With Halloween just days away, vets are warning that dressing up your pets in costumes is “potentially harmful” in a period which is already “stressful” for them.
The British Vet Association (BVA) said pets are “not fashion accessories” and that costumes are unnecessary.
It comes as many pet owners are using TikTok and other social media platforms to post pictures and videos of their dogs, cats and other pets dressed as spiders, pumpkins and ghosts.
British Veterinary Association Senior Vice President Justine Shotton told Sky News: “Most owners consider pets a part of the family, which is great, but it’s important to remember that pets are not fashion accessories.
“Dressing up animals or otherwise unnaturally changing their appearance is not only unnecessary and potentially harmful, but in some cases can also prevent pets from expressing their natural behaviours and from using their body language to communicate.”
Ms Shotton added that costumes can also prevent some pets from regulating their body temperature and breathing freely – particularly French bulldogs and pugs.
She added: “Halloween is already quite a stressful time for some pets, with excited children, familiar people looking different in costumes and masks, and lots of unfamiliar people coming to the door too. It’s always best to try to keep pets calm and reassured, rather than to add to any anxiety and discomfort by dressing them up too.
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“If in doubt, ask yourself whether dressing your pet up is really going to deliver any tangible benefits for them.”
Previously, the RSPCA has also advised pet owners against dressing their animals in outfits or costumes as it can cause them stress.
The BVA has also issued guidance for pet owners ahead of Bonfire Night.
The association says loud and high-pitched fireworks can cause stress or fear responses among animals – with an estimated 45% of dogs showing signs of fear when they hear fireworks.
It is urging pet owners to provide background noise and close curtains and windows on nights when fireworks are expected and to move small pets like rabbits into quiet places indoors when fireworks are expected.
