Loop Dog Den
Available in Silver, White, or Brown (pictured), the Loop Dog Den ($150) is a chic spot for a dog to snooze. This faux leather interior dog house makes any pup seem like a sophisticated tail-wagger, and their envious owners may find themselves redecorating the bedroom to catch up.
Pets: Dogs
More: Accessories
ASPCA Wristband
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing cruelty towards animals. Show your support by getting your free ASPCA wristband ($0) in signature orange, courtesy of Walmart.
Pets: All Pets
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PetZen DogTread Motorized Exercise Treadmill
Treadmills aren’t just for humans. Let your dog get the exercise he or she can’t get outdoors with the PetZen DogTread Motorized Exercise Treadmill ($490). Customizable speeds and a safety side panels allows for a safer trot-in-place. Now the weather, allergies, and time of day no longer get in the way of an active regimen.
Litter Robot LRII
Although the photo and product name makes it look like feline version of the large oversized human-powered robot from Avatar, the Litter Robot LRII Automatic Self-Cleaning Litter Box ($330) is actually very useful in a very different sense – cleaning up waste. Fortunately it looks more like the robot from Lost in Space than it does the Terminator, nice and friendly. Sure to save you time and money (in the long run), especially if you have multiple cats in the house.
Tick Twister
If you’ve ever had to remove a tick from yourself or your pet, you know how difficult doing so can be. The easiest way to do so may be by way of the Tick Twister ($4), which is a simple tool helps pry the tick away quickly without leaving broken off parts implanted in the skin. If you live in heavily wooded area, or like camping, stock up on these tiny tools and keep them in various handy places.
Oster Nail Grinder
Dont’ fall for the $6 as-seen-on-tv knock-off – when it comes to taking care of your pet’s nails, it may be best to use the quality Oster Nail Grinder ($32). Clipping nails, particularly of larger pets, can be difficult and risky. It may be worth conditioning the dog to get used to the sound of this nail grinder. Once you do, you can gradually wear down the nails without leaving them chipped. Much cheaper than taking the pet to the groomer once a month.
I Got Two Dogs by John Lithgow
Kids may be oblivious to John Lithgow’s movie and theater work, but they are sure to love reading and singing along with him about the joys of dog ownership in I Got Two Dogs ($13). Lithgow’s book has large, richly illustrated pages of the dogs the narrator owns, named Fanny and Blue. They don’t know any tricks, they bark alot, and they use the narrator’s clothes as chew toys, “but there’s nothing I’d trade for my Fanny and Blue” every verse ends with. Oh, how we can all relate. The book is accompanied by a musical CD featuring Lithgow singing along with lively music and a back-up kids chorus. Kids and dogs will likely howl along with him. Afterwards, maybe watch Harry and the Hendersons.
PetSafe No Bark collar
When the bark is too harsh for the neighbors (or let’s face it, the owner, too), one way to help correct undesirable barking is to use the PetSafe No Bark collar ($45). There are 6 progressive correction levels, so if the dog barks again within 30 seconds, the next shock will be stronger, though not too strong for small or timid dogs. The collar is designed to train the dog, not punish it, and the shocks are not harmful. For safety, if the dog barks 15 times in less than 50 seconds, the collar shuts off automatically for a short while.
Cat ties
Cats can be both adorable and professional with cat ties ($3) from Pet Essentials, sold at Target. “The clothes make the cat,” they say. The only thing making your cat more adorable is to offer a cane and stethoscope, but Hugh Laurie would likely lose as job as TV’s “House.” Let your cat put on one of these and you’re likely to see more “Take your cat to work” days.
Pets: Cats
More: Accessories
Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain
When it comes to something as basic as drinking water, the Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain ($51) is the ultimate in style and design. The free-falling stream of water keeps pets happy, healthy and hydrated. Water bowls stay clean as opposed to stagnant bowls, and the pump is nearly silent.