This weekend is the 4th of July and everyone across the country is celebrating with backyard barbecues, picnics, family gatherings, and of course, fireworks! Although this is a time for pet owners to have fun and relax, it can be the most stressful time of year for pets. According to the Humane Society of America, most shelters retrieve a huge amount of strays the day after July 4th because of the number of animals who run off in fear of the noisy celebration. Some animals don't seem to be bothered by the noise, however, others become very frightened and act in strange, unpredictable ways. Animals have an acute sense of hearing and the unexpected explosion of fireworks can trigger anxiety and cause alarm.
As part of APPA's Pets Add Life (PAL) campaign promoting responsible pet ownership, we urge all pet owners to keep their pets indoors in a sheltered quiet area to avoid nervous or frightened behavior- your pet can join the fun after the fireworks show is over!
Through our Pets Add Life Campaign, we have launched a national children's pet poetry contest to engage our nation's youth in the joy and excitement of pet ownership. Third grade students from around the nation have submitted poems about their pets, what they love about them and the joys they bring which you can read online at www.petsaddlife.org/poetry_contest/entries/. From March 1st - May 15th we have received more than 300 poems from students all over the country. From tales of lost loves to stories of fun times in the sun, these students poetically describe the joy and memories with their greatest furry companions.
Now that all of the poems have been submitted, the next stage will be the judging process. Our panel of judges will select the top 5 most creative, well-written, inspiring and/or compelling pet poems. There will be 5 grand prize winners whose classrooms will each receive the $1,000 scholarship for pet related education. Winners will also receive pet products and a "by-line" in a nationally circulated publication and their classroom will win a $1,000 scholarship to spend on pet related education.
Stay tuned for the announcement of the top 5 PAL pet poetry contest winners!
Around the world people are making conscious efforts to help our planet Earth, and the pet industry is no exception. From natural litter to toys, accessories and organic food options, earth-friendly pet products are sprouting up everywhere.
The American Pet Products Association (APPA) has compiled some of the most useful and innovative, environmentally-friendly pet products designed with both the pet and planet in mind.
The Associated Press recently announced Obama's family has introduced a new family member to the White House - a 6-month-old Portuguese water dog named Bo!
Throughout the day Saturday, celebrity websites and bloggers were circulating rumors of the first family's selection of Portuguese water dog and one site even claimed it had pictures of the future first pet! The rumor turned out to be true and Obama's promise to his daughters was honored.
Bo is sure to get the best presidential care and deserves only the coolest and most popular puppy products and theAmerican Pet Products Association (APPA) has the top picks to help the Obama family's newest addition settle into the White House with ease.
Nearly every puppy will have an accident in the house, but with the Simple Solution Jumpstart Training Pads, it will be easier than ever to keep the house White. The training pads use the pet's own "language"to encourage dog's instinctive marking behavior and the durable lining protects the floors. Whenever the family or staff sees the puppy starting into their "pre-potty pattern", such as walking around and sniffing the floor, they just gently pick the pup up without talking, carry it over to the pad and then praise the pup when they go to the bathroom. www.simplesolution.com
The First Family can never be too protected and with Kurgo's Skybox Booster Seat not only can small dogs travel with the busy family, but it also provides a safe means of transportation for both the puppy and the family. Kurgo's Skybox Booster Seat installs quickly and securely to the car or limousine seats and includes an adjustable tether that can easily attach to any dog harness. www.kurgo.com
For the jet setting pooch, Kurgo's Wander Carrier is a must-have for trips on board Air Force 1. The padded adjustable shoulder strap makes the Wander Carrier easy to carry and the padded mesh interior makes it a comfortable spot for the popular pup to take in the views. The Wander Carrier also fits compliance guidelines for most pet-friendly commercial airlines, as it easily fits below the seat in front of you. www.kurgo.com
The new pup is sure to become a trendsetter for pups everywhere and will need only the coolest grooming products available. Pet Head by Bed Head TIGI has a complete line of shampoos, creme and rinses and sprays are specially formulated to suit a cool a canine lifestyle. Each funky-named bottle comes in an edgy, eye-catching Bed Head-style package, and is sure to leave the First pup smelling fresh and hip. Check them out at www.pethead.com
The presidential pup deserves only the healthiest treats while growing and learning. Newman's Own Organic Training Treats are the healthy way to get the new pup ready for its new lavish lifestyle. They are made with organic chicken and organic grains and without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. The training sticks break easily without crumbling and are easy for owners to carry while out and about giving speeches and meeting with world leaders. www.newmansorganics.com/pet
With the Drinkwell 360 Pet Fountain by Veterinary Ventures, Inc. the important pooch will never have to wait for his turn for a drink when his socialite friends come over. The Pet Fountain allows multiple pets including cats and dogs their own fresh flowing stream of water from any angle. By a simple turn, the flow control cap easily adjusts the intensity of the streams of water to match any spoiled pets' preference. www.petfountain.com
