Pet Halloween Costumes: Put Pet Safety First

Ladybugs, pumpkins, hot dogs, lions, bears, oh my! October is always a popular time of year for pet costumes, and with Halloween around the corner, they are everywhere. An estimated $350 million will be spent on pet costumes this year!  While these costumes provide us with cute and funny moments, we want to make sure your pet’s safety and happiness comes first.

Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind for costume season.

• Not all pets like costumes: If your pet is easily stressed and/or frequently experiences anxiety, costumes will most likely make them feel uncomfortable.  A cute picture is not worth causing them unnecessary distress.
• Avoid costumes with masks: Make sure to avoid a costume that covers any part of their face including their ears. Any restriction to the senses they rely upon can be dangerous.
• Avoid choking hazards: Avoid costumes that include small attachments or strings that could become a choking hazard.
• Pay attention to the size: Our pets aren’t easily able to communicate whether a costume is too snug (risk of overheating and breathing restrictions) or too large (walking difficulties and risk of injury), help keep them comfortable and safe by paying attention to the right fit. 
• Keep them visible: Make sure to include some reflective/lighter pieces so that they can be easily seen in various conditions. And don’t forget to keep their identification tags on with any costume. The best accessory is safety! 

It’s a fun time of year, but keeping your pet safe and sound is most important. PetFirst Pet Insurance is here to help cover the costs for any of the health issues that might arise. Health care for animals can be very costly, but with pet insurance from PetFirst, the costs associated with many treatments can be covered.  Get a quote today!