Latest Cool Pet Products
Americans spent more than $38 billion on their pets last year. A large chunk of that went toward toys and other products.
The Early Show's resident veterinarian, Dr. Debbye Turner, is just back from last week's Global Pet Expo in Orlando, Fla.
On the show Tuesday, Turner had her picks of some of the hottest, coolest pet products coming soon to — or already at — pet stores near you.
The Global Pet Expo, according to its Web site, is the pet industry's largest annual trade show, presented by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) and Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA). This year's show featured 700 exhibiting companies and more than 700 product launches seen by 3,600 pet product buyers from around the world.
TURNER'S SELECTIONS, along with descriptions provided by their manufacturers:
"SWOOP" NO TOUCH POOPER-SCOOPER
swoopthepoop.com
Suggested Retail: $24.99
Available in two sizes, small and large; bags sold separately
LITTER ROBOT 'II'
Automatic, self-cleaning litter box
litter-robot.com
$299 plus shipping
Available in beige and black
SNOOP DOGG PRODUCTS BY JAKKS JPI PETS DIVISION
In conjunction with the release of Snoop Dogg's CD "Tha Blue Carpet Treatment," the Snoop Dogg pet line was launched in November 2006. Among them, the boom box, dog chew and T-shirts, all of which were inspired by the Doggfather himself. Many of these items feature a sound chip with signature Snoop Dogg phrases.
jakkspacific.com
Available on Amazon.com now, and other major retailers this spring
Suggested retail on Dogg Bone & Boom Box range from $5.99-$8.99,
Clothing ranges from $12.99 - $24.99
KOMFORT PETS CLIMATE-CONTROLLED PET CARRIER
This pet carrier is designed to automatically keep pets cool when it's too hot and warm when it's too cold. It can be taken almost anywhere, and is good for use in cars, SUVs, RVs, rental cars, boats, private planes, homes and garages. It is powered by utilizing a 110-volt electrical outlet with a 12 volt DC converter or by the 12 volt power outlet in a car, SUV, RV, private plane or boat. Cords and adapters are included with every pet carrier.
Available in a variety of colors.
The Komfort Pets Carriers have the following dimensions:
Small (19" x 13" x 16")
Medium (24" x 15" x 19")
Large (27" x 18" x 22")
Extra large (38" x 25" x 30")
Both the Classic and Designer style lines are available with two distinctive tops. You have the option to purchase the Komfort Pets Carrier with either a contoured top or stackable top. Both tops may be purchased for interchangeable use.
Small Designer Carrier (dimensions: 19" x 13" x 16") with either top
komfortpets.com
Suggested retail $399
Available in 90 days online and in select retailers
CLEANUP CLAW (Hyper Products)
Hands-free doggie doo disposal system
Retail $14.99
Available at Petco
TENNIS DOG
Aim, point and shoot; hands-free pickup; racket launches tennis ball to your dog
Retail $9.99
Available in select pet stores beginning in May
hyper-products.com
CHATTERBOWL
The talking pet bowl includes a Talk Box where you can record your voice for up to 10 seconds, and slip it in the back of the bowl. It's made of polycarbonate, so is practically indestructible.
chatterbowl.com
Available online now and in pet stores soon, for $24.95
DIP-A-DOG-A-BONE BY HAPPY HOUND BISCUIT COMPANY
Do-it-yourself dog bone decorating kit; heat up vanilla dipping sauce, dip the bone, decorate with sprinkles
happyhoundbiscuitco.com
Retail $13.50
WEE WEE PADS FOR YOUR LITTLE DOGS
Housebreak your puppy the easy way with Wee-Wee Pads, which are specially treated absorbent pads that attract your puppy like magic. Puppies are attracted by the scent and readily learn to relieve themselves only on the heavy-duty, super absorbent pad. Just keep moving the pad closer to the door, then outside, and soon you'll find you don't need the pads anymore and your puppy is housebroken. Used in kennel cages by veterinarians.
Wee-Wee Pads for Little Dogs:
12 Pack - $8.89
28 Pack - $17.69
fourpaws.com
You can find them at any major retailer
ANIMAL HOUSE BY DIETZ DESIGNS
Animal House was designed for all animals, but especially for smaller and elderly pets that might have difficulty getting into their "parents' " beds. Inside the stairs is an electric ionic air purification system that was designed especially for Animal House. The whisper-quiet unit is easily accessible for service and can keep the pet's area odor-free. A plastic catch pan is underneath the removable, chew-resistant polypropylene floor grating, making cleanup a snap. As your pet becomes housebroken, the plastic grating can be replaced with a cushion. Pet Palace Hotel for Pets in Webster, Texas, has been the research and development facility.
dietzdesignsinc.com
Available now. Go online to contact the company for purchase information. Available in small, medium and large. Ramps are also available. They come in white, natural oak, medium and dark cherry.
Large house $830, plus stairs for large house with filtration system $290