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QuickFinder Claw Cutter

QuickFinder was probably the most innovative new product on display at the Global Pet Expo last week in San Diego.

It's a claw cutter that detects the Quick in an animal's claw, and alerts you where and where not to cut. This way you avoid cutting blood vessels and nerve bundles.

The photo on the right is of Tripp Manheimer, inventor of the QuickFinder.

There are three colored lights on the handle: red for "don't cut", yellow for "caution", and green for "safe to cut". It's guaranteed to eliminate cutting worries, and works on dogs, cats, and bird, of all claw density types, even black claws.

It's manufactured by a company called MiracleCorp, which makes other grooming products, but won't be available until August of 2006.

Via PetGadgets.com

Driving Licenses for Dogs

In Vienna, Austria, they implemented a new licensing program for dogs called, "Driving Licenses for Dogs".

It's not a license to drive cars, but an "obedience license" for dog owners, demonstrating their ability to handle their pet in public.

It's not a mandatory license, but just something to let Vienese dog owners boast about.

It comes with a written test, and an "driving test", where a dog owner takes its dog out for a walk and demonstrates dog handling etiquette, like muzzling a dog, and picking up poop.

The license is actually more of a test to address a big problem in Vienna with dog poop laying on city sidewalks. Thousands of people signed a petition to force the city to find a solution to the 5 to 10 tons of dog excrement produced daily.

Trophy EMT Spray

Trophy Animal Health Care is offering a new first aid spray for animals and pets called, "EMT Spray".

It's a non-stinging spray that includes Bitrex™, a bitter tasting substance that prevents dogs from biting or licking their wounds, while also providing rapid healing.

The company says that EMT Spray contains the same collagen as their EMT Gel and is effective for many types of wounds and skin problems including: hot spots, first and second degree burns, foot pad injuries, cuts, abrasions and flesh tears. It's also said to reduce bleeding, pain and itching.

Designed for portability, it comes in a 1oz plastic pump spray bottle, retailing for $13.50.

Buying Purebred Dogs From Mexico

The National Animal Interest Alliance, a group that supports responsible animal and pet welfare, issued an audio release warning people about buying purebred dogs from Mexico. This made me wonder if there is an increase in the number of Americans buying foreign-bred puppies. If there is, why? Is it because prices are cheaper? Well, I'm not convinced prices are cheaper. These dogs are not purchased in Mexico, rather they are shipped to the United States, and sold through a variety of outlets, anywhere from newspapers, to pet shops, to online classifieds. I tend to believe it's the result of so many federal and state laws that make it difficult for American breeders to do business. At the heart of the issue are puppy mills. Instead of government spending money to bust the puppy millers, they instead resort to cheaper solutions, by enacting "budget neutral" laws that make it difficult for breeders to operate a business. The problem with this is that puppy mills don't abide by laws. However, ethical breeders do, and it's making it difficult for them to stay in business, and has reduced the supply of purebred puppies in America. Hence, these laws have created a growing dog breeding industry in Mexico. The end result of these laws is that there are still more puppies being bred throughout the world than ever before, but they are being bred more sickly. If our government spends more time and money busting the puppy mills, instead of enacting more restrictive laws, then there won't be a demand for foreign-born puppies. Let the ethical breeders flourish in America, and we won't have to worry about disease stricken Mexican puppies.

Dogs Chasing Rabbits to Become Illegal

The State of California is considering a new law that will make it illegal for dogs to chase after rabbits.

The proposed bill, AB 2110, introduced by Assemblywoman Loni Hancock (D), outlaws the sport of "Live Field Coursing". However, it's written in such a way to apply to any situation where a dog owner is aware their dog is free to chase rabbits...

(b) For the purposes of this section, "live field coursing" includes any activity in which a dog is left untethered and allowed to track and pursue any rabbit, hare, or fox and that results in the injury or death of the rabbit, hare, or fox.

So, if you know your dog likes to chase rabbits in the backyard, and you allow it to do so, you will become a criminal if that rabbit is harmed, and may serve up to six months in a county jail, or a $1,000 fine.

The issue of Field Coursing became overblown when the ABC News affiliate in San Francisco ran a story that covered the sport. Instead of portraying it as a beagling competition for hounds and beagles, they used words like, "Blood Sport", "slow terrible death", and "some of the pictures might be disturbing".

They've managed to turn a centuries old sport into a "rabbit rights" issue.