Pet Head by Bed Head TIGI offers a line of apparel and accessories - only for cool dogs, and what is more cool than being the presidential pup? With hats, ties, collared shirts and cuffs for boys, and dresses, necklaces, and jewel crusted shirts for girls, this pup is sure to be paparazzi-ready. www.petheadshop.com
The Pet Loo by Pup-Pee Solutions was invented to provide peace of mind to buys dog-loving professionals, for those in-between times when they find themselves unable to walk their dog. The Pet Loo is a lightweight box with synthetic grass that fits on a balcony or anywhere inside an apartment, so that the new pup can relieve itself when its owner can't be there. This is great for the traveling First Family while away from their house or the convenience of a backyard. www.thepetloo.com
For the developing jaw and soft teeth of puppies, Planet Dog offers a new line of dog toys designed especially for the playful new family member. The line includes Squeaky Baby Blanket Buddies and Squeaky Alphabet Blocks, fleece toys that mimic the timeless, ultra-soft baby blanket material that babies love so much and are available in the puppy pink and puppy blue colors. With the different chewing habits of puppies from adult dogs, Planet Dog has designed the toys with strong durable material that is soft and pliable, perfect for a developing bite. www.planetdog.com
The American Pet Products Associations' (APPA) National Children's Pet Poetry Contest is now accepting pet related poems from our third grade students nationwide! It's easy to apply. Third graders just have to create a poem (keep it under 100 words) about anything pet-related (what they love about their pet, the joys they bring, the games they play, etc...) Five winners will be selected nationwide and will win a gift basket of pet products, their poem will be published in a NATIONALLY circulated publication, AND their classroom will receive a $1,000 scholarship to spend on pet-related education! Deadline for submissions is May 15, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. EST< and you can visit www.petsaddlife.org to upload your child's poem, or for more information.
A venue for pet-loving entrepreneurs, this year's Global Pet Expo featured a multitude of the industry's up and coming product innovations and advancements. From dog raincoats and pet fashion accessories to the latest grooming products and upgrades in pet toys, this year's trade show had it all!
After four days of walking the huge trade show floor of the Orange County Convention Center, I noticed three clear themes in the new products being introduced at this year's Global Pet Expo.
Eco-friendly products with organic ingredients were a big hit this year. The 'Going Green' idea has seemingly hit a new market, raising awareness about environmentally friendly practices and products that affect our pets. Pet owners adhering to sustainable living are now making decisions for their pets that align with their eco-friendly lifestyle.
In support of our local economy, the trend of manufacturing products within the United States was a big theme this year along with the trend of producing pet products that enhance animal intelligence. Toys are great for pet entertainment, but why not purchase a toy that will stimulate their mind as well? Such products including food puzzles for dogs and cats and training kits for fish were very popular.
This year, for the first time ever, Global Pet Expo awarded five companies Becker's Best in Show. Veterinarian Correspondent to "Good Morning America" and Pet Connection's Dr. Marty Becker selected five finalists including the Bolt Frolicat Laser Light, a better operated laser toy that will keep your cat entertained for hours, the Drinkwell 360 Pet Fountain which allows pets to access fresh-flowing filtered water from any angle, the Contech Pet Compass, a transmitter that attaches to a collar and allows tracking within a half-mile, the High Viz dog toy designed to appeal to the colors dogs see best and the Bissell ShedAway Pet Grooming Vacuum Attachment - a vacuum attachment that for your dog - not the furniture!
Global Pet Expo's new product showcase was filled with incredible innovations and I assume it must have been a difficult decision for judges to decide the hottest new products of the year. In the Aquatics Category the digPETS R2 Fish School was named the top new product of the year. This school for fish has everything you need to teach your fish amazing tricks. In the Birds Best Category, Fetch-It Pets Inc., PollyWanna Pinata - Bird Toy & Treat In On was awarded first place. This pinata provides birds hours of fun chewing exercise and playtime leaving them a surprise treat once they nibble through the pinata. In the Boutique Category,Global Pet Expo named Hip Doggie Inc. New Collars/Harnesses number one for best of show. The studded, multi-colored collars and harnesses are great for the fashion conscious pet owner and popular amongst celebrities. Lucky Litter LLC FroliCat BOLT won first place in the Cat Category for best of show and Dogmatic Products Inc. Lasso won first place in the Dog Category. Dogmatic's Lasso is a retractable leash that quickly locks to everyday objects such as meters and light posts, with a detaching and extending arm- even with large objects, one can easily circle the lead around the object then lock it.
For more information about Global Pet Expo's Best of Show Products, please visit www.globalpetexpo.org.
Here are some great Valentine's Day products for your dog and cat! Edible rawhide cards, bake at home dog treats, heart shaped catnip toys, Pedhead dirty talk shampoo, kissable dog toothbrush and toothpaste, glimmer spray, breath spray and spritzer from the American Pet Products Association.
