Fun Ways to Celebrate Mardi Gras With Your Pup

It's a must to dress up to celebrate Mardi Gras, and your pup's costume should definitely be in the colors of the season: purple, green and gold. Craft a costume for your furry pal, or browse the festive costumes, bandanas, t-shirts and collars online. Make sure your dog is comfy in costume and that he's able to walk without any trouble.

A "krewe" is a group that puts on a parade or ball during the Mardi Gras season, so invite over a few friendly pups from the neighborhood and start your own krewe. Name your krewe, dress up in costume, organize a parade and celebrate Mardi Gras in style.

There are loads of paw-rades around the country to celebrate Mardi Gras. One parade that's gone to the dogs is organized by the Krewe of Barkus in New Orleans. Dogs and owners dress up in costumes and strut their stuff as the parade winds through the French Quarter. Or you can check out the colorful Mardi Paws Parade in Mandeville, La.

Invite your favorite pups over for a Mardi Gras shindig and costume contest. Award prizes to the best-dressed pups, then set out festive doggie treats and nosh on King Cake.