Dog fancy dress contest

A fancy dress competition for dogs will be held at Bidhannagar Municipal Sports Complex on January 5. The contest will take place after the all-breed pet dog show organised by Bidhannagar Mela (Utsav) in association with Bidhannagar (Salt Lake) Kennel Club. Contact 9830276388 for details.

If you are wrapped up under sweaters and jackets and are looking to shield your four-legged fur baby from the cold too, look no further.

Pet shops of the township have stocked up on warm clothing for dogs and cats (that is, if your cat allows you to put it on). “Pet lovers love to adorn their pets in fashionable and comfortable clothes so we had laid out our collection from right after the Pujas itself,” says Tapan Gupta of BD Block’s Animel Planet.

Utpalendu Das of GD Block’s Pet Mall & Murphy Veterinary Clinic says over 100 jackets have sold this season. Manash Bal of Pink Paws in AC Block, however, asks customers to restrict the use of synthetic material. “The normal body temperature of dogs is over 101°F and many dogs have an inner and outer coat of fur so they enjoy slightly cold weather. Only if it gets too cold should we don them with clothes and that too cotton ones that do not suffocate them,” he says. “As for blingy party clothes, don’t keep them on for too long. Just for the occasion and a photo shoot, maybe.”

Brinda Sarkar offers a sample of what’s available out there —

A dog in a jacket Picture by Saradindu Chaudhury

Jacket

These jackets are made of thick layers of cotton and can be draped around the dog’s body using a Velcro belt. The front paws slip into openings while the rear is flappy, allowing the dogs to relieve themselves comfortably.

Price: Rs 400-650. A 10 per cent discount is on offer.

@: Pet Mall & Murphy Veterinary Clinic

Frocks Picture by Saradindu Chaudhury

Frocks

Some of these dresses look so cute that your daughter may want to wear them! Frilly ones with polka dots, party ones with bows, ribbons and lace, formal ones with collars and checked mini skirts… one even has sequinned mermaid fins.

Price: Rs 1,900 for the black and pink dress

@: Pink Paws

Santa Claus outfit Source: The Telegraph

Santa Claus outfit

Adorable Santa suits with matching caps. The designed is such that the front legs slip into the dress but they are only available for toy breed dogs like Pugs.

Price: Rs 600-850

@: Animel Planet

Shoes Picture by Saradindu Chaudhury

Shoes

These smart red-and-white shoes are buckled with zips and Velcro. But get your dog accustomed to wearing them from childhood, else he may yank and tear them off.

Price: Rs 450

@: Pet Mall & Murphy Veterinary Clinic

Digital print jackets Source: The Telegraph

Digital print jackets

Eye-catching T-shirts in digital prints for small and medium-sized dogs.

Price: Rs 600-850

@: Animel Planet

Jerseys Picture by Saradindu Chaudhury

Jerseys

Brazil, Argentina, England…if you’re a fan of their football team, this shop has a team jersey for your dog. The tiniest size would fit a Chihuahua, month-old Pomeranian or even cats.

Price: Rs 1,250

@: Pink Paws

Hoodies Source: The Telegraph

Hoodies

These resemble jackets in cut but have an extra hood for the head. The collection at the shop comprises sober shades of blues, browns, reds and some come with pockets too.

Price: Rs 1,200-1,800

@: Animel Planet