The (NRF) National Retail Federation claims the best-dressed dogs this Halloween will walk the red carpet as pumpkins, hotdogs, bats, bumble bees or spiders this year. A spokesperson for the (NRF) described humans as obsessed with Halloween and most of us would agree. All told, Americans will spend about $12 billion dollars on Halloween this year. Pet owners alone will spend over $700 million of that amount to dress up their animals. 51% of adults admit that they will be dressing up in costumes. A survey of 2000 adults shows quite a few adults enjoy dressing up as their furry pets; however, not all pets are cool with the idea of getting dressed up. Most self-respecting CATS reject the idea openly with a growl and a sideways glance but have you asked your dog if it enjoys dressing up for Halloween this year? PETA says dressing pets in rain coats or sweaters during cold, wet weather is cool but putting a pet in Halloween gear is humiliating and a terrible idea. Most Pet Psychologists agree and warn pet owners that Halloween costumes hide a dog’s ability to communicate. Barking isn’t the only way dogs get their point across. A canine's posture and the way its ears, eyes, mouth and tail are positioned conveys a lot through body language. Costumes may cover up what they are trying to say which may frustrate and humiliate your dog. This could lead to years of counselling and if that’s how things end up, the whole thing is on you.
