ArcaMax

According to the National Retail Federation, more than 22 million Americans will dress up their pet for Halloween, and spend over $330 million dollars on costumes. According to the federation the most popular pet costume in 2015 is a dressing up as a pumpkin, followed by a hot dog (particularly popular with Dachshunds).

However, the federation doesn't note the trendiest costume -- which doesn't cost a penny. All you need is a pet with lots of hair on their head, and a comb to brush the hair all to one side and to poof it up a bit -- the result is a Donald Trump dog or cat.

"You do need a neck tie to complete the look," says pet stylist Alice Lerman of Chicago pet boutique Barker & Meowsky: A Paw Firm.

Lerman -- known to Chicagoans as Mrs. Meowsky -- says her trendiest choice is Sir Wags A Lot, a loosely fitting knight sweater for dogs who are fans of TV's "Game of Thrones."

Whether you're a fan of the New York Mets, Kansas City Royal, Chicago Cubs or Toronto Blue Jays, Meowsky says she can get a uniform for you. In fact, a World Series game is scheduled on Halloween.

Hockey jerseys are also available for any National Hockey League team, though being a Chicagoan, Meowsky is partial to the Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks.

The Internet has apparently spread the Halloween spirit to countries who don't even celebrate. Meowsky says her most popular item are bat wings, which she's shipped to Australia, Canada, England and Ireland -- though, so far, not Transylvania.

Meowsky says other trendy items are the Amelia Earhart aviator cap, the mouse hat (perfect for cats) or the frog hat.

"What's most important is that the pet is comfortable in whatever costume you choose," she adds.

Dr. Heather Loenser, American Animal Hospital Association staff veterinary advisor public and professional relations, agrees.

"Some pets love all the fun of Halloween and for some pets all that activity is just too much to handle," she says.

For the pets who get nervous about the constant buzzing of the doorbell by strange looking humans, it's best they are taken to a secluded room. Loenser suggests pheromonal therapy (Feliway for cats, Adaptil for dogs) as a no harm means to add comfort, and take the stress level down a notch. There are collars and plug-in diffusers, which deliver the calming pheromones. Also, turn on calming music and close window shades, so there's no view of the parade of trick-or-treaters.

"Offer an alternative behavior by giving the pet a puzzle toy or treat dispensing toy, or stuff (low-fat) peanut butter inside a Kong toy, or another toy made for that sort of thing," Loenser says.

If the pet exceedingly over-the-top panicky, you may consider boarding or contacting your veterinarian for appropriate anti-anxiety medication.

However, other pets are social butterflies, and love the visitors -- even if they resemble zombies.

"Pets look for cues in our faces and depend on our expressions to know what we're feeling; when we have masks on that can be scary to some pets or at least confusing, but other pets don't seem to care," Loenser says.

Because the door is open and closed so often, many pets are lost at Halloween. "If your pet isn't microchipped, now is as good as time as any to see your veterinarian for the chip," says Loenseer.

"If you've changed your address, phone number or email address all that should be updated with the microchip manufacturer and can be done online, or through your veterinarian. The chip means little without up to date information so the pet owner can be located. Cats do get outdoors at Halloween. People unfortunately overlook microchipping cats, thinking the cat will never get out -- but I know so many do get out."

Inside may be dangerous, too -- if the pet gets into a stash of Halloween candy, perhaps at a children's Halloween party. Too much candy can be harmful, chocolate can be dangerous, and any product made with the artificial sweetener Xylitol is toxic.

Adult parties can be a concern, too. In some states the adult "candy" of choice might be legal cannabis, laced in brownies or cookies. The human adult portion may be a brownie or cookie or two. Dogs, who generally weigh far less than people, sometimes chow down the entire package.

"That's potentially a whole lot of chocolate and far too much pot, and might be very serious," Loenser adds.

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