Pet trends with benefits

(BPT) - What are the latest pet trends that will impact you and your furry friends tomorrow? Petrendologist Charlotte Reed discusses 12 trends that affect both you and your pet. “By researching your pet product choices, you are ensuring safer and healthier animal family members as well as their environment for years to come, without breaking the bank,” she says.

1. Farm fresh diets

To keep their pets active and healthy on the inside and outside, pet parents are looking for all USA-made and sourced natural and fresh diets. Evanger’s Dog And Cat Food Company sources its ingredients within 50 miles of its pet food manufacturing facility to make healthier combinations of fresh, hand-packed meats, fruits and veggies for dogs, cats and ferrets.

2. Offering eco-friendly litter

Each year, over 2 million tons of clay and other chemical litters are disposed of into U.S. landfills. Instead of compromising the environment, cat owners have a choice to use biodegradable and flushable litters like okocat. Made from reclaimed wood sources and featuring a natural, bacteria inhibiting quality, okocat natural cat litters have amazing absorption powers and odor control. Just scoop out clumped waste daily and the litter lasts for weeks, even months.  

3. The dish on the dish

A stainless steel pet dish is affordable, durable, easy-to-care for and offers additional health benefits for pets and their people. Stainless steel pet dishes do not promote bacteria growth and can easily be washed by hand or by dishwasher. Featuring a blend of fashion and function, the Bella Bowls Designer Collection features stainless steel interiors with attractive, poly-resin exteriors. Their removable rubber base prevents skids and spills, eliminating kitchen hazards and noise.

4. Research your pet product choices

According to the American Animal Hospital Association and the American College of Veterinary Dermatology, pets need sunscreen, too! “Use Epi-Pet Sun Protector Spray, the only Federal Drug Administration compliant pet sunscreen on short-haired; light colored; hairless; and Golden retrievers, Boxers and other dogs that are susceptible to skin cancer,” says Michael Fleck, DMV, the creator of the Epi-Pet - a high performance skin and ear care product line. Contained in a sports bottle, Epi-Pet Sun Protector Spray allows you to turn the bottle upside down, making it easier to spray your dog all over.

5. Dog chew on this

Oral care is a growing trend among pet owners for a good reason. According to the Veterinary Oral Health Council, 80 percent of adult dogs and cats are affected by three years of age. Daily chewing activities can be effective in maintaining oral health. WHIMZEES dental dog chews are a solution because their knobby, whimsical shapes promote better circulation to gums and teeth for improved dental health. Additionally, they are tasty as well as grain, corn and gluten free; digestible; and vegetarian.

6. I spy my pets

Technological advances are improving the lives of humans and pets on a daily basis. Pet tech products on the market can help you take care of your pets with ease and without stress, especially if you have an older, ill or special needs pet at home. Motorola Scout66 WIFI Video Pet Camera allows pet parents to have two-way communication with their pets from wherever they are via a compatible smartphone, tablet or computer via the new Hubble Connected application. Infrared night vision helps you stay in touch with what's going on in the room, even in very low light levels. The camera can also easily be wall mounted. Room temperature display and alerts make sure pets are not too hot during summer months and not too cold during the winter. 

7. One size doesn’t fit all

Small animals such as rabbits, gerbils, hamsters and guinea pigs are among some of America’s most popular pets, but to-date, little has been done to offer a higher level of behavior-based and eco-friendly solutions. As a result, carefresh is introducing the first, species-specific small animal bedding line, designed specifically for their unique needs. Now hamsters, gerbils, mice and rats can burrow into their bedding, while rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas can nest on top of their bedding. Also, carefresh custom products are made from scratch by blending naturally absorbent, reclaimed paper fiber with proprietary odor control ingredients to suppress ammonia odors for 10 days - keeping your home smelling fresh and clean longer.

8. Made in the USA

After numerous pet food and treat recalls, pet parents are looking for safe, made in the United States, natural dog treats at an affordable price. Natural Value USA Dog Treats from Loving Pets are wheat-free, soy-free and gluten-free; they are made in the US with 100 percent domestically-sourced ingredients with a price pet parents can’t ignore. Give ‘em whole or break-up ‘em for training. An added pet perk is all varieties are also grain-free.

9. Protecting pet eyes

UV radiation can harm skin, but many people don’t realize that exposure can also harm the eyes, even your pet's eyes. For true eye protection, Doggles offers the first and only protective eye wear designed for just dogs! Providing total UV protection, shatterproof lenses and anti-fog treatment on the inside of the lenses, Doggles ILS (Interchangeable Lens System) are suited to all dog head shapes and sizes. Fashionable lenses are interchangeable and replaceable. So whether your best friend accompanies you on a motorcycle ride, loves to sunbathe or is sensitive to light, Doggles will be sure to keep their precious eyes safe.

10. Car safety matters

Studies show that 56 percent of American pet owners travel with their pets, yet many are unaware of vital safety measures and products available to keep our beloved traveling companions safe. Whether you are taking a trip to the dog park or hitting the road for vacation, confine your beloved pet to prevent driver distractions. Purchase crash tested, car harnesses, carriers and other gear, like the PetEgo ISOFIX-Latch Connection for Jet Set Carriers. This one-of-a-kind system has passed the most stringent FMVSS 213 crash test, which is also used to test child safety seats. Now, your small/medium size dog can be as safe as your child in the car.

11. Dog train your pooch to better health

According to a study by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, an estimated 52.6 percent of dogs and 57.6 percent of cats are overweight or obese. Overweight pets can have the same health problems as humans: diabetes; heat intolerance; skin conditions; reproductive; and digestive problems and more. According to Krista Wickens, president of FitPAWS USA, “purposeful exercise should be part of every canine life stage to build stronger healthier bodies and better connections with our dogs." FitPAWS USA products were developed to deliver innovative canine fitness and rehabilitation to help dogs live longer lives. Take your dog's behavior, fitness and fun to a whole new level.

12. A collection of protection

With the growing concern of vector-born diseases for humans and pets, pet owners are seeking more than their monthly topical or tablet protection from fleas, ticks and other parasites. The Insect Shield For Pets collection includes blankets, reversible beds, exercise pens, cots, cargo seat covers, premium tees, lightweight hoodies, safety vests, bandanas, and neck gaiters - all with built-in, EPA-registered, Insect Shield bug protection. Insect Shield pet products repel mosquitoes, ticks, flies and fleas. The protection is effective, odorless and long-lasting.