Pet lovers across the world would do anything for their fury friends. We let them sleep on the bed (sometimes in the bed), we feed them the best dog food on top of tasty treats, we walk them, cuddle them and now…we dress them. Just when we thought our dearest dogs couldn’t lead an easier, more pampered existence it seems some of their cousins are receiving designer wares, booties and blingin’ accessories as well as the odd bacon bite. Has fashion gone barking mad (sorry) or are designer dogs the plush pets of the future?

The pups leading the trends belong to some of our most visible celebrity icons including pop sensations Gwen Stefani and Christina Aguilera and A-list party girls Nicole Richie and most notoriously, millionaire heiress, Paris Hilton. Her pampered pooches, Tinkerbell and Bambi are as much Hilton’s fashion accessories as her stiletto shoes or diamond earrings – in fact it’s often hard to decipher where the handbag ends and the Chihuahua begins, as both drape gracefully across her arm, poised and ready for the photo shoot.

It seems the dogs most popular with the A-list pet lovers are the miniature varieties – the Pugs, Chihuahuas, Yorkies and Papillons of the world versus the larger, boisterous, more physically demanding varieties. Perhaps this is because they are lighter to carry up and down the red carpet, easily paraded in front of the paparazzi. They’re cute and their designer carrier cases look uncannily like stylish, oversize totes. However don’t be fooled, these celebrity pups certainly aren’t low maintenance. Tinkerbell and Bambi are rather partial to crystal-encrusted collars whilst other high-profile pooches like to emulate their owners with their very own red carpet collection – think Marchesa and Gucci and forget flea collars.

As demand for designer togs for dogs rockets, so do the online pet boutiques with oodles of luxury garments, purely for pups. As well as the diamante collars, velvet leashes and plush party-wear, the more practical pet owner will find waterproof macs, Wellington boots (that’s in sets of 4 remember), sparkly ID tags and faux fur-trimmed jumpers for winter.

In fact, why stop at pampering your pup with clothes? What discerning dogs really need is a comfortable bed after a hard day working the fashion scene. You’ll find one of these at Lila Paws (www.lilapaws.co.uk), a UK-based online store specialising in luxury furniture and accessories for your special pet. Favourites include the girly Pink Chaise Longue and opulent Chien-de-lier bed – studded with Swarovski crystals and created out of Scandinavian black leather, your spoilt dog will love this lavish alternative to their splintery outdoor kennel – and it will look reasonably nice in your lounge too.

So if you think your loyal best friend deserves a break from the dog’s life, why not take a look at the following doggie fashion websites and treat your pet to a new sparkly collar if not a whole new wardrobe if you’re feeling extravagant (or have plenty of money to burn!)

Pucci Petwear – An excellent place to pick up affordable cosy casuals from snug parka coats to hoodies in khaki and pink, nautical-style pullovers and useful pac-a-macs. A-list fans include Robbie Williams, Scarlet Johansson, The Osbournes, Elton John and the Beckhams.

Bark Avenue Jewelers – Here you’ll find an extravagant range of Pet or People Pendants – charms and ID tags so beautifully designed you can share them with your posh pooch. The Bevelled Bone Solitaire Pendant is available in yellow, rose or white gold offset by a stunning solitaire diamond.

Little Lily – For real pet princesses, here you’ll find Oscar-inspired outfits within the Red Carpet Collection or bright party frocks inspired by the lady who started it all herself, Miss Hilton. Choose from the fun and flirty Rainbow Lilydress and a great selection of cosy pyjamas.