Canadians can expect to see four-legged companions dressed as canine versions of Donald Trump this Halloween, as pet owners indulge in the tradition of adorning their furry friends in costumes ranging from celebrities and superheroes to tacos.
A recent survey, gathering insights from Canadian pet owners on their preferred pet costumes for Halloween 2024, listed Trump and American pop star Taylor Swift among the top 10 choices favoured by pet enthusiasts across the country.
According to the poll, 46 per cent of Canadian pet owners intend to dress up their dogs this Halloween, with many opting for humour and political satire as their theme. Owners are gearing up to outfit their dogs in miniature suits and iconic blond wigs, adding a satirical political twist to their pups’ attire for the spooky season.
The trend of dressing pets as Trump isn’t new — Donald Trump costumes have been popular for pets in both Canada and U.S. during past Halloweens. Whether it’s the exaggerated hairstyle, the red tie or the humorous political association, the costume continues to appeal to pet owners.
Looking back at previous Halloweens, costumes inspired by political figures have increasingly appeared in the pet costume scene. The Trump pet costume, in particular, gained traction during his presidency and has remained a popular choice, especially for those wanting to add a playful political twist. It’s a light-hearted way for pet owners to make a statement or simply bring some humour to Halloween festivities.
This pet costume snags top spot, according to Canadians
Despite Donald Trump’s popularity, he didn’t top the list of Canadians’ favourite pet costumes, coming in second behind the classic hot dog.
Other popular choices included the Toronto Maple Leafs, superheroes Superman and Batman, a couple of famous food items and Taylor Swift rounding out the list at number 10. The range of costumes highlights the creativity and humour of Canadian pet owners as they prepare to celebrate Halloween with their four-legged friends.
According to the survey, the top 10 most popular pet costumes in Canada this year are:
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Hot dog
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Taco
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Hockey player
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Superman
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Batman
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Pumpkin
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Hamburger
Whether it’s a hot dog or a miniature Donald Trump, Canadian dogs are set to turn heads this Halloween with costumes that blend humour, politics and creativity.
Halloween can be a stressful time for pets
While costumes can be fun, pet owners are also mindful of their pets’ safety. A majority of survey respondents (71 per cent) said Halloween is a stressful time for pets, with concerns about escaping through open doors and noise from trick-or-treaters.
Certified professional dog trainer and pet lifestyle expert Nicole Ellis told Yahoo News Canada that costumes can be stressful for many dogs, especially if they aren’t accustomed to wearing clothing.
“If your dog seems highly stressed or uncomfortable, don’t force them to wear a costume. Some dogs simply don’t enjoy wearing clothing, and that’s okay. In those cases, try simpler alternatives. There are lots of cute holiday bandanas and harnesses available too,” Ellis said.
How to help pets experience a stress-free Halloween?
Ellis suggests effective strategies to help pets become more comfortable with costumes by positively reinforcing desired behaviours, with success achievable over multiple short sessions.
“Before putting the costume on your dog, let them sniff it. Offer treats and praise to create a positive association,” she says. “Start by putting on just one part of the costume, such as a hat or body piece, for a short period. Gradually add more parts as your dog becomes more comfortable.”
While your dog is wearing the costume, Ellis recommends engaging in fun activities, such as providing a stuffed KONG, going for a walk, or playing with a toy.
She emphasizes the importance of watching for signs of discomfort, such as trying to shake off the costume, scratching at it, or freezing in place. If a pet shows these signs, remove the costume and try again later with shorter, less intense sessions.
Helpful tips to make Halloween 2024 a memorable experience for pets
Ellis says monitoring and partially controlling a pet’s environment can help reduce stress for furry friends. A good first step is to keep candy and wrappers out of reach.
“Designate a spot for kids to place their trick-or-treat bags when they return home, ensuring your pet can’t access them. Chocolate—especially dark chocolate—and sugar-free candies containing xylitol are highly toxic to pets. Store all candy securely in closed containers and place them out of your pet’s reach.”
“Also, ensure pets don’t eat candy wrappers, as they can cause choking or intestinal blockages,” she adds.
Secondly, it’s important to prepare for the repeated ringing of the doorbell and the presence of unfamiliar people in costumes, which can cause anxiety in pets.
“Designate a quiet, safe space away from the front door for your pet to relax, keeping them away from the commotion and preventing access to the door,” says Ellis.
Hiring a pet sitter through Rover, playing calming music, and using a pet-safe diffuser can all help make Halloween night smoother for pets.
Thirdly, pets should wear a collar with updated tags, and if they are microchipped, it’s important to verify that the microchip information is current.
“With the frequent opening of the door for trick-or-treaters, there’s a higher risk of pets escaping. Keeping them on a leash can help prevent those quick escapes. Even if your pet is generally good at the door, repeated doorbell rings can increase their excitement level,” Ellis says.
Lastly, it’s best to keep pets indoors as much as possible.
“On Halloween night, keeping pets indoors is safest to avoid potential hazards like pranksters, loud noises, and other outdoor risks. Cats, especially black ones, should be kept inside due to possible superstitions and mischief,” she adds.