As Halloween approaches, the RSPCA has shared some great ways to enjoy the All Hallows' Eve celebrations with your pets - but has warned against dressing up animals this spooky season.
Whilst putting pets in fancy dress might seem like a harmless and fun activity to do this Halloween, animal welfare experts have warned that many of our pets may find this uncomfortable or even distressing.
The RSPCA's Animal Kindness Index found six percent of pet owners have dressed up a pet for fashion or fun and shared it on social media, while a further three percent have used an animal to take part in an online video trend.
The RSPCA is concerned about an ever-growing pet clothing and fashion accessory industry, particularly at this time of year, as retailers sell pet Halloween costumes - and even run fancy dress competitions to encourage owners to get involved.
But, for many pets, being dressed up is actually more of a trick than a treat.
Dr Jane Tyson, pet welfare expert, said:
“It’s absolutely understandable to want to involve your pets in your Halloween festivities. Our pets are an important part of our family and we naturally want to share the things we love with them, however, for many animals being put in clothing could be uncomfortable and even distressing. That’s why we’re keen to share more welfare-friendly ways of enjoying Spooky season with your pets.”
Top alternatives to dressing up pets this Halloween
- Have a go at baking these spooktacular pumpkin dog biscuits. The recipe calls for just five ingredients.
- A new game or Halloween-themed toy can provide vital stimulation and bonding time for you and your furry friend, and contribute to an Autumnal aesthetic at home!
- Cats love boxes - so why not cut a hole in a box that’s big enough for them to get through and decorate it with your favourite Halloween character? When your cat pokes their head through, the box offers a great photo opportunity!
- Create a quiet space for your dog or cat with your favourite Halloween themed blankets, pet beds and toys to help make them feel relaxed and safe during noisy periods - when trick or treaters may be visiting
- Decorate pumpkins and put some yummy treats around them to create a cute photo opportunity of your pet and pumpkin display. Always make sure to dispose of pumpkins properly - and consider whether they could be used to help feed local wildlife. Place pumpkin pieces on bird tables or in bird feeders, to keep it high enough that hedgehogs can’t reach it and it won’t attract rodents into your garden.
Dr Jane added:
“There are so many lovely things we can do with our pets this Halloween which means we don’t miss out on some spooky season fun with them.
“And there are of course some clear benefits for dogs wearing clothing in certain situations - to help keep them warm in cold weather, or to aid visibility at night during dog walks. However, any clothing needs to allow pets to behave normally so that they can go to the toilet, exercise, drink and eat. It should not restrict their hearing, sight or their ability to communicate.
“Like most animals, cats like to have choice and control. When they lose this, it can make them feel stressed - so most cats are unlikely to enjoy being put in a fancy dress costume. Our felines need to be able to clean themselves, reaching all areas of their body, and if they go outside whilst wearing the outfit, this could be particularly hazardous. It’s easier to miss the signs that cats may be stressed. You might think your cat is feeling chilled in their outfit because they are very still and haven’t run away, but this behaviour can indicate they are feeling stressed.”
And the RSPCA feels a growing pet fashion industry raises worrying questions as to how animals are perceived in an ever-changing society.
The concern comes as the Animal Kindness Index shows those aged between 18 and 34 were more likely to have dressed up a pet for fashion, or used an animal for an online video trend, than older counterparts.
Jane added:
“The popularity of the ever-growing pet clothing industry raises some other concerns - not only from a welfare perspective; but on how society views sentient animals. Dressing them up in clothing often results in laughter and mockery which can belittle out animal friends and ignore their true intrinsic value and abilities.
“Clothing can also lead owners to view their pets as little humans. But thinking of animals as humans can blind us to their species-specific welfare needs. Treating pets like humans comes with the risk that owners may put them into situations which they enjoy, but their pets find stressful.
“We want to celebrate animals for their incredible uniqueness and all the qualities that make your pet a fantastic companion. The love, companionship and joy they bring to us far surpasses any thoughts that they look cute in a costume!”
More information on the RSPCA’s Animal Kindness Index is available on the charity’s website.
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