This cold winter spell has seen an alarming increase in the number of dogs cruising the streets dressed in little dog jackets and tiny pooch leg-warmers.

This is disturbing on two fronts. Firstly, they look completely ludicrous. Secondly, and more importantly, unlike humans, dogs have fur. This soft, fluffy, hair like substance that covers their entire little canine bodies has a function - it protects them from the elements. Right?

Well, it seems it's not that simple anymore.

If New York’s second annual Pet Fashion Week is anything to go by the desire to dress our pets up in pretty prints and soft knits is spreading faster than the flea epidemic at the local kennel.

The Pet Parades offered everything from jewel-encrusted leashes to diamond-studded collars, doggy perfume to silk slippers, combat gear to underpants, sweat shirts to, eh hem, evening wear, and tasseled hats to gold tiaras.

Is anyone else as confused as I am?