Pet costumes have become increasingly popular over the last several years, meaning it’s no longer unusual to see four-legged friends taking to the streets dressed as everything from Star Wars characters to giant hairy spiders.
It can be fun for both dogs and owners, although it’s important to remember that our pets can be very easily stressed by costumes – if your pet is a little anxious, it’s best to skip outfits all together.
However, if your pet is happy to get dressed up, there are lots of options for all budgets.
Key tips are to ensure that there are no hazards in the costumes – watch out for loose strings they could chew or choke on, and avoid crinkly plastic or other material that might spook them.
Make sure any ties or collars are not too tight as this can affect breathing or movement, and if your dog has long fur, avoid heavy or thick costumes so they don’t become too warm and over-heat.
5. Dog of steel
Even anxious dogs can get on board with this simple caped costume. Is it a bird? It is a plane? No...it's Superdog. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. Paging Doctor Dog
Another simple to create home creation. Take a white jacket, add a toy stethoscope, and Doctor Dog will see you now. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. A ghostly apparition
Talking of easy-to-make outfits, it doesn't get much simpler than a bed sheet. It may be basic, but there's not much cuter than a dog dressed as a spookily adorable ghost. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. Kermit the dog
Is it a dog or a frog? At this point it's hard to tell. Photo: Canva/Getty Images