17 Howlarious Halloween Costumes for Dogs

About the Author:
Lisa Papageras is a Digital Marketing Manager for Doggie Dailies. She is a devoted "dog mom" and animal rights advocate. Her dog, "Magic", just celebrated the anniversary of his rescue adoption date. His Doggie Dailies favorites are Advanced Probiotics and Advanced Hip & Joint Supplements.

Halloween is almost here! Don’t worry there is still plenty of time to throw together an amazing costume for both you and your dog.  

Why are Halloween dog costumes fun for both pet parents and pups alike?

While kids are cute in their Halloween outfits, it is expected to see them wearing costumes on their trick or treat journeys. But when you bring your dog, wearing a DIY costume, on the parade, those passing out the treats or passers by get an unexpected delight. 

Safety Tips for Dressing Up Your Dog

When it comes to funny dog costumes, the possibilities are almost endless, and some of the most popular dog costumes are not complex, expensive or elaborate.  But it is important that your dog feels safe and stress-free in the Halloween activities and that your dog feels comfortable in the costume you select. Here are some safety tips for dressing up your dog this Halloween:

• Never leave your costumed dog unsupervised
• Make sure your dog is prepared to see people, children and other dogs. Prepare your dog in the months of September and early October by socializing them on walks, doggy play dates, doggy day care, and patio cafes if possible.
• Make sure your dog is microchipped or wearing proper and up-to-date identification in case you are accidentally separated.
• Make sure that no part of their costume prevents them from seeing, hearing, walking or defending themselves in case you are accidentally separated.
• Keep them away from chocolate and candy that inevitably is dropped on the ground
• Carry their favorite treats and give them freely as they focus their attention on you and follow your lead to keep them safe

17 Howlarious Dog Halloween Costumes

Whether it's a simple addition to a collar or an elaborate costume, these pet parents knocked the costumes out of the park! For some costume inspiration, check out these howlarious Halloween costumes for dogs.

1. A simple addition to his collar turned this pup into a beanie baby.

    

   Created in 1993 by Ty Warner, Beanie Babies developed into what was arguably the first internet sensation. They were collected by children as toys, and adults as financial investments. But this funny dog costume is a simple addition of the famous "ty" tag placed on the dog's collar, keeping him relatively unencumbered for his Halloween walk. It is a great choice because it can easily be created with a bit of construction paper and scissors with a tiny tie on the collar ring.

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2. A little bit of faux fur turns this golden retriever into a king of the jungle.

   

   If you have a Golden Retriever or a Yellow Lab, this Lion Mane costume is a fantastic choice. While it isn't as easy to recreate as the Beanie Babies costume, it can be done with a little elastic and some faux fur material from your local craft store. Click on the source link below for guidance on creating this popular dog costume.

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3. Any Harry Potter fans in the house? Wand and hat included, talent at wizardry is optional.

   

   Harry Potter is still a phenomenon 27 years after the first release of the first novel in 1997. This pup is squarely sorted into the Gryffindor House and his bravery is unquestioned, but the creator of this costume did admit that it required a lot of dog treats to have her pup cooperate to have this photo taken for the dog costume contest.

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4. When you have to wear the cone of shame, you might as well make the best of it and mix a cocktail. Will that be two squishy foam ball olives or three?

   

   If your pup has had a medical treatment right before Halloween, there's no need to fret. It doesn't have to ruin the festivities. Use the cone of shame to your advantage. This one is a really simple DIY Halloween dog costume! Just make sure your pup is feeling healthy and engaged enough to enjoy the holiday activities.

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5. Tailor made for the Star Wars fans and their faux-Ewok helpers.

    

   Some dogs are more suited to transform into an Ewok than others, but if you have the right kind of dog, this Star Wars Return of the Jedi (Episode VI) DIY dog costume is an adorable and funny choice. The popularity of Star Wars alone can assure that you won't need to explain to most people what your dog is for Halloween.

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6. Perfect for those dancing dogs who dream of living in Hawaii!

   

   This unique Halloween costume for dogs only requires a bit of brown felt, some thread, and a few artificial leaves and flowers from your local craft store. Training your dog to hula is neither recommended or required, but it may put your pup into the costume winners circle. 

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7. This puppy is ready to climb the corporate ladder.

