If you have ever called a dachshund a wiener, this is your year. A Google Trends analysis released October 7 found the most-searched dog Halloween costume in the country is the hot dog, the bun-and-mustard getup that makes a dog look like a snack. Chicken took second, followed by shark, spider and princess. The rest of the top ten is just as good: ghost, dinosaur, pumpkin, dragon and lion.
Americans are expected to spend a record $920 million dressing up their pets this fall. Walmart sells a hot dog costume for about $10, Chewy starts near $16 and PetSmart lists one at $19.99. PetSmart is also running free Tricks for Treats events on October 17 and 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at stores nationwide, with treats, photos and a tote for the first 50 people. Last year’s trending searches were Labubu and the tiger from KPop Demon Hunters.
What this means for your dog
Your dog did not ask to be a hot dog, and a costume only works if it leaves movement, vision and breathing alone. Check the fit around the neck and chest, remove loose straps and anything small enough to chew off and swallow, and do a short trial run at home before the party. If your dog freezes, stiffens or keeps trying to wriggle out, take that as a no. A themed bandana or a seasonal collar gets the same photo with none of the stress. Watch how your dog handles the decorations too, because the inflatables and flickering lights spook more dogs than owners expect. And keep the candy bowl high, since chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol are both serious trouble for dogs.