8 Easy Ways to Dress Your Dog For Halloween
Does your dog hate wearing Halloween costumes? If so not you’re not alone. Luckily there are some simple alternatives
My dog Laika’s pretty fussy about what she does & does not like — especially when it comes to clothing. She doesn’t mind wearing hoodies, in fact she comes running when I break out her beloved red one. She doesn’t mine capes or shirts either, but anything that covers her legs or head is a no go.
I know it’s tempting to see your dog in a full pirate outfit (I’ve tried), but not all dogs like wearing elaborate Halloween costumes. If your dog doesn’t isn’t a fan of wearing that pretty princess gown or prancing around in that full wizard’s robe don’t worry — there are some simpler options that still look festive. Here’s 8 easy ways to dress your dog for Halloween.
1. A Halloween Themed Bandana
Bandanas are a simple way to dress up your dog, and if they’ve ever been to the groomer you might already have a few on hand. You can find plenty of Halloween themed bandanas at most pet stores or online — and if you’re a little crafty you can make one of your own.
How cute, simple and festive is this?
2. Halloween Themed Collars
Some of us are a bit obsessed with dog collars and already have quite a collection — and there’s no better time than Halloween to show off some of our more decorative choices. If you don’t have any Halloween themed collars there’s a ton to choose from — from simple pumpkin patterns to fancy ones with LED lights.
Cute mini pumpkin adjustable dog collar via Amazon (affiliate link)
3. Dog Bow Ties Are Always a Hit
There’s nothing quite as classy as a dog in a bow tie. Such a simple way to get your dog looking festive – and the best part is you just attach them right to your dog’s collar. (and for that extra touch of class you could always add some little cuff links)
There’s a lot of super cute dog bowties available from Etsy and Amazon, or you can learn how to make your own.
Cute skull design bow tie via Etsy
4. Onesies Make Great Dog Costumes
I can’t take credit for this brilliant idea, it comes from Beagles & Bargains. Onesies make excellent last minute dog costumes, and if you’ve ever been shopping for a baby you know how many options there are.
They’re pretty non-invasive as far as costumes go since, and most dogs will probably appreciate that they leave their back legs bare. Check out how a few simple steps can turn a regular onesie into an awesome dog costume & how to determine the right size for your dog.
Onesie costume via Beagles & Bargains
5. Scarves Make a Simple, Comfy Dog Costume
Just like bandanas scarves are about as simple as it gets. And I don’t know what’s happened in the scarf world but have you seen how many different kinds to choose from these day? Just make sure if you’re using a long one you wrap it up so they don’t trip on the ends.
You could make your dog into a ski bunny or just pick some awesome bright colors for some extra flair. Or a simple orange scarf alone looks quite festive for Halloween, and if you’re shopping last minute you can probably find plenty at your local store.
Simple orange scarf
6. Customized T Shirts Have Endless Possibilities
Just like onesies, T-shirts are nice to use as dog costumes because they’re available in a million sizes and colors. You could make your dog into a ghost with or if you’re on the creative side you can decorate your own. (remember puffy paint?)
They make one simple costume, and most dogs don’t seem to mind wearing a t-shirt since they don’t restrict their movement in any way.
One of my favorite t shirt costumes is this adorable dinosaur – and the whole thing cost about $10 to make.
Dinosaur costume via The Next Bird
7. Decorate Your Dogs Harness for Halloween
You’ve probably seen those jockey dog costumes that have become quite popular over the past couple years; I think part of the reason they’re so popular is because rather than being a full out costume it’s just basically a toy on top of a harness – something fussy dog’s might not mind.
But it doesn’t have to be a jockey – I think one of the cutest ideas I’ve seen is this simple ladybug. You could create it yourself by designing the patterned fabric & attaching it onto your dog’s harness.
Ladybug costume via Maggie Mae Pup Reporter
8. Make a Doggie Tutu For Halloween
A tutu is another easy way to dress your dog for Halloween. It’s such a simple way to dress up your dog – and they’re quite easy to make if you’re feeling a little crafty. You can buy a doggie tutu in the pet costume section of your local store – or you can make your own in about 30 minutes for $10.
DIY dog tutu via Pitlandia
Do You Dress Up Your Dog For Halloween?
Does your dog mind wearing costumes, or do you have to keep it simple? Do you have a costume picked out for your dog this year?
Please share with your friends 🙂
Last year Ruby had a Halloween dress, but since then I’ve decided that non-functional clothes/costumes are just not our thing. Boca has a Dia de los Muertos collar for the season, and Ruby is a Jack Russell TerrOR year round 🙂
I love the Jack Russell TerrOR 🙂 We’re pretty much done with store bought costumes, since the ones I thought would be pretty non restrictive still seem to bother Laika for the most part. I think I might get a bow tie this year, they’re just so simple & cute
Wynston has a Halloween tie and shirt! (He won’t move in costumes, which is weird considering he models them for PetSmart…) and Khloee gets a tutu. But it lasts about 5 minutes before she scoots on the floor until it comes off.
That’s funny that Wynston of all dogs isn’t a fan of costumes – he’s a great model because he certainly looks like a natural 🙂
It’s so funny that Wynston, of all dogs, is like that. Just shows how much of a professional he is when it comes to his modeling job 🙂
Those are great ideas! I might go with Halloween themed bandanas this year because we can’t afford costumes.
I love how you focused on what the dog likes. Of course I’d never expect anything else from you. 🙂
Honey’s not even fond of bandanas. I’m tempted to put one on her every so often. But then I figure we’d have so many more people who’d want to greet her and we’d never get anything else done. 🙂
Yeah last year I posted a bunch of “crazier” costumes, then quickly realized I don’t think I could have gotten Laika into any of them. And I’m pretty sure most dogs are like her – not big fans of things that restrict their mobility/go on their heads.
These are all great ideas and good for those pups that don’t really care for elaborate costumes. Sometimes I’ll dress Haley up for Halloween but I usually keep it simple so she doesn’t get stressed out. The scarf idea is really cute and simple!
I’ve come to realize for Laika it’s always going to be something simple – but luckily there are still some really cute options 🙂
I love these easy ideas for dressing them up. My dogs are NOT fond of clothes (they are more like house elves in that respect.) 😉 Once for a blog hop I put a tie on Sampson and Butterfly wings on Delilah and almost peed my pants watching her bounce off the walls as she made her way down the hall. Typically now I use bandanas or collars. But sometimes I’m very tempted to try and ‘spruce’ them up. These ideas are very cool!
It is always tempting, but like Delilah I usually end up watching Laika bounce around trying to get all the extra frills off.
I love Halloween, but I think with pets that simple is best. These are great ideas to show a little Halloween spirit, but not overwhelm the dogs!