50 Times Pet Halloween Costumes Did Not Disappoint (New Pics)

Last month, Wag!, an American pet services marketplace company, surveyed pet parents nationwide to see how they were preparing to celebrate Halloween. 

After contacting a random sample of 1,000 U.S. adult dog and cat owners, it was discovered that 95% of them are excited about it, and 59% plan to take their pet(s) trick-or-treating, and 12% of the trick-or-treaters will do it for the first time.

It's no secret that now more than ever, dogs and cats are considered family members instead of just pets. And Wag!'s survey results emphasizes that sentiment across the board, from festivity planning, to costume spending, and more.

However, we have to remember that most animals aren't used to wearing cutout wings. “While we might like to dress up in scary costumes, most pets don’t share our enthusiasm as fancy dress outfits often make them feel stressed and uncomfortable," PDSA vet nurse Shauna Spooner told Bored Panda in a statement.

"There are some really important things to consider, which owners often don’t think about when contemplating buying a funny outfit for a furry friend."

“Think about whether your pet can move properly," Spooner said. "Clothes can be quite restrictive and can get in your pet's way when they try to do normal things like walking, going to the toilet, and grooming themselves."

"They also might make your pet feel itchy, too hot, or even choke them if they get tangled up or caught on something."

Also, keep an eye for signs that your pet might get stressed. "Wearing clothes isn’t natural for pets and it can cause them [anxiety], especially cats."

"Stressed cats might groom themselves a lot, be aggressive towards you, or make more noise than they normally would. Dogs might show they’re stressed by licking their lips, yawning, or panting," the vet nurse highlighted.

“Ask yourself if your pet can still communicate effectively," Spooner continued. "Communication is very important for dogs in particular."

"If your dog is dressed up, other dogs may struggle to read their body language properly and could act aggressively towards them. If your dog is already stressed from being dressed up, they might act differently around other dogs too."

Most importantly, use your best judgment. "This may seem an odd question to ask yourself, but is it respectful to your pet to dress them up?"

Spooner reminded us that as owners, we love and protect our pets, and we wouldn’t want to see them come to harm of any kind. "Dressing a pet up could open them up to ridicule and mockery which is neither kind nor respectful.”

PDSA vet nurse Shauna Spooner added: "As we stock our cupboards with tasty Halloween-themed treats, it is important to remember that chocolate is poisonous to pets as it contains a toxic chemical called theobromine which, even in small doses, can prove fatal."

"Sweets can also be dangerous to pets if they contain the sweetener xylitol (birch sugar). It is vital that owners keep these human treats, along with any wrappers, well away from prying paws."

Stay safe, folks!