Budget-Friendly Dog Halloween Costume Ideas

While dogs may not be as excited about Halloween as their owners, they can get into the spirit of the holiday and learn to enjoy the attention they get in their fancy dog costumes.

The key to having a dog feel good about wearing a costume is to make it a positive experience. Gradually desensitize the dog to wearing dog clothing items, dog hats, or even glasses designed for dogs weeks before Halloween. Start with short periods of time and give the dog lots of praise and attention. As he or she becomes more comfortable, extend the time the dog wears the clothing or costume items, making sure they are comfortable, fit well, and do not pose any risk for the dog. 

Buying Dog Costumes

Different types of pets naturally lend themselves to different types of costumers. If you are buying a costume online, and there are lots of low-cost options out there, consider how it fits with your dog’s personality. 

There are some terrific costumes that are designed to fit like a sweater or a harness on the dog. They have a chest strap and a strap that runs under the ribcage that adjusts to fit snuggly to the body. 

Some cute options include a cowboy on a saddle, a Superman, Batman, Spiderman or Wonder Woman or other superhero or heroine type of costume. It is also possible to make a homemade version of these costumes by creating a cape and showing on a logo. Kids can also get involved in creating a SuperDog costume, ensuring a completely unique type of design. 

Other dogs may be comfortable with the costumers that fit over the front legs and chest. These are uniquely eye-catching and turn your dog into a completely different look. Matching the costume to the dog really adds to these looks. Imagine a tan colored poodle as a teddy bear, a Lab or a Golden Retriever as an elderly man or woman, or a Chihuahua dressed up as a Minion. 

Be sure to choose the correct size for your dog, and don’t be afraid to make some minor changes to make it a better match for your pet. 

Do-It-Yourself Costume Options 

If you ever dressed up in a sheet for Halloween and went as a ghost, you know how easy it can be to create a costume. Dogs can also be outfitted in a sheet to make a ghostly dog, just be sure to make it short enough to avoid any risk of tangling around the dog’s legs. A large cutout area for the eyes, nose, and ears helps to keep it in place. 

Turning your dog into a unicorn is as simple as creating a mystical horn and using metallic paint or sparkles to really make it stand out. Of course, you can also add a ruffle around the collar in netting or tulle to add more of a mythical creature look. 

To create a scary Mummy dog, all you need is a few rolls of gauze. Roll the gauze around the dog’s body and legs, keeping things loose and comfortable, particularly in the areas where the body and legs meet. Do not cover the dog’s face, but add a few splashes of red on the gauze to create a true Mummy look. 

There are also special types of paint that can be used on dogs. Do not use any other type of paints, stains, dyes, or other coloring options as they can damage the coat and cause serious skin irritations. Most pet stores carry this paint, which can be used to turn your dog into anything you want. The paint is designed to ensure it is non-toxic to dogs and will easily wash off with water.