Halloween can be a fun time of year for adults and kids - but what about dogs? Many of our canine friends don't mind wearing clothes and actually revel in the attention they get when they are wearing costumes. On the other hand, some dogs despise being dressed up and can even become frightened by all the hoopla. Personally, I think the key is to think about your dog's point of view. Covering him up with some kind of costume might make him threatened, vulnerable and afraid. For some dogs, costume can make him as uncomfortable as you would feel if you were force to run around naked (well, most people at least).

You know your dog better than anyone. If you try and dress him up, pay attention to his response. Some dogs will tolerate simple costumes but not elaborate ones. My own dog seems to enjoy being dressed up as long as there is nothing on her feet or face, and I respect that. Learn how to recognize your dog's emotional state based on his body language. When in doubt, go with a simple Halloween bandanna instead.

Are you thinking of dressing up your dog this year? If you have assessed you dog's reaction and he seems to be giving you the green light, then go for it! To make it even more silly and fun, consider a matching costume for yourself or your children. If you are looking for ideas, perhaps you will be inspired by the Halloween costume photo gallery. Above all, stay safe. Make sure you don't let your dog get into the human treats - candy and chocolate can really make your dog sick.