The Best New Pet Products of 2014

Have you ever heard of SuperZoo? For those who work in the pet industry, it’s a must stop to find new foods, treats, toys, nutraceuticals (i.e., supplements), leashes, beds, and other pet products hitting the market. 

SuperZoo is held in (Fabulous) Las Vegas, NV right in the middle of summer.  Once inside the vendor area, attendees are treated to seemingly countless aisles of products catering to the needs of our canine, feline, and more exotic-species companions.

SuperZoo’s created endless “neighborhoods,” each featuring a diverse array of offerings, including:

• Ingredients Row, which highlights the nutritional aspects of ingredients going into pet foods and treats.
• Rodeo Drive, which is (as one expects) where interested pet parents can find the latest in canine and feline couture and accessories.
• Nature’s Pathway, which played host to The Honest Kitchen’s booth and was where I spent most of my time. It’s where pet owners can find the “best in natural, holistic and organic products” and “forward thinking, eco-conscious innovators to see their health-promoting pet products.” Sounds like the right place for me.
• Groomer’s Court is where all things grooming can be found, including the Groomer SuperShow where top canine stylists battle it out for monetary and other prizes. Some remarkable canine cuts and shocking coat colors could be witnessed here.
• Critter Alley caters to birds, pocket pets, and other exotic creature, is sponsored by North American Pet, and is geared to the retailer who offer “tanks and aquariums, food and feeders, filters and pond supplies.”
• Aquatic Terrace is where all things fish can be found, “from tanks and aquariums to foods, filters, and pond supplies.”
• New Exhibitor Road presented the newest pet products that could benefit my clients and patients.

Here are the most intriguing products:

ActivPhy — As the majority of my patients are geriatric dogs having some degree of the mobility compromise, veterinarians are often called into the patient-care fold to consult and provide pain relief. The goal is always to reduce reliance on prescription drugs potentially having mild to severe side effects, so the use of nutraceuticals is very common in veterinary practice.

MagicLatch — Safety is a topic may veterinarians are passionate about. MagicLatch is a magnetic device that allows the dog owner to easily attach a leash to a collar. This is great for senior citizens or for any person having challenge using their hands.

The K9 Fitvest Exercise Sport Vest and Cool Vest make your dog’s exercise sessions appropriately more challenging, or provide cooling during the warmer months. 

Since greater than 50 percent of pets in the United States are overweight or obese, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), veterinarians are always interested in promoting canine and feline fitness whenever possible.

The Cool Vest seems to be an asset to performance dogs or those undergoing physical rehabilitation, as it serves to both cool the body in hot climates and provide a cooling effect to muscles post-workout.

Of course, the use of any product placed on a pet that has a “weighting-down” effect should always be overseen by the dog’s veterinarian to ensure that exercise is performed as safely as possible.

Cycle Dog Ecolast Toys — For fans of recycling and repurposing materials for better use, here is a interesting company. Ecolast Toys are “made from a blend of High Durability rubber and post-consumer recycled rubber from bicycle inner tubes. Cycle Dog Ecolast toys are the first molded pet toys made from post-consumer recycled materials. The toys are nontoxic, durable and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.”

Dog Fashion Spa Essential Oils for Dog Relaxation — Those looking for alternative means by which dog owners can calm their anxious or stressed pooches instead of simply relying on sedatives or anxiolytic (anxiety-relieving) drugs should take a look at Essential Oils for Dog Relaxation.

Pet owners should just make sure this product is only used externally on dogs, and not at all on cats, as felines are more prone to toxicity from essential oils (especially Tea Tree Oil) owing to their proficiency with self-grooming.

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