price, it's the perfect choice if you want to bring a touch of whimsy to this year's Halloween festivities.
Add a touch of glitz and glamor to any Halloween event you and your dog attend with these gorgeous purple glitter bat wings. The glitter embroidery is set against a black background and offset with a LED pumpkin for a stunningly dramatic effect.
Available in small (neck: 12"-14", chest: 12"-18"), medium (neck: 13"-18", chest: 18"-24"), and large (neck: 18"-24", chest: 24"-34"), the bat wings are made of 3mm thick felt cloth so they keep their shape for longer. They're also incredibly lightweight, which makes them comfortable to wear.
We love that these wings have a velcro design, so they're fully adjustable with neck and chest fastening straps for convenience and flexibility. It's worth pointing out though that some pet parents find the velcro to be quite snug, so if your dog is right on the cusp between one size and another, we recommend sizing up.
If you're the proud pet parent to a French Bulldog, Pug, English Bulldog, Pit Bull, Boston Terrier, Corgi or any other broad-chested breed, this cute shark costume is a real winner with its wide-chested design that ensures a comfortable fit.
Made from 100% baby soft cotton, this outfit is ideal for pups with sensitive skin and it's both warm and breathable, ensuring your furkid stays toasty while not overheating. It's also machine washable, so it's super easy to keep clean.
Available in a wide range of sizes from S through to XXL, this costume will fit most breeds, although it's worth bearing in mind that the fit is quite snug, so you may want to size up.
How to choose the best Halloween dog costume
If you’re thinking of dressing your dog up this Halloween, we’ve pulled together some tips to make sure your pup has fun and stays safe.
The ASPCA recommends that you don’t put your dog in a costume unless you know they enjoy dressing up. For some dogs, wearing a costume can cause them to feel stressed and anxious, so keep that in mind when making your pick. Watch how they react to things such as the velcro and headpieces – if they’re not comfortable, don’t force them to wear it.
If you do decide to dress your dog up in the Halloween spirit, then make sure the outfit is lightweight and doesn’t restrict their movement or their ability to breathe or bark. It’s best to keep things away from their eyes and ears too so that they can see and hear, so avoid masks and let their cute face shine.
Steer clear of costumes with small or dangling parts that could easily be chewed or cause your dog to choke. Make sure the costume fits well, as anything loose or ill-fitting could cause your dog to fall and injure themselves. Go for a durable material that isn’t easily flammable and make sure your dog is by your side throughout the night so you can make sure they’re safe and happy.
We recommend trying your dog in their costume before the big night to see how they react. If they’re at all distressed, let them don their birthday suit, a cute bow tie, a Halloween themed dog collar, or even a warm dog coat, instead of fancy dress.
