Halloween is just around the corner, and your dog needs a costume! If you're anything like me, you've procrastinated figuring out what Fido is going to dress up as. I am proud of myself though. My kids commented just the other day that they're amazed we already have their costumes so early! What can I say, other than WINNING!
Well, partially. Now I need to figure out what costume our dog, Ziggy, will wear on October 31st. And I need to do it on a budget. If you're in the same boat, I've compiled a list of Halloween dog costumes. These dog costumes are a mix of cute, funny, and easy. Plus, they can all can be done with supplies you have at home and maybe a few inexpensive purchases.
Pro Tip: If your pooch doesn't normally wear costumes or doggy apparel, start desensitizing now. So when you go to dress him up on Halloween, it won't feel like dressing an unruly toddler.
Now let's get on to the adorably spooky DIY Halloween Dog Costumes. 👻
1. Fresh Out of the Barkery
If you have a small dog, you can easily turn an empty bread package into a costume! Of course, you'll want to cut out the bottom so your dog has a way to do their business. And the obvious: be sure to supervise while wearing a plastic (or any) costume!
Bonus: reason to buy and eat Kings Hawaiian rolls! So good as a small sandwich or with some butter lathered on.
Photos: Pinterest
2. Scrub-a-Dub-Dog: The Loofah Pup
These poofy balls of sudsiness are easy and inexpensive DIY Halloween Dog Costumes! All you need is a cheap dog shirt or sweater, dollar store loofahs, and a hot glue gun. Bonus if you add a rubber ducky.
Here's a tutorial video I found by Helen Nguuyen on how to create in minutes.
Photos: Pinterest
3. The Hershey Hound
I'm not sure if these dogs really want kisses, but this is a fun take on a chocolaty treat!
Sure, you could just wrap your dog in aluminum foil (opt for heavy duty), although that might get scratchy and uncomfortable. To make the body of the costume a bit more sturdy and comfy, try repurposing a recovery cone. Or, use an old dog sweater or shirt to adhere foil with strong tape or a hot glue gun.
Or if you just want the hat, here's a short Instagram reel from @desaipuppies on how to create.
Photos: Pinterest
4. The Corn Dog
Watch out summer BBQs, corn is making its way into Halloween! These DIY corn cob dog costumes are easy, fun, and leaving us asking for a side of butter and salt.
And since summer just passed, you may be able to find pool noodles on sale. A hot glue gun attaches green felt leaves to a snug yellow t-shirt, and you have, quite literally, a Corn Dog.
Here's a TikTok tutorial by @KatieAndChandler that shows how easy it is to get crafty with corn.
Photos: Big Joe and @KatieAndChandler
5. Dr. Droolittle: The Dog Surgeon
While your pup may not perform a spooky night surgery, she's sure to get all the "so cute!" comments from trick-or-treaters.
Simply transform an old white or blue t-shirt into a lab coat. If it doesn't have a pocket, you can draw one on with a permanent marker. You can also use an extra-small or small scrubs shirt - Walmart sells scrubs on the cheap!
Add in a surgical mask and hair net, and you'll have your very own Dr. Ruff M.D., minus the M.D.
Photos: Social Doggy Club and @sirfindood
6. Señor Barkñata
This one is a bit more labor intensive, but turns out colorfully amazing! Transform your wigglebutt into a Pawñata Piñata with some colorful felt, elastic straps, scissors, and a hot glue gun. Add a mini sombrero to complete this festive look.
And I love how Jamie Bare with The Crafting Chicks has this step-by-step guide on exactly how to make these fun DIY Halloween dog costumes.
Photos: Oriental Trading
7. Ghost Malone
Get into the barktober spirit by grabbing an old sheet, cutting some holes, and VOILÀ, you have Boo Barkly. And for little to nothing in cost.
If your floofinator doesn't care for the full face mask, you can cut one hole big enough for both his snout and eyes. Then, add fake ghost eyes on top of his head by gluing black felt circles or drawing on with a black permanent marker.
I'm not so sure how well my dog would walk around the neighborhood in this costume, but it does make for some hauntingly cute pictures.
Photos: Pinterest & @duke_atx_golden
8. Gimme S'more Please!
You can go cheap and easy with s'mores DIY Halloween dog costumes. Just use a small white shirt for the marshmallow (or white cotton stuffing), brown felt or marker for the chocolate, and a piece of cardboard cut into squares for the graham cracker. Glue together to create your campfire canine.
If you want to get super crafty, Colin Liotta and Rebecca Simms with Lazy Dog created this easy to follow DIY Dog S'more Costume guide.
9. Dr. Wrappenstein the Mummy
Another super easy DIY costume for your meatball! Simply cut an old white sheet into long strips (or you can use gauze, or even toilet paper although not sure how long that will last), wrap around your hound, and you have yourself The Tomb Raider of Treats.
Photos: Terrier Hub & Modern Dog Magazine
10. White Claw Meet Bark Paw
For those of you who will be carrying a tumbler of "mom or dad juice" on Halloween night (you know who you are), just take the empty box and create an easy costume!
Instructions are simple: buy a box of your drink of choice, consume said drink, cut the ends off the box, and slide onto your dog. For larger dogs, you can cut the bottom of the box off (so it's 3-sided) and glue some elastic straps to the bottom.
Then parade around the neighborhood with your White Paw, Bark Lite, Coors Pup, Miller Tail Life, or Dos Poochos. I'm sure no one will question what's in your tumbler.
Photos: Let's Eat Cake & Dogs of Charm City Dog Community
What are your DIY Halloween Dog Costumes?
Tag @pawshpupco on Facebook or Instagram so we can see all the creative DIY Halloween dog costumes you come up with!
And while you're here, take a moment to visit our dog boutique. If you want your pup to get into the fall season but not go as far as a costume, here's an adorable Harvest Pup Reversible Dog Bandana.
https://pawshpupco.com
