If you’ve donned layers since the recent nip in the air, think of your pet. Is he feeling the chills too? Well, here are some options to help him get through winter comfortably.
Jackets
Sales had dipped in early January but picked up again over the last two weeks when the mercury dipped. “Many of our imported clothes sold out but we still have some jackets, including hoodies and denims. No one waits for pet clothes to tear or fade away these days. If it’s winter, they want to get their dogs new gear anyway,” says Avijit Bhadra.
At: Pet Plaza
Price: Around 1,699
Coats
“Coats are ideal for short-haired breeds like Beagles or Chihuahuas. Those like Golden Retrievers don’t really need clothing in winter as their furry coats are adequate. My Alaskan Malamute, for instance, wants to stay in the garden all night to relish the weather. She needs the fan even now so I would never make her wear a coat,” says Arijit Mukherjee. “In fact, I’ve been dissuading customers from buying clothes as it’ll get warm in a matter of days but still my stock sold out. I had to reorder.”
Where: Artemis
Price: Rs 250-600
Lounger for dogs
“These loungers are for all seasons,” says Subham Roy, showing how the mattress can be flipped to suit the weather. One side is woolen while the other is made of cooling quilt-like fabric for summer. “The foam inside can be removed and the case washed,” he says. You can always toss in some cushions and blankets as well.
At: Heads Up For Tails
Price: Rs 3,299 for dogs the size of Beagles
Shoes and socks
Indoors, parents have been putting socks on the pets and outdoors, shoes. “Although people are getting these for winter, the products are actually for all weathers. The socks have good grip at the bottom to prevent their paws from slipping on tiles. As for the shoes, they prevent the paws from getting dirty and protect them from getting rough and from ticks,” said Avrodeep Das.
At: Pink Paws
Price: Rs 399 for socks, Rs 2,500 to 3,000 for shoes
Cat house
These houses are as furry as your cat and are sure to keep her warm and cosy. “They come in shapes like igloos and have easy access for the felines to slip in and out of,” says Avrodeep Das. “They always do well as the temperatures dip.”
At: Pink Paws
Price: Rs 5,450 for the brown one, Rs 2,000 for grey