Some of you may have known; the annual Global Pet Expo was held a few months ago in Orlando, Florida. This years expo broke many records, with attendance, booths, buyers, and new products sky rocketing. It's not surprising however, when you learn the pet industry spent over $50 billion dollars just last year alone. And with more and more people becoming pet owners every year, that number will continue to grow. The Global Pet Expo 2012 launched more than 3000 outstanding, weird, and just wacky pet products, which I planned to review my favorites back then. But it usually takes a few months before products are readily available online or in your local pet store. So what better time than now? Here are some of my favorites, keep in mind, all prices are average.
She-Edisons Yard Pup and Paw: One of those products that improves old designs, the Yard Pup is great for any pet owner. Yard Pup is like a conventional rake and shovel pooper scooper, except for a small but big detail. Yard Pup uses ANY bag (no wasting or buying) grocery, garbage, or whatever to get the job done. No messing with difficult ties or frustrating clips. The Yard Pup uses a simple but ingenious bungee cord, that wraps the 10" opening. Just place bag on the recessed edge, attach the bungee cord, and you're ready to go. When finished, just pop off the bungee, for quick and clean disposal of the bag. Scoop and rake -- $34.99
The Sharper Image auto pet bowl: When technology meets pet products, it gets outstanding results. Auto pet bowl features a built-in motion sensor on top. When it senses your dog is near, auto bowl automatically opens, remaining so until 5 seconds after your pet finishes. Not only does it trap odors, but it keeps out flies and other pests. Great for those finicky eaters -- $39.99
Paw Wash: Paw Wash's motto goes: "A clean paw equals a clean house" and they couldn't be closer to the truth. Paw Wash looks similar to a drink shaker, sporting a rubber squeegee diaphragm on top. Just fill with water and slip in your pets paw. Giving it a few shakes, the specially shaped Paw Wash jets water all around his paw. The rubber squeegee wicks away most of the water, and you finish up with the super absorbent drying mitt. In seconds, his paws are dry and cleaned, ready to head inside. Although this product may take some conditioning for your scaredy dog (or cat!) it has great potential. Paw wash also donates a percentage of their profits to many reputable pet charities. Available in 2 sizes plus free drying mitt -- $28.99
Doggles Repellant Apparel: Now this may be the "wrong" season to feature this product, as the bugs have just about died off, but I couldn't help it. Using a synthetic permethrin found in certain flowers, this apparel continuously repels fleas, ticks, mosquitos, flies, and just about any other bug. It also reduces the chance of your dog getting heartworms, lymes, or any other insect borne disease. Odorless, and lasting up to 70 washes, you (or your pooch) can't go wrong.
T-shirt (5 sizes, grey) or bandanna (one size fits all, red or tan) -- $9.99-$29.99
Hope you enjoyed this months article. Remember, if you have any pet products you love and would like to tell others about, contact me, and I might review it! Next month I hope to feature some good holiday gift ideas for your pet loving friends. Until then...
