Dog Blog - Dog Product Reviews

Wow. We’re back from the SuperZoo annual pet industry trade show in Las Vegas. Still soaking our feet and catching up on our sleep. But we were impressed with the ingenuity and energy that people in the pet industry generate. Take a look at the video and come along!

Among the more than 700 exhibiting companies were plenty of new ones that I hadn’t seen last time I attended, two years ago. That’s good. It means that the industry is growing and entrepreneurs have enough business to sustain them. The bigger companies, too, had new products that were fun and interesting, which shows me there’s no limit to the variety of products the pet industry can generate.

I always make a beeline for the New Products Pavilion whenever I go to a trade show. The NPP at SuperZoo was huge! There were several rows of dog products — including a dizzying array of products to help you pick up after your dog.  Some of them were strangely complicated, but with pickup laws in most cities and towns these days, I guess there’s enough room for everyone to sell their contraptions. I use plastic grocery store bags. If you have found a commercial gadget or product that you really like for this purpose, please share the name with us, because I can’t really judge one over the other.

Some of the winners of the NPP in my view were these items:

• The Comfy Cone, a thick fabric e-collar for post-surgery. Unlike the plastic cone, it’s flexible. And, you can fold back the edge to let your dog see better. We’ll have that available on FunStuffForDogs.com within a week or so.
• Smell Goodies, a daily tablet that is clinically proven to eliminate doggie smells from the inside out. It improves breath and body odor, which keeps furniture, beds and carpets smelling fresher, too. I’m trying out a two-week supply on my collie, who has (sorry, Raleigh) radioactive breath. We’re on day two. I’ll let you know how it works. The manufacturer told me he’d call me in two weeks. If it works, I told him I’d order two cases. Stay tuned. I can say that you have to put it in a treat such as cheese or peanut butter (which the package advises) because the tablet itself is not appealing to dogs. And if it gets wet, the green color can cause discoloration. But I’m in the swing of it now, feeding one tablet a day in a bit of peanut butter. So we’ll see what happens.
• A floor bell that dogs can ring when they want to go out. I’d seen the bells you hang from the doorknob. But the manufacturer said the floor bell was better for two reasons. First, you don’t have the dog scratching up your door. Second, you don’t have the bell going off every time someone goes in and out the door, which prevents confusion to the dog and annoying false alarms to the people in the house. I think this is a great idea.
• The Eye Pack from Happy Tails Spa Products. It contains a jar of pre-moistened eye pads for daily cleaning, paired with a daily food supplement that boost the dog’s immune system and helps cut down on discolored discharge.

There was more apparel than in years past. More manufacturers are getting on the bandwagon of tees, outfits, dresses, costumes and even apparel for male dogs. Two trends I noticed at the show were that the quality of the apparel is improving, and that a few established apparel manufacturers are starting to make tanks and tees for larger dogs. I boght a 3X tee for my Lab that says, “Dog Park Security” from I See Spot and it fits like a dream. My husband and I were skeptical that she would wear it, but once I got it on, she seemed to like it. She didn’t bite at it or pay any attention to it. We’re going to have to carry tees for big dogs, I just know it. Why should little dogs have all the fun?

Another trend I noticed was the larger selection of wheat-free and corn-free treats. It seemed that every other treat had a “grain-free” formula. I know there are some dogs with wheat and grain allergies, but it seems that more and more dog owners are looking for grain-free treats now. I talked with one of the manufacturers about it. I told him, “My opinion is that grain-free treats and food were once difficult to find for dogs with allergies, so more manufacturers began to offer them. Then, as dog owners started to see ‘grain-free’ on the packages, they began to think that there was something wrong with feeding a grain product to a dog, so they began to buy grain-free treats for their dogs who didn’t have allergeis.” He agreed. He said that dogs have been ingesting grains, fruits and vegetables - in addition to meat - for hundreds of years without harm. But all of a sudden, there’s a movement toward eliminating all grains from dogs’ diets. I’ll have to ask my vet if a completely grain-free diet is harmful to dogs.

Of course, there was a mind-boggling array of collars and leashes. It confounds me how there could be enough business for the literally thousands of collar designs I see each year … and new companies spring up all the time. Who is buying all these collars and leashes for their dogs? Collars and leashes must be a fashion item now. There were some gorgeous ones at the show. There were some leather ones (of varying quality), some ribbon ones, some with Swarovski crystals and nailhead studs, and others with neat designs painted or sewn on. There was hemp, cotton, and even ostrich leather.

We saw lots of strollers. There were more exhibitors and attendees with dogs in strollers than I had noticed in years past. Some of the aisles were pretty crowded; I don’t know how you’d get a stroller down them. But the dogs all dressed up in the strollers were so cute!

Television cameras were there nearly every day, interviewing manufacturers and inventors about their new products. I didn’t catch anything on the local news; perhaps we’ll see some of the interviews on Animal Planet in the coming weeks.

