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Dear Homeward Bound: Is it cruel to dress up a dog for Halloween?

Dear Homeward Bound,
Every year it seems like I see more and more Halloween costumes for pets. They look really cute but sometimes the dogs wearing them don’t look too happy. Is it okay to dress a pet up for trick-or-treating? 
Curious 
Dear Curious,
Like many products for sale for our pets, costumes often seem to be more about the owner than the pet! Unless your pet is very easy-going, it is probably best to limit his or her costume to a theme bandana since more complicated costumes could possibly restrict movement and make your pet very uncomfortable. 
We’d also like to add a word of caution about taking your dog trick-or-treating, even without the costume. With all the activity, strange-looking (and sometimes sounding) costumes, and the likelihood of dropped candy to be on the streets and sidewalks, we think Fido would be happier and safer at home. 
Set him or her up in a secure room away from the ringing doorbell. No need to scare your best friend, even if it is the scariest night of the year.
Happy Halloween! 
 
Homeward Bound 

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