Carnival season is approaching, and some people might consider dressing up their dogs or cats in funny costumes. However, animal welfare organizations strongly advise against this. What looks cute and amusing to us can often be distressing for animals.
Costumes are not animal-friendly because they restrict movement and pose risks of injury. Pets could swallow small parts, ingest toxic substances, or develop allergic reactions. There's even a risk of strangulation.
These outfits and props make it difficult for animals to communicate with each other. Animals communicate through body language, such as raising their fur or positioning their ears or tail.
Wrapped in a carnival costume, this communication is often limited. The animal welfare organization advises against posting photos of costumed pets on social media, as this encourages others to dress up animals and promotes inappropriate humanization. Animal welfare should always come first.