'I'm a vet – there's reasons your dog's Halloween outfits can be quite risky'
Halloween is fast approaching – and you may have picked out the perfect outfits for you and your pooch.
But one vet warned that putting an extravagant outfit on your dog for long periods of time, although it may look adorable, isn't very fair and can lead to a whole host of issues for them - and, therefore, you.
On the PDSA TikTok account, Vet Nurse Rachel sat on a sofa holding a costume for a dog, explaining the potential risks of putting something like that on your dog.
"Your dog will look cute in this, right? Actually, it's not so cute," she said at the start of the clip.
READ MORE: 'I tried new McDonald's Halloween menu – one surprising item saved the day'
Rachel continued: "Outfits like this can cause a lot of issues. They can cause unnecessary stress, some overheating, leading to heat stroke, and even the inability to exhibit natural behaviours and body language. Next time you want to put one of these on, think again."
The vet reiterated the same advice in the caption, writing: "From restricted movement to potential stress, there's a lot to consider. Our stance? Unless it's for warmth, safety, or recovery, pets are perfect just as they are."
Blue Cross also echoed this sentiment, sharing: "Elaborate costumes will restrict the movement of your dog and stop them being able to show natural behaviours. This can prevent a dog's ability to communicate with other dogs or people – which can lead to miscommunication and behavioural escalation."
Someone on Reddit suggested a "festive bandana" would be the most appropriate way to make a nod to the season without an elaborate costume.
In the comments of PDSA's video, one dog owner missed the point of the clip, penning: "No thanks, I’ll keep my dog's jumper on her to keep her warm in the freezing cold cause she shivers, and she’s got thin wire hair and before anyone comes at me saying dog doesn’t want it well sorry but she’s my world and I listen to her if she's cold I know she’s my baby and she’s is completely the same with or without it on."
PSDA reiterated: "This video is focused on dressing up pets in fancy dress costumes for the holiday season, which is for entertainment purposes only, rather than pets wearing items of clothing for medical or warmth reasons. We agree that during the colder months, some furry friends benefit from the extra layer of a coat or jumper. And it’s super important to find one that is suitable for them."
Another person wrote: "I wouldn't dress my dog up unless it's also to keep them warm on a walk. My dogs happily wear coats and I check the temperature before I take my dogs out."
Someone else fumed: "It's a sign of disrespect towards the animal and seeing it as an object rather than a living creature. No animal wants to wear a costume."
