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Halloween can be tough for the costume-loving person with a dog who hates wearing clothes. The trick is to scale down your expectations with an easy dog costume.
To do this, incorporate the costume into your dog’s normal, everyday wear. That means festive collars and bandanas that tie around the neck or ultra-light costume elements that attach to a walking harness. If your dog will tolerate a coat in wintertime, that’s a costume option that won’t drive them bananas (but maybe not a banana costume…those get a little unwieldy).
Keep in mind that when shopping for a Halloween costume for your dog, the most important consideration is size. Because dog costumes are not all manufactured in the same way, your pet could be a medium in one costume and an extra-large in another, so be sure to measure your dog and use your pet’s measurements and the product size chart as guides.
15 Easy Dog Costumes
We combed through product listings to find the best, simplified Halloween costume ideas for those dogs who hate dressing up. From a light-up Halloween collar to superhero pajamas, there’s something here for every budget and every type of dog.
1. Jack-o-Lantern Easy Bandana Costume
Not every dog is comfortable with dressing up, and that’s perfectly okay. There’s a whole world of festive bandanas and collars that let your dog in on the Halloween spirit without anxiety or stress. This Jack-o-Lantern bandana ties around their neck, letting your Li’l Pumpkin show off some style without having to wear clothes.
Shop on Amazon2. Simple Halloween Dog Collar with Pumpkin
Here’s an adorable Halloween collar that turns your dog into a cheerful pumpkin with a simple collar attachment. The collar is made from high-density polyester with a strong D-ring for attaching a leash, and the buckles are made of eco-friendly plastic.
Shop on Amazon3. Easy Wizard Cape and Hat Dog Costume
Okay, so your dog doesn’t like to wear clothes. How about a cape that attaches to their collar? This bright, sparkly, Merlin-esque cape is attached to an LED collar for extra visibility on Halloween night. The included pointy hat is a nice optional touch if your dog will tolerate a hat.
Shop on Amazon4. Batman Dog Harness with Cape
Nana-nana-nana-nana BAT DOG! This ingenious “costume” for dogs who hate costumes is made from a padded nylon harness with a cape attached. To your dog, it will feel like they’re wearing a regular walking harness. To everyone they pass, it will look like your dog is off to save Gotham City.
Shop on Amazon5. Sunflower Collar
Technically, this is an alternative to the bulky plastic e-collars that dogs wear when recovering from surgery or another medical procedure. But on Halloween, this practical accessory becomes a perfect—and perfectly easy—Halloween costume for dogs. The soft, comfortable E-collar stays on with an adjustable Velcro fastener.
Shop on Amazon Find on Chewy6. Frisco Tie Dog Collar Costume (2-Pack)
With this easy collar costume, you get both a navy tie and an orange-and-blue plaid bowtie option to show your friends and family who’s the real boss. Best of all, the lightweight materials and Velcro fastener make these ties easy to wear and easy to take off.
Shop on Chewy7. Tuxedo Bandana
Staying in the realm of “formalwear for Halloween,” this simple dog costume (aka the doggy tux) will turn your best friend into a dapper dog as fast as you can tie a bandana. Maybe they’re going as James Bond this year or the groom to your Halloween bride? You choose!
Shop on Amazon8. Halloween Dog Shirt
If your dog will tolerate a lightweight t-shirt, this spooky pumpkin costume is a great choice! The ribbed sleeves, neck, and waistband help keep this shirt in place, while the bright material keeps your dog glowing spookily in dim light.
Shop on Amazon9. Winged Harness Easy Dog Costume
For dogs who hate costumes but are comfortable wearing a harness, these adorable bat wings might be just the thing. They come in multiple adjustable sizes for any spooky pup who wants to cruise the skies on Halloween night.
10. Candy Corn Collar Dog Costume
The candy corn controversy rages on—sweet festive treat or insult to the name of Halloween candy? Let your dog cast the deciding vote with this light costume that slips over the head and collar. We say sweet for sure.
Shop on Amazon11. Orange LED Dog Collar
For a simple dog costume, practicality is the name of the game. This LED collar lights up at night for enhanced visibility and comes in a Halloween-appropriate orange color.
Shop on Amazon12. Dinosaur Dog Costume Coat
So, your dog refuses to wear a Halloween costume. But will they wear a lightweight fleece jacket? This soft, cozy hoodie will feel just like a regular jacket—but it’s definitely a costume. Just look at those adorable dinosaur spikes and tail (neither of which will get in your dog’s way when walking). As a bonus, it’ll keep them warm on a chilly All Hallows’ Eve.
Shop on Amazon13. Butterfly Glow Easy Dog Harness Costume
Harness costumes are the perfect simple solution for dogs who don’t do clothes. It’s a practical nylon walking harness with a pair of detachable glow-in-the-dark butterfly wings that your dog won’t even notice. You can remove the wings when Halloween ends, but why would you want to do that? Antennae are included, but this article is about dogs who hate costumes, so…you’ll probably set those aside.
Shop on Amazon14. This Is My Costume, Get Over It
This sarcastic bandana is sure to be a hit with any more jaded trick-or-treaters who might come knocking on Halloween. It ties comfortably around your dog’s neck and lets everyone know what they think about playing dress-up.
Shop on Amazon15. Halloween Squeaky Toys
If your dog says uh-uh, no way, absolutely not to all forms of costume, don’t push the issue. They can still get in the spirit with these cute-as-can-be squeaky toys. The trio includes an adorable bat, a happy pumpkin, and a grinning Frankenstein’s monster for your dog to squeak on.
Shop on AmazonThe Trick (and Treat) to a Healthy, Safe Halloween for Your Dog
While Halloween can be a lot of fun for us humans, it’s important to remember it can be a difficult time for your pets, full of unpredictable activity, visiting strangers, strange costumes, and disrupted routines. As the holiday approaches, it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on your pet, costumed or not, to monitor stress and anxiety levels, keep them away from potentially harmful food and candy, and to continue to be a reassuring presence—the best treat you could ever give your dog.