Forget The Flashy Antlers - Fido's Got A Hoodie

Almost two-thirds of pet owners, (65%) have bought their pet a holiday present according to a US poll by market researcher Harris Interactive, 71% of dog owners compared to 63% of cat owners. The online dog fashion retailer Ann-Marie Fleming, K9 Kloud9 Creations, has been telling us about the growing phenomenon of pet clothing and pet bling Christmas presents in that country. She writes:

Total spending for 2007 has been estimated at over $40 billion in the United States by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA), up more than $2 billion from the previous year.

Contributing to the rise in overall spending is that pet owners are buying a higher quality of pet food, they are more concerned with the overall well-being of their family member and are therefore spending more on healthcare, and with increased disposable incomes combined with the sense of family, owners are also spending billions on pet clothing.

The trend towards dressing one's dog is not necessarily a new phenomenon, but the intensity of this shift is definitely growing. Owner's are now able to combine the practical with the fashionable as they build a wardrobe filled with stylish coats, hoodies, dresses, t-shirts, shoes and jewelry. Some are going as far as adding wigs to this ensemble. Prices for such items can range from the reasonable to the affluent and many degrees in-between.

The pet fashion industry has taken off evidenced by the growing number of pet fashion shows such as Pet Fashion Week in New York that generate considerable buzz and often reveal the new trends for the upcoming year. Many of the popular styles are mirrors of 'hot' human fashions and provide selections for all occasions such as casual park visits, birthday parties, formal dining and even weddings.

Dogs no longer have to depend on mere shells to keep the rain off or the cold out, they can opt to go with a camouflage hoodie, a faux leather bomber jacket, or a winter parka among others. For those hot summer days perhaps a sundress is in order or a lightweight t-shirt to show their personality. Whatever the occasion there is an outfit that is a perfect match for owner and dog alike.

This Christmas retail sales are expected to get a serious boost from this trend with spending estimated to reach over $3 billion in the US alone. It is no longer just about buying a Santa Coat or reindeer antlers for their animals, but about treating and spoiling their pets as they would their own children. If you ask most owners how their pets feel about all of this attention, most of them will tell you that they love it and why wouldn't they? They get to be in the spotlight, they get to be pampered and they are accepted as a full member of the family, giving a whole new meaning to the term "it's a dog's life".

The writer - Ann-Marie Fleming is the founder of K9 Kloud9 is an online dog fashion retailer with a stylish selection of dog coats, shirts, dresses, jewelry, harnesses, collars, leashes, carriers and various dog accessories from around the world.