Nora the Ewok, Darth Truffles, and Halloween Pet Tricks + Treats

Momma Told Me: Pets are like children.

If you share our mentality, then your four-legged friends are just as much family as Aunt Jeanie (you know, the one who's aqua eyeshadow hasn't changed since the 50s, and her lipstick marks require a Brillo pad.) We love Jeanie despite the messes she leaves behind, or the over-enthusiastic greetings she may give us at the door. Momma always said having a pet was like having a child that never grew up, and in the sense of care-giving she is right. Now, you wouldn't let your child wander the streets alone on Halloween, eat candy from strangers without inspection, or wear a costume they felt humiliated in, would you? So Truffles and Nora have urged me to put together this simple reminder of how to best enjoy the upcoming festivities with your fur-children.

While we may see the adorable costumes lining pet-store shelves, as early as September, many of us pet parents get carried away with the thought of adorable, rather than the practicality. I'll admit, I once fancied Truffles daydreams mirrored the top photo, but her enthusiasm for playing a dark Sith Lord really was much closer to the below shot. Not to worry, your pets can still dress up and get in on the fun, it's simply a matter of knowing your fur friend. Even the most seasoned of 'costume' or clothing wearers should always go through an introductory period where they wear the new costume/clothes for a few hours a day in a supervised area, before being paraded around a crowd or strangers.

If your pet seems needlessly stressed in costume, to the point they refuse to move while wearing the costume (after 2-3 trials), shake/tremble, or try to eat their costume off, forgo your traditional costumes for something festive yet less foreign. Most pups can choose from a variety of decorative, and even dress up, harnesses that celebrate the fun of the holiday without putting them through any needless stress. As a general rule of thumb, never cover your pets head in a hood or 'mask' unless for a brief photo. Being dressed up is stressful enough without fighting to see what's in front of you.

Of course if it's food that motivated your little critter then be sure to have lots of pet-safe treats on hand whenever human food (especially candy) will be present. Do not store pet treats or gift bags with human candy/treats, as a pet may become wise and try to 'steal' the wrong treat! Handing out dog treats in the form of Milk Bone biscuits, or the below Carob dipped biscuits will truly be a special treat for pets trick-or treating, and can even be made in advance and used throughout the month as  training mechanism. Brushing up on training, and ensuring you have a secure perimeter is a must for households with dogs when strangers are coming to the door. Learn more about the carob dipped biscuits on Aimee Broussard's adorable Halloween post (and check out her crawfish pups!)

If you don't feel so fancy in the kitchen, but do want to have treats to pass out to pups, or simply celebrate the festivities in your own home, A Daily Dose of Paige shares her simple secret to tissue paper wrapped Canine Carry Outs treats! You can really use any leftover tissue paper to twist up your dog treat of choice, then keep them in a bowl on the counter to Trick or Treat your pet all month long. Just remember, never give human treats to your pup, and always be mindful of where you store the human candy too!

As always, safety is the most important aspect of any holiday involving your pet. Please remember to put proper reflective clothing, or markers, on your dog Halloween night, keep anxious dogs away from open doors, and work on costume comfort before the big day. If you're looking for an excuse to have a little fun with your dogs this Halloween visit the #TrickOrTreatEm website where you can find out your dog's personality, upload a photo in a digital picture frame, and print out a coupon for some yummy treats.

Have you ever dressed a pet up, as what? If not, what would you like to see your pet dressed as?

What Daughter Says: Pets are family, keep them safe and happy this holiday.

Check out these adorable pet costumes and #TrickOrTreatEm ideas!