Holiday fashion for Fido

by Brittany Anas · November 27, 2012

By Brittany Anas

If your dog is begging from underneath the dinner table, he’s likely to end up on Santa’s “naughty list” … unless, of course, he’s wearing a tie. Then, it’s just funny. And, the sophisticated hound may just tip you if you slip him a piece of ham.

More than half of American pet owners buy gifts for their pets during the holiday season and they spend an average of $46 on their animals, according to a poll last year from AP-Petside.com.

There are varying levels of holiday fashion touches you can give to Fido, ranging from a subtle red and green collar to a knit sweater for chilly winter night walks. Always make sure your dog is comfortable — you don’t want a Grinch dog in a full-on Santa costume.

Sure, your dog would probably never pick out a dapper holiday sweater for himself — after all, he doesn’t like baths because they wash away scents he collected at the dog park and he thinks nothing of lifting his leg on the live evergreen you planted in the house. But, if you’re taking him to pose with Santa Claus at the mall or if he’ll be greeting guests at your holiday party, here are a few ways to get him spruced up for the holidays. He’ll thank you for the extra attention he garners in his holiday duds.

If you’re shopping for dog collars:

Etsy is filled with adorable homemade and festive collars — like this candy cane striped one. If you have a gentleman doggy, here’s a Christmas-themed bow-tie collar. For a lady dog, this Christmas collar is adorned with a faux flower that looks like a poinsettia. Target also has dog ties that say “Woof.” If you change out your dog’s collar, be sure to transfer over his identification and vaccine tags.

If you’re shopping for outerwear:

Sure, he’s already wearing a natural coat. But you can give him some added warmth.

Petsmart has a hooded elf jacket from its Martha Stewart line that has faux ears and an attached elf hat with a fuzzy cotton ball pom at the tip.

Plan on taking your dog on winter hikes? Check out these winter booties from REI to protect their paw pads and give them traction.

If you’re shopping for sweaters:

Is your dog your dawg? Well, who knew … but there’s a Lil’ Wayne hooded sweatshirt that says “Lil’ Wayne is hip-hop” and it has a pocket to stash treats.

If you and your dog are more into classical music,this red and white dog dress might be a better fit. (Just don’t go putting your pooch in your purse).