How to keep pets happy on Halloween

8:17 AM, Oct 26, 2012   |    comments
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Pink Crayola Crayon pet costume Halloween Express

ATLANTA -- The only thing that can compete with a cute kid in a Halloween costume is a cute pet in a Halloween costume.

PHOTOS | Top human Halloween costumes
MORE PHOTOS | Halloween costumes not meant for work

To make sure pets are comfortable and safe too, Petco has come up with some simple tips for Halloween.

Do 

* Purchase the outfit in advance so the pet can try it out and get used to the costume 
* Dress your pet right before any party or parade because costumes tend to be warm and we don't want them to overheat 
* Always keep water on hand because hydration is vital 
* Try and keep pet games around the house to preoccupy pets when trick-or-treaters come to the door 
* Make sure pets have up-to-date identification tags in case pets get spooked and run off 

Don't 

* Tailor a children's costume to fit your pet - these usually have stronger elastic that will irritate pets 
* If dressing a cat, keep it to a minimum. If it is going to be more than a collar or something small, only dress them for long enough to catch a photo or two. 
* Keep your pet in the costume for a long period of time