Of course, it was painful to whittle down our purcasing list until it fit our budget. But we managed. we got some really neat things, which you can see in the What’s New department of FunStuffForDogs.com. We’ll continue to look for the latest new toys, treats, beds, apparel and gear for your dogs and ours. If you have anything you’d like us to look around for, please leave a comment here and we’ll do it. Meanwhile, I’m going to go soak my feet.

When I mention that we sell dog strollers on our site, people sometimes look at me as though I have a horn growing out of my forehead. “It’s a dog!” they say. And I used to say that, too.

But then I started talking to people who use dog strollers. We began to carry them and heard from more people who use them. And now, I can really see how a stroller would come in handy for the small-dog set (there’s even one now that holds up to 115 pounds for a big dog, or two mediu-size dogs).

Here are some reasons that we’ve heard to use a pet stroller.

1. Easier Vet Visits

Trips to the vet become easier and maybe even healthier with a dog stroller.

• Transporting a litter of puppies? Put them in a stroller and eliminate worries about puppies escaping in the car or at the vet’s office.

• Got a convalescing dog? Place her in a dog stroller for comfortable, stress-free transport to the car and hospital, without being investigated or hassled by other pets in the lobby.

• Worried about germs from other sick animals in the waiting room? A stroller keeps your dog off the floor and other surfaces visited by sick dogs all day.

2. Get in Shape without Tiring Your Dog

Run or walk as far and as fast as you like. Then give your dog a ride when he’s had enough. You can continue your workout while your dog gets a breeze and a rest in the stroller.

 

3. Safely Go to Work

Take your dog to work one or more days a week. The stroller makes it easier to transport your dog from the car to the office, creates a confined space for the dog when it’s needed, and provides a safe and familiar den for napping.

 

4. It’s a No-Strain Pet Carrier

People are starting to use pet strollers instead of carriers. They’re easier on your back, shoulders and neck, and many stores appreciate dog owners having dogs completely enclosed.

 

5. A Helping Hand for Older Humans or Older Dogs

Older dogs and even older humans may need an easier way to take spin around the block. Older dogs who get tired on the way home may appreciate a ride so their walks don’t get cut short. People who use a scooter - or who are a bit unstable, especially when a dog is pulling on a leash - sometimes find it easier to enjoy the fresh air with their dogs by using a dog stroller.

 

6. Outdoor Events - Best Seat in the House

Dog shows, picnics, festivals and other outdoor events can be fun to share with your dog. But they also mean dealing with crowds, bugs, other potentially aggressive dogs, trash and confusion. Give your dog a safe place to observe the festivities without getting her tail stepped on or gulping down dangerous chocolate before you can stop her. See how much easier a stroller is than crates at your next dog show.

 

7. Paw Protection

Sidewalks can give paws a beating, especially Phoenix in summer or Buffalo in winter. Road salt can dry and irritate paw pads. City dwellers have to negotiate all kinds of debris on sidewalks. A dog stroller keeps your dog clean and off any broken glass, trash, chemicals or other hazards on the sidewalk.

 

8. First-Class Travel

Car, boat and RV travel is easier with a dog stroller. Easily transport your dog(s) to the hotel room and from place to place without worrying that they’ll get loose and run away in a strange and dangerous place, like near a highway. Some dogs don’t like walking on docks when the water’s choppy. Ease your dog’s anxiety by helping him onto the boat in a stroller. When visiting relatives, the stroller gives you an instant crate where the dog can nap when he gets tired of entertaining the kids.

 

9. Fresh Air, No Walking

Dogs who are recovering from surgery or injuries, or who have become disabled, enjoy getting fresh air even if they can’t walk very far. It stimulates them to get some sun, sample new smells and see new surroundings. A dog stroller keeps them comfortable, and they’re happy to be able to go outside.

 

10. Safety Around Aggressive Dogs

Unleashed dogs can pose a threat to your small dog if they’re aggressive or unsocialized. Keep your dog safe from other dogs in a dog stroller.

 

11. Multiple Dogs, Multiple Directions

Owners of several small dogs often find that it’s easier and calmer taking them out in a stroller because they can’t go in separate directions, winding the leash around their person’s legs!

 

12. Big Dog, Small Dog

Got a big dog and small dog? Give your power pooch a good long walk without tiring out the smaller one by using a dog stroller.

 

13. Giving Back

Lucky dogs like to give back. A fun way to do that is at a 5K charity walk/run. Keep your dog safe from crowds of runners by putting her in a dog stroller. You’ll put a smile on people’s faces and spend some quality time doing a good deed with your pooch. Plus, you can do the whole distance without tiring out a dog who’s not used to that much activity. If your dog visits nursing homes or hospitals, the stroller makes trips easier and provides a safe haven for overstimulated dogs who need a break from the attention.

 

14. Safely Out of the Way of Urban Traffic

Dog owners who live in large cities like to use strollers to keep their dogs from running into the street, or wrapping their leashes around other pedestrians.