    

   This Halloween dog costume is a favorite because it only requires a bit of fabric for the suit collar, tie and cuffs, with a few decorative buttons. It is not too confining, and will not hinder your dog from seeing or hearing well if parading through the neighborhood for Trick-or-Treat. We recommend using Velcro® so that the collar and tie or cuffs can easily come off if necessary.

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8. For only the saints of the dog park! This doggy priest is ready to give you his blessings.

   

   This costume is hilarious if your dog is rambunctious and abides only by his or her own rules, but works equally well for a dog that is well-behaved and obedient. After all, as Charles Yu famously said, "If I could be half the person my dog is, I'd be twice the human I am." While this is not a DIY dog costume, it is adorable and can be found at a few large online retailers. If you are short on time, this is a great and convenient option.
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9. Who doesn't love sushi with a side of cuteness? Wasabi and soy sauce on the side.

   If you are a fan of Japanese food, culture, manga or anime, this may be the Halloween dog costume for your pup. This costume is not a DIY dog costume, but can be found at large online retailers. Be sure to review sizing for your dog, and be prepared to adjust the strap if necessary. A foodie favorite! 
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10. This pooch is just as soft and snuggly as your childhood teddy bear. This one comes with a wagging tail and puppy kisses!

    

    In my own neighborhood, we have at least two dogs named "Teddy". And when your dog already looks like a Teddy Bear, what can be better than this adorable dog costume? You are sure to get compliments if out trick-or-treating with your "snuggle" pup. 

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11. Is it a pig or a pug? Or a puggly pig?

    

    This funny dog costume is a matter of "if the costume fits..." This costume works for dogs who have the general shape of a short, stout pink pig, and will keep your dog cozy on a blustery Halloween evening. 

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12. A whole different spin on the tale of Red Riding Hood! Is your husky really a wolf in disguise?

    

    We love the venerable story of this Halloween dog costume. The first written version of Little Red Riding Hood dates back to 1697, and while this costume squarely puts your pup into the villain category, if your pup is a Husky, Malamute, Samoyed or any of the 10 breeds that have a wolf-like appearance, this is a great choice. And really, how adorable is this little villain? And the costume can serve for Saint Nikolas' Day and Christmas too. 

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13. This tiny chihuahua is as daring as a bat. In a moment, he may fly across the room with those giant wings!

    

    Smaller breed, like a Chihuahua? A DIY dog costume of a bat may be the play. Bats are the representative animal of Halloween. You always see Halloween decor with bats flying in front of a full white moon. Not to mention the connection they have with the legend of Dracula. Will your little bat strike terror into the souls trick-or-treating? Maybe not, but this costume makes the most of the ferocity your little dog offers.

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14. This is for the Wizard of Oz fans! No doubt this "Tin Man" pooch already has a big heart.

    

    The Wizard of Oz, first published on May 17, 1900, has evoked many stories that expand upon the brilliant original. Today, we can enjoy a 1925 silent film release where Dorothy is an heir to the Oz thrown, the public favorite 1937 film with Judy Garland, The Wiz broadway or film musical, Wicked broadway or film musical, Return to Oz (1985) and Oz the Great and Powerful from 2013. The Tin Man (whose name was Nick Chopper) is central to the stories of Oz and an adorable dog Halloween costume. Click our "Source" button to find it at a large online retailer.

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15. This dog shows off his love of nature! A canine assistant to tend to your garden, perhaps?

    

    Chia Pet? Little boxwood shrub? This low-sew dog Halloween costume is fantastic for a small dog. Use artificial greenery, and you can add some tan felt booties for the full Chia Pet impact.  

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16. Showing off his love of a coffee and donut chain, this pup is as sweet as can be.

    

    America loves this coffee and donut brand and so does this Labra-dunkin'. Adorable and showing his brand support for this sweet treat and coffee favorite. Hat is an authentic cup that can be used after you enjoy a delightful beverage. The donuts on either side can be purchased from a variety of large online retailers and costume specialty shops.

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17. This princess is showing off her crown and is ready to have her moment.

     

    

    Is your pup a pretty girl? Pamper her with this storybook princess dog Halloween costume. You can make your own with felt, paperboard, fabric, tulle, and ribbon from your local craft store. Or if you would prefer a more convenient option, you can get blue and pink princess dog costumes at large online retailers.

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    Do you know about some other funny dog costumes for Halloween? Do you have photos of your own pup dressed up for Halloween?

    Please share them with us, and our tight knit Doggie Dailies community, in the comments section below.

    Read on!

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