Homemade pet costumes can be the center of attention or a great icebreaker at your next gathering. If you're put off by the price of Halloween pet costumes in stores, need a unique Christmas pet costume or a costume for some other occasion or if you're simply unsure of how your pet will react to a costume, making your own is the best way to go.
Homemade Pet Costumes for Dogs
Dogs are perhaps the best suited to pet costumes, as they are generally more easygoing than other pets. To turn your dog into Santa's little helper, just place a headband with felt reindeer horns, a halo or an elf hat on his head. Attach the hat or headband with ribbon. Make sure the ribbon is tight enough that the hat won't fall off, but loose enough that it won't choke the dog. If it's too hard to keep the headband on your pet, make a jingle-bell collar instead. Each time he shakes or moves, the bells will peal and everyone within earshot will smile.
Turning your pet into a Mini Me is also fun. Dress casual and then dress up your dog to match. Something like a matching t-shirt or sweatshirt and a small pair of pants, held on with a small belt, would be perfect. Make sure you both wear the same color of t-shirt so that you match.
If you want your pet's outfit to compliment, not necessary copy your outfit, you'll need to be a little more creative. If you're going to be dressed as a cowboy, dress your dog as a saddle horse. Make a mock saddle out of thin foam, use a muzzle as the bridle and add leather reins. If your dog is going to be Tonto and you're going to be the Lone Ranger, make a pair of black braids, attach them to a wide piece of elastic that serves as the headband, and place it on your dog's head. Depending on the breed of dog, the braids should hang just behind or just in front of the ears.
For very small dogs, newborn sleepers, with a tiny barrette or ribbon attached to the fur near the dog's ear, is always adorable. If using footed sleepers, make sure you cut off the feet. Dogs are much more surefooted when their feet aren't covered.
Costumes for Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs will eat anything, including a Halloween costume, so make sure the teensy-tiny hat you've just spent the afternoon making is edible. Cardboard would be a good medium to use, but avoid anything that's been treated with a chemical or paint. A nice paper vest would look superb with a cardboard hat. If you aren't sure what size your guinea pig wears, try a Barbie doll vest for a small gerbil or guinea pig, and a baby doll vest for a bigger rodent.
If you want to dress up a farm animal, stick to something simple, such as a decorated bridle and saddle. Farm animals do not take to themed parties like domesticated pets do.
Costumes for Cats
Cats hate to dress up. They'll claw at the costume, flip about and run around to try and get it off. The best solution on Halloween is for you to dress up as a witch and let your cat be a cat. You might get away with putting a jingle bell or two on her collar for Christmas.
Kittens will take to costumes a little better than adult cats, so start young if you want a cat that enjoys pet costumes. A simple hat or headband tied beneath the chin is a good place to start. Short capes can turn your cat into a vampire, witch or superhero, assuming they stay on for more than a few minutes. If your cat wears a collar, the easiest solution is to attach the cape to a collar, then put the collar on your cat. Keep the sides of the cape short so that your cat doesn't trip over them.
Dress-up Tips to Remember:
 | Making cat costumes is a breeze. Keeping your cat still while you put them on may be the real challenge. |
 | Pet costume ideas aren't limited to what's on the shelves at the pet store or Halloween store. If you've got some basic sewing skills, you can whip up innovative costumes for your dog or cat in just a few minutes. |
Small dog costumes let your pet enjoy the fun of dressing up on Halloween. Try these ideas for fun costumes. |
Get tips for creating homemade pet costumes that are safe and comfortable for your pet, and find pet costume ideas and directions for small dog costumes and cat costumes. |