 

15. Less Stressful Evacuations

If you have to move your pets in preparation for a tornado, earthquake, hurricane, fire or other emergency, it’s much easier in a stroller. Carry a familiar blanket, toys, snacks, food, water, bowls and pickup bags with your dog to provide comforts of home and eliminate the danger of the dog getting loose or running away out of fear during transport.

 

16. More Quality Time

A dog stroller simply gives you more quality time with your dog. It lets you take your dog more places than a leash or even a pet carrier. With more workplaces, stores and restaurants becoming dog-friendly, a responsible dog owner with her dog in a stroller will always be welcome. A stroller lets your dog come along for errands, social visits, “bring your dog to work day,” and even shopping.

 

To see our selection of dog strollers, click here.

Dogzilla is the first dog toy that engages all five senses, guaranteed to help keep your dog entertained for hours. Dogzilla appeals to your dog’s sense of taste with an innovative material that includes protein flavors. Unlike humans, dogs have taste buds for protein, enabling them to smell and taste it. Dogzilla is infused with protein to make it deliciously crave-able. Dogzilla appeals to your dog’s sense of smell by adding vanilla into the rubber to bring the scent of human food to the dog’s toy. You can also fill the center with tasty treats whose aroma will keep you dog engaged. The design is specially created to visually appeal to the canine eye. Studies show that while dogs can see only certain shades of red and green, they see blue in all of the same shades as humans. In addition, evolutionary processes shaped the canine vision to be an acute detector of movement. The shape of Dogzilla enables the toy to be easily set in motion, which catches a dog’s eye.

Your dog’s sense of touch is stimulated by a tough rubber material that that can be chewed, and comes in wobbly shapes that keep a dog interacting with the toy with his paws, mouth and nose for hours. In addition, specially-placed ridges aid in gripping the toy in paws and mouth, which assists play and helps the dog to work on getting peanut butter, spray cheese or treats out of the center.

Finally, Dogzilla is made of rubber and not hard plastic, which protects a dog’s sensitive hearing. Dogzilla has a calming effect by not adding more noise to the dog’s environment during high-stress times such as separation anxiety, allowing your dog to play quietly and happily. For more stimulation, you can add kibble or small treats inside that will rattle and activate a dog’s hunting instinct. So you can have a quiet toy or a rattling toy, depending on whether you want to soothe or stimulate your dog.

By addressing all the senses, the manufacturer — in collaboration with an evolutionary biologist, an animal behaviorist and a color specialist — has created a toy with the ideal color, shape, size and scent for dogs to enjoy.

Sizes:

• Medium ($16.99) - 3.31″
• Large ($17.99) - 4.07″
• Extra-Large ($18.99)  - 5″

Although it is designed to withstand focused chewing, you should never leave your dog alone with any toy until you determine that he will not break off small pieces and swallow them.

In San Diego, I stumbled across a new trend in dog treats … dehydrated sweet potatoes. I thought they were chicken chews (another trend). When I picked one up, it was thick, heavy, hard like jerky, and wrinkled. The manufacturer told me it was a sweet potato. How cool is this?

Yams are packed with vitamins and minerals, calcium and fiber. They're naturally sweet and great for dogs who want a vegetarian alternative to rawhide. They're also good for dogs with wheat or corn allergies. Sweet potato chews can be kept for six months (longer if you refrigerate them).

I was so impressed with these chews that I decided we should carry them on FunStuffForDogs.com. I've ordered a couple of cases that come in resealable plastic bags. We need to get our crack-shot photographer, Dianne Coburn, to take some fabulous pictures so you can see the texture and color online. We should have them up and ready to buy in a week or so.

I'm very excited about these. Finally, a vegetable alternative to rawhide that dogs love, isn't greasy, doesn't stain the carpet, and provides a good chewing experience. Please tell me how they do with your dog. Write a product review or add your two cents to an existing review. - Lisa Woody

I’m off to Global Pet Expo 2006 in beautiful San Diego, CA tomorrow, to find the latest, greatest, up-to-datest products for dogs and their people. I’ll let you know what I find in the 12,000-square-foot New Products Pavilion, where 150 new products will be on display. I’ll report back on what I find, and cherry-pick the coolest, fun stuff to carry on our site. I’m in San Diego from Wednesday through Sunday. Stay tuned for updates from the show. - Lisa Woody

This is a great item we saw at the SuperZoo trade show in Las Vegas. Made of neoprene, so it’s waterproof, the Paw Kit has 7 pockets with cute labels on each:

• Bowl
• Toys
• Treats
• Water
• Bags (for picking up after Fido)
• Leash
• Towel

An adjustable strap lets you carry it over your head, at hip length or under your arm. Spacious interior compartment leaves extra space for your own items. A clip on the outside of the bag is great for keys, so you don’t have to dig around the bottom of the bag for them.

I wish the bag were more lightweight, but neoprene is heavy-duty and waterproof, so for now, I guess there’s no getting around it. Otherwise, I love it. The stitching is sturdy and the bag looks very well made. The mesh pockets are also very sturdy. A lot of thought went into making this bag.