Happy Howl-o-ween - Costumes For Dogs

When it comes to Halloween, there's nothing more fun than carving a few pumpkins, dressing up the kiddies and creating the perfect scarecrow to grace our front yard. While we dish out so much dough for all those bewitching home additions and store bought costumes for the kiddies, when it comes to dressing up our adorable "fourth child", aka our charming Chihuahua or our dashing Dalmatian, often times the cash just isn't there.

If you're thinking of dressing up your fuzzy one, you don't have to break the bank. With a few simple add-ons and items that you may already have lying around the house, you can have your pup sporting the most spook-tacular look in the family in no time flat.

The Sweetly Spooky Spider

This costume idea is super simple. Requiring only a small amount of simple sewing our sweetly spooky spider design will turn your little pooch into an adorable arachnid quicker than you can say "Abra Cadabra!"

Start out with a simple doggie t shirt that you already have in pup's closet, a yard to two yards of fabric (according to the size of your dog. Large dogs will require two yards. Small lap dogs will require only one) and a small amount of pillow stuffing. Measure your pup from the middle of his back down to his feet. Subtract one inch from this measurement. This will be the length of your "spider legs".

To create your spider legs, simply cut out 8 "legs" according to the measurements you just took. For a smaller dog, create skinny legs to avoid "puppy overload." (You don't want any toppling mini-poodles!) For larger dogs, you can create heftier legs.

When cutting, just keep in mind that you will want to create enough width in your legs to sew and stuff each one. If you aren't sure what width to use don't worry. The charm of homemade costumes is that they do have flaws which make them even more kitschy and adorable.

Once you get the right length and width, fold the "leg" strips in half length wise and begin to sew the edges shut. If you aren't one for sewing and plan this as a one-time use costume, you can simply use a small strip of hot glue instead. Once you get about one inch to the top, begin to stuff the legs. You can use a pencil or ruler to help you get the stuffing into the longer areas. Then sew or hot glue the "leg" shut. Once you complete all eight legs, attach four legs to the both sides of the tee shirt. Make sure to leave enough room on the very top for your spider's eyes and mouth.

Finish with your choice number of eyes created with simple felt and a cute smile made from ribbon or fabric paint. And wah-la! A sweet spider costume for your little sweetie in less than thirty minutes!

Last Minute Looks

No time for sewing, prepping and buying? Here are several looks that are as simple as pie and still every bit as adorable as the real deal.

"Last Minute Moo"

Got a black or white doggie tee and a few fabric scraps or spare pieces of felt in the craft box? Then you have all the makings of the cutest moo cow in town! Simply cut out a few "spots" from those white or black fabric scraps. Hot glue the spots to the back of the shirt for an instant moo-moo in the making.
*Hot Howl-o-ween Tip: Got a little bell lying around the house? Slip it on your pup's collar. Have some pink fabric either in the sewing room or from an old t-shirt? Cut out an "utter" shape, hot glue the sides together, stuff with fluff, toilet paper or cotton balls and attach to the underside of pup's shirt.

"Hairy Pupper"

Got an old solid color t-shirt and scissors? Then you've got the beginnings of Hairy Pupper, the great doggie wizard! Simply cut a "cape" shape from the t-shirt leaving "strings" on either side at the top of the cape. This will be the cape's tie. Use other old scraps to create stars for the back of the cape. If you have fabric paint or glitter this works even better. Attach the stars to the cape and you have conjured up the perfect "spell" for cuteness!"

From spooky spiders to marvelous moo cows and everything in between, with just a little creativity you can dream up the perfect bewitching looks for your four legged friend sure to "charm" the socks off everyone they meet. From our family to yours, we wish you a very happy and oh, so spooky safe Howl-o-ween!