The pugly truth: Vets warn dressing pets up in ‘demeaning’ Halloween costumes can cause them harm

Vets have warned against dressing pets in humiliating Halloween costumes that could harm them and instill fear on a day they already find stressful.

Costumes designed for dogs, cats, rabbits and other furry friends have become increasingly popular, with people often posting images online of their pets dressed as pumpkins, ghouls and ghouls at this time of year.

But the British Veterinary Association warned that the costumes could endanger pets, as their extra layers and accessories could restrict their freedom of movement.

Justine Shotton, senior vice president at the association, said pets are “not fashion accessories” and that it is both “unnecessary and potentially harmful” to dress them in costumes.

A leashed dog wears a dinosaur costume at a New York City Halloween parade

Eight-year-old black miniature schnauzer Ringo from Emsworth, Hampshire, wears bat wings

Costumes with hoods that cover ears and blurred vision can make Halloween scarier for pets, altering their perception around them.

There is also a risk that restrictive clothing will make them unable to run from predators or defend themselves.

And the materials can itch or irritate their skin, causing sore spots.

“Some costumes can also prevent pets from properly regulating their body temperature and breathing freely, which is especially a concern for flat-faced dogs such as French Bulldogs and Pugs,” Ms Shotton told me. The Telegraph.

Ghosts, Ghosts and Skeleton Schnauzers: Ringo, left and Jack, right, get in the mood

There is a risk that the pet will bite off its costume in frustration and swallow some of the synthetic material. Pictured, a dog in a hat, coat and shoes at a Halloween parade in New York City

There is a risk that restrictive clothing will make pets unable to run from predators or defend themselves. Pictured, a dog dressed as a vampire, and another as Superman at a Halloween parade in New York City

“Halloween is already a pretty stressful time for some pets, with excited children, famous people who look different in costumes and masks, and also a lot of unknown people knocking on the door.

“It’s always best to try to keep pets calm and reassured, rather than increasing anxiety and discomfort by dressing them as well.”

There is also a risk of the pet chewing off its costume in frustration and swallowing some of the synthetic material, potentially causing a medical emergency.

Eddie Clutton, a professor of veterinary anesthesiology at the University of Edinburgh, said dressing up pets in costumes is “humiliating” to the creature.

“Would you like to make your kid look stupid and have people comment on it being ‘Dracula the Dog’? It’s not really treating dogs like dogs and cats like cats,” he told the paper. “If you were to visit your grandmother with dementia in a nursing home, would you dress her up as a witch?”

He was also concerned that cat costumes that use a collar could lead to strangulation if caught in bushes.

The professor said that if he is stuck and unable to make a sound, he can get stuck for a long time and suffocate himself.

The British Veterinary Association warned that the costumes could endanger pets, as their extra layers and accessories could restrict their freedom of movement. Pictured, a dachshund dressed as a ghost

Costumes with hoods that cover ears and blurred vision can make Halloween scarier for pets, altering their perception around them. Pictured, a dog in a dinosaur hat at a Halloween parade in New York City

Eddie Clutton, a professor of veterinary anesthesiology at the University of Edinburgh, said it is humiliating to dress pets in costumes. Pictured, a dog dressed as a pirate at a Halloween parade in New York City