Doggie Thong for Farting Dogs

A company called Flat-D Innovations, Inc. is selling a thong for dogs designed to make farts smell better. Dubbed, "The Dogone", it's an activated charcoal cloth that traps the foul smelling odors from the passing wind. It's washable and reusable. It uses elastic straps for flexibility, and suspender clips to make the thong adjustable. They also provide quick release when its time for poochie to do its business. $19.99 from Flat-D

California Natural - Herring and Sweet Potato

Natura Pet Products is offering a new flavor in its line of California Natural dog foods. "Herring and Sweet Potato" is a dry dog food, formulated to be complete and balanced. Product literature goes on to say that "the single source of protein from the herring offers a palatable source of omega 3 fatty acids and omega 6 fatty acids along with vitamin E for its antioxidant properties to provide for a lustrous coat, smooth skin and a healthy immune system." Available in 5 lb. (2.5kg), 20 lb. (9.1kg) and 36 lb. (16.3kg) stand up bags, the formula contains no wheat, corn or corn oil, soy, beef, turkey, pork, milk, yeast, eggs, artificial preservatives, artificial flavoring, added coloring or by-products. Visit the company's store locator for retailers.

Waterless Bath

Natural Chemistry, Inc. is offering a new product called, "Waterless Bath". You just spray it on, and it removes odors, excess oils and stains from animal coats, and contains an aloe moisturizing agent leaving dogs smelling fresh and clean. No bathing required. Waterless Bath is an enzyme-based cleaning solution that breaks down undesirable organic materials safely and effectively. It's billed as a great way for groomers that have just bathed a pet to freshen it up or remove some soiling before the customer arrives.

More Information on the MicroID Collar

Last week I wrote about the MicroID Collar, the winning product idea in the IdeaFetch contest. I mentioned that the idea was not new, and that the Top Tag Pet ID predated it. I was contacted by Amanda Leesburg, who handles communications with PetSafe, the company that hosted the IdeaFetch contest. She pointed out the differences between the two products, which justified the MicroID Collar as being an innovative new pet product idea. The biggest difference is that MicroID's flash card is embedded into the collar, while Top Tag's flash card hangs from the collar. The embedded collar concept was tested with consumers, which they preferred because it avoided potential problems with the tag getting caught in heater grates and fences. Moreover, the MicroID Collar has a toll-free number on the collar, in case a finder can't use the USB jack.

Sentry Natural Defense

Sergeant's Pet Care Products, Inc. unveiled its Sentry Natural Defense line of flea, tick and mosquito control products last week at the Global Pet Expo. The company claims it's the first natural product formulation from a major pet products manufacturer clinically shown to kill fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. They claim to have clinical data showing that Sentry Natural Defense products kill or repel high percentages of insects within the first 24 hours and have efficacy rates comparable to some of the leading conventional flea and tick products. Sentry Natural Defense uses natural pesticide botanicals such as peppermint oil, cinnamon oil, lemon grass oil and thyme oil. The company expects to start shipping its new product to PETCO and other retailers this April. Update: Geoff Mott over at PetGadgets says that Sergeant's also bakes cookies using these ingredients.

31% of Americans Prefer to Sleep With a Pet

Carpenter Co., which makes pillows and mattress pads, released the findings of its "Sleep Better" survey. Among the findings is that 31% of Americans who own a pet, allow their pet to sleep in bed with them. The Sleep Better survey was conducted to find out the leading causes of poor sleep, hence this finding was presented as a reason why people don't sleep well. Carpenter Co. got together with Dr. Michael Breus, a sleep expert, to comment on the findings, which he replied... Co-sleeping is certainly a preference and there is some data to suggest it helps promote a better relationship, but co-sleeping with an animal is not really a good idea. Sleeping with pets in the bed can cause an increase in allergen exposure, frequent awakenings due to movement, and in some cases fleas! I suppose its a valid argument, but if pet owners are already allowing their pets to sleep with them, it's probably because it's not a bother to them. We ran some articles on this subject before: More People Are Sleeping With Their Dogs (Jan 2005) - 40% of pet owners sleep with a dog, up from 34% in 1998. 2 Out of 3 Sleep With Their Dog (Feb 2005) - Pet owners find that sleeping with a spouse is more bothersome than sleeping with a pet SnoreStop for Pets (Nov 2005) - New product stops dogs from snoring, letting pet owners sleep more comfortably

Is This the World's Ugliest Dog?

Dane Andrew of Sunnyvale, CA, has put out a press release touting his Chinese Crested, named Rascal, is the reigning "World's Ugliest Dog". Rascal, