Easy, cheap costumes for your dog on Halloween

By Andrea Woroch, Consumer Writer for Kinoli Inc.

Guest Blogger

Cats loathe costumes but some dogs revel in dressing up for Halloween. Strap on a pair of fairy wings, and they begin to strut their stuff, eager to trick-or-treat like a little kid.

Dressing up your dog can get pricey, however, without sewing skills or a big budget.

Here's a list of easy and frugal ideas to keep your dog happy on Oct. 31.

1. Octopus

This works best with taller dogs. Stuff pantyhose with a light material, sew eight of them together in a cluster, and pin to your dog's harness.

2. Chippendale Dancer

Cut the collar and cuffs from a disposable white shirt and secure to a large dog's neck and front paws. Create a bow tie out of a strip of black cloth. Encourage donations by tucking a few $1 bills into its collar. This works well if you have a dog able to dance on its hind legs.

3. Little Red Riding Hood

A good costume for a small dog, this one is also easy on the sewing impaired. Go to Jo-Ann Fabrics for a yard of red material with some starch to it, such as felt or flannel, and a length of red ribbon. Cut the material into a hood and cape shape then baste the ribbon to the neck of the hood. 

4. Gangster Pup

Let your street-wise hound go gangsta style with a hoodie and gold medallions. Make the jewelry out of Yoplait yogurt lids and pick up a hoodie on the cheapside with a Petsmart coupon from sites like CouponSherpa.com. 

5. Vampire

Cut a swath of black silk into a cape shape and attach it to the collar. If you have sewing skills or a glue gun, create a stand-up collar by melding red silk to a cardboard frame.

6. Winged Fairy

Tiny pups might be too small to handle wings, but a small dog should be able to pull off this low-cost outfit. Read how to create this look with directions from instructables.com.

7. Rescue Dog

Strap an empty beer or pop can to your dog’s collar and use a long piece of red felt to create a waistband painted with a white cross. For a humorous twist, larger dogs might be able to handle an empty coffee can instead as the beer barrel.

8. Pillow Camel

Turn your weiner dog into a camel by attaching an old sofa pillow in a caramel shade to a center harness. For a lumpier look, wrap a belt around the middle to give it two humps.

9. Go Pre-made

Wal-mart has added a line of outfits for dogs to their online costume section. You'll find everything from maid to sheriff costumes for various size dogs and all at bargain prices. And, with so many other online Halloween stores selling pet costumes, you'll likely find something fitting for your dog, whether it’s freaky, festive, or funny. Remember to search for promo codes to score savings and free shipping before checking out.

Before you put your dog in a costume, be sure to check out "Dog Halloween Safety Tips" from PuppyinTraining.com.

Copyright 2011, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist