Tuesday, April 4, 2023

14 Random-but-Useful Dog Products, Like a Poop Bag Flashlight (Genius)

 

14 Random-but-Useful Dog Products, Like a Poop Bag Flashlight (Genius)


It’s time to get rid of any pet products that aren’t working for you! The only stuff you need when it comes to your dog are the products that have proven themselves useful time and again. The random-but-useful dog products on this list run the gamut, but each serves a specific purpose and will make your life easier both on the go and at home. Whether you’ve got a toy dog breed who goes with you everywhere and needs snacks throughout the day or a big dog breed who tags along on hiking excursions and loves to wander, there’s something for you on this list.

1. Link Smart Pet Wearable Device

Tech lovers and old-fashioned dog parents alike will love Link’s Smart Dog Collar. It’s actually a small attachment you connect with your dog’s current collar, so they don’t have to get used to something new. Once affixed, download the Link app and never lose track of your pup again. Monitor their location with GPS, watch their activity, access their vet records and more. An ideal gadget for dogs who love to wander.


Hot pavement and salty, icy sidewalks alike can wreak havoc on your pup’s paws. This balm from WashBar is made with 100 percent natural ingredients including beeswax and a ton of delicious organic essential oils like apricot and copaiba oil. Not only does this stuff protect dog paws, but it can also repair cracked or dry paw pads. Safe for dogs to lick and for everyday use, it’s easy to apply and ideal for all breeds.


With more than 4,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, this dog seat cover hammock is an incredibly useful product - especially if your pup loves car rides. It’s water-repellent and incredibly durable, with four layers and extra padding. Seat anchors and a non-slip back ensure it won’t slide around while in transit. Another huge plus? You can customize how it lays depending on your needs (aka, if you need someone to sit next to your dog in the backseat, you can make that happen with the flick of a zipper).




Summertime can be dangerous for active dogs or canines who live in extremely hot climates. This is why the team at Petralyte crafted a new, tasty way for dogs to stay hydrated. Their veterinary-formulated electrolyte supplement helps dogs better absorb water and maintain a well-hydrated system. It’s ideal for hot days, post-exercise and during recovery from illness or surgery. Plus, it comes in three dog-friendly flavors and portable packaging.


5. Springer Travel Dog Bottle

If you want to keep your dog hydrated, you’re also going to need a portable water bottle. We like this one because it stands upright and all you have to do is squeeze the BPA-free bottle and water flows into the bowl on top. It’s narrow enough to fit in a car cup holder and big enough to hold 22 ounces of water. Oh, and it’s leakproof. You’re welcome!



6. Kurgo Dog Travel Food Bowl

Food on the go is a cinch with this travel food bowl. It holds up to 17 ounces of kibble and is dishwasher safe for when your travels are through. You can also store poop bags in here and use the attached poop scoop (different from the food bowl!) to clean up after your dog.





7. Earth Rated Compostable Dog Wipes

Spills happen, sometimes on your dog. If your pup happens to step in something gooey or roll in something smelly, wipe it off with Earth Rated’s compostable dog wipes. They’re made with shea butter, aloe and chamomile so they won’t dry out skin or fur or irritate sensitive pups (this also means they don’t have intense, funky scents). Carry them with you or keep them in the car for spur-of-the-moment cleaning sessions.




8. Blulu Poop Bag Holder With Led Flashlight

Walking your dog at night can be nice, until they poop and you have to squint and feel around in the dark to figure out where it is. Instead of using your phone light (no one wants to drop their phone into dog poop), try this poop bag holder with a built-in flashlight. Just 4.3” x 1.6” in size, clip the holder onto your belt loop, backpack or leash.





9. Paw Lifestyles Dog Treat Training Pouch

It’s easy to see why this training pouch is a best seller on Amazon. Ideal for new puppies in constant training mode, you can keep training treats, small toys and your own stuff in here while out and about. Never miss an opportunity to teach your dog new skills with this pouch! Folks who use clickers can clip them onto the D-rings along the side. Wear the pouch around your waist like a fanny pack, over the shoulder with a strap or hooked onto a belt.



A crate that doubles as a table—and it’s stylish? Yes, please! This crate from Fable is a favorite among dog owners not only because it’s manufactured with premium bentwood but because it looks pretty. Choose between white metal or acrylic for the gate. Though it doesn’t automatically come with a bed.





AMAZON

11. Dyson Groom, Groom Tool

Dogs who are big-time shedders might require a few extra accouterments when it comes to grooming. This tool attaches directly to 18 different Dyson vacuum models so you can brush and clean up the hairy mess at the same time. It works well for medium- and long-haired breeds and you can adjust the brush bristle length as you go.



12. Kurgo Swivel Seat-belt Tether

Car rides are fun, as long as they’re safe! Clicking your dog into a seatbelt adds an extra layer of safety in the event of an accident. This tether makes that possible. A screw gate keeps the carabiner in place and a swivel head prevents your pup from getting tangled in the seatbelt. Kurgo recommends using this tether with harnesses rather than collars.



13.Petmedics Pet Soothing Noise Machine

This is a game-changer for pups who get anxious at certain times of the day. It contains three preloaded music tracks (reggae, classical, soft rock) that play for either an hour or all day, depending on the mode you choose. You can even opt for the noise-activated mode which automatically turns the machine on when things like fireworks or construction sounds are detected.




14. Greenies Pill Pockets For Dogs

Feeding pets pills is a nightmare most of the time. Pill Pockets make it about a thousand times easier. Simply stuff the pill your dog needs to take into the pocket and squeeze it shut - these are soft chews that easily wrap around pills and make medicine taste good. They’re also vet-recommended and low in fat.

























Sunday, April 2, 2023

The 7 Best Dog Car Seats Because They’re Travel Game-Changers

The 7 Best Dog Car Seats Because They’re Travel Game-Changers

Flying on an airplane these days can be pricey and stressful—let alone with a dog in tow. Plus, if you’re the proud owner of a large breed, you know car rides are sometimes the only way to bring your pet along for the, well, ride. This is why many pet owners prefer road trips to flights. For long road trips with pets, car seats are game changers. They make everyone safer which means more fun for the whole family (even if family is just you and Bridger). Here are some of the best dog car seats you can buy right now. Time to get packing!


What to look for when buying a dog car seat


Dog car seats are the answer to your concerns about safe doggy driving practices! Equipment designed to keep canines from flying around in the event of an accident or sudden stop is a wise investment. When buying a dog car seat, you’ll come across three primary styles: harnesses, seats and crates. Harnesses go on your dog, your dog goes in seats and crates. The car seat or restraint you need totally depends on your dog.

Your dog’s size and weight is the biggest factor when it comes to buying a dog car seat. Check the specs to make sure the product works for your dog’s size. There are some harnesses ill-suited for breeds with large chest cavities like Greyhounds or Borzois, so be sure to double check all warnings and labels. Generally speaking, it’s best to crate a large breed in the backseat or trunk.


Next, try your darndest to purchase a dog car seat that has been crash-tested. The Center for Pet Safety says products tend to fall into one of two categories: distraction prevention or crash protection. Both are good, but crash protection is ideal. CPS encourages pet parents to look for their official safety seal on products. Harnesses, crates and seats must go through a rigorous testing process to receive this CPS certification and the organization posts crash-testing videos on their site for transparency.

If your dog loves to roam in the car, a crate may be the best option. If Bridger enjoys sitting quietly and staring out the window, a seat may do the trick. Are daily car trips in your dog’s future or is a car ride a very special, rare treat? A harness you can slide a seatbelt through is a quick option, whereas buckling a crate or seat in (perhaps after installing a waterproof seat cover) might take about 15 minutes. Decide what you’ll realistically be able to do every time your dog gets into the car.


Ideally, your dog's car seat will be easy to clean. Though your pup may not have many accidents, paws get muddy, drool is common and hair goes everywhere. If you can’t wipe it down or toss it in the wash, we say hard pass.









1. Pet Safety Seat Belt

Best Harness Overall

Weight Limit: 18 to 90 pounds

Material: Nylon, Neoprene padding

Pet safety seat belt makes tons of travel accessories for jet-setting pets. This safety seat belt is one of the few that has received the CPS seal of approval. Its design (which was crash-tested in the same way child safety restraints are) distributes force to three different areas throughout the padded harness so your dog doesn’t feel one harsh point of impact. Oh, and the straps are made with seatbelt-grade material.

Pros: CPS certified, works for large breeds

Cons: Not ideal for toy and small breeds

Check Price On Amazon



2. Kurgo Tru-fit Smart Harness

Best Budget Harness

Weight Limit: 75 pounds

Material: Polyester, Nylon, Synthetic Fabric

Some dogs don’t need—or want—a cushy seat. They just want to be clipped in like their humans! This harness has been crash tested for animals weighing up to 75 pounds. Clip it to the seatbelt in your car and simply unclip when you arrive at your destination. You can also clip your leash to it for pit stops and it saves space in jam-packed vehicles. Be sure to purchase the size (it comes in XS to XL) best-suited for your pup. Kurgo products come with a lifetime warranty, so don’t worry about this harness’ longevity.

Pros: Crash-tested, available in wide variety of sizes

Cons: Some reviewers claim their dogs easily wiggled out of the harness


Check Price On Amazon




3. Petmate Ruffmaxx Travel Carrier

Best Budget Crate

Dimensions: Large measures 40" L x 27" W x 30" H

Weight Limit: 90 pounds

Material: Plastic

This crate gets the job done whether you’re driving or flying. It’s compatible with most airline travel requirements for dogs and PetMate says it can be secured in a vehicle for highway travel. Both sides and the front gate offer plenty of ventilation. With almost 800 five-star reviews on Amazon, it’s hard to deny what plenty of dog parents already know: This is a solid crate option for traveling pups.

Pros: Available in variety of sizes, lightweight

Cons: No CPS certification or crash testing


Check Price On Amazon



4. Swihelp Pet Car Booster Seat

Best-Seller on Amazon

Dimensions: Measures 15” L x 12.5” W x 9.5” H

Weight Limit: 10 to 15 pounds

Material: Nylon, mesh

As the number-one best-selling booster seat on Amazon, this car seat is ideal for small pups. It collapses for better storage yet provides sturdy support during your drive with PVC pipes inserted into the rim during set-up. It’s also waterproof. One note: The images show it attached to the front seat. Again, we don’t condone this! Plop this booster in the back and make sure all three of its connection points are secure.

Pros: East to assemble and install

Cons: Not CPS-certified or crash tested

Check Price On Amazon



5. Petsafe Happy Ride Deluxe Booster Seat For Dogs

Best for Small Dogs Who Love Windows

Dimensions: XL measures 20” L x 14” W x 10” H

Weight Limit: 25 pounds

Material: Polyester exterior, fleece lining

Yes, dogs love sticking their heads out windows. Yes, it’s cute! No, it’s not safe. But, if your pup really wants to see out the window and is too short to reach, this booster seat is the perfect perch. There are three sizes available for dogs up to 25 pounds. It’s got more than 10,000 five-star reviews, including one user who said this booster seat kept her dog secure during a high-speed crash. (Be sure to follow instructions to ensure a secure installation.)

Pros: Comes with option to secure harness to a safety tether, allows dogs to see out windows

Cons: Not CPS-certified

Check Price On Amazon



6. K&h Pet Products Travel Safety Pet Carrier

Best for Dogs Who Like to Roam

Dimensions: Large measures 29.5” L x 22” W x 25.5” H

Weight Limit: 40 pounds

Material: Mesh, synthetic fabric

Letting your dog roam around the car is a great way to get distracted and make mistakes while driving. Please don’t do this. Instead, invest in a dog car seat that completely envelops your pup without suffocating him or cutting him off from the group. This carrier has three entry points, mesh walls and a plush pad for maximum comfort. It’s collapsible too, which means easy storage if you’re on a road trip and need to stash it upon arrival. Install by clipping straps around the headrest and securing with a seatbelt.

Pros: Prevents distraction, can soothe puppy anxiety

Cons: Not CPS certified or crash-tested

Check Price On Amazon



7. Snoozer Luxury Lookout Pet Car Seat

Best for Anxious Dogs

Dimensions: Medium is 19 in. L x 22 in. W x 17 in. H

Weight Limit: 25 pounds

Material: Nylon exterior, fleece lining

Do car rides make your pup anxious? Give him something cushy to lay on! Lined with lamb’s wool and cushioned with firm foam, this booster works well to lull your dog to sleep or give him a stellar view of the outside world. This might also be a good option for dogs who get motion sickness. Treating a car ride like naptime could improve their experience. A seat belt hooks into this booster to keep it sturdy and there’s a tether clip to keep your pup in their chair.

Pros: Removable and washable cover, eases carsickness

Cons: Not-CPS certified, not for large breeds


Check Price On Amazon

























14 Random-but-Useful Dog Products, Like a Poop Bag Flashlight (Genius)

  14 Random-but-Useful Dog Products, Like a Poop Bag Flashlight (Genius) It’s time to get rid of any pet products that aren’t working for yo...