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Health & Fitness

Howl-oween: Do You Dress Up Your Pets?

Tips for dressing your pets up for Halloween.

As Halloween approaches I must ask...to dress up your pets, or not to dress up your pets?  Let me know your opinion in the comments section!

As an avid protester of dogs in purses, strollers or any other baby carrying device, I must admit that yes, even I am guilty of dressing up my furry children for my own amusement.  Nothing tickles my funny bone more than a happy go lucky pup dressed up in a silly costume!

With that being said, dressing up your pet should NEVER stress him or her out.  If he or she runs and hides, shakes uncontrollably, becomes completely immobile or even growls or snaps at you when trying to dress him or her up, take the hint my fellow pet lover–leave your pup alone!  Put aside your selfish need for hilarity and understand that not only is it completely unnatural for your pet to wear clothes but many costumes include big and bulky stuffing, creating odd shapes and sizes.  This could leave your pet baffled and afraid of such a foreign object.

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In addition, hats and other head accessories often cover the ears, which your pup relies on more than you may realize.  So if your pup isn't a fan of costumes, coats, dresses or any other canine fashion statement, opt for the less obtrusive pumpkin print bandanna or collar!

But if your pup is eager to sport the latest fashion trend or costume, let hilarity ensue!

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Be sure to send me a snapshot of your pup dressed up for Halloween or sporting his or her favorite outfit or accessory so we can share the cuteness with the rest of the Patch readers! Send pictures to me at melsmenagerie@gmail.com or click "Add your photos & videos" above!

Next blog post:  Is your dog a crazy doorbell barker like mine?  I'll give you some tips on how to treat Halloween and the constant door knocking and bell ringing as an awesome training opportunity!

**For pet training services, free consultations, questions, additional comments, or more pictures, you may contact me via Facebook at facebook.com/melsmenagerie or via email at melsmenagerie@gmail.com.

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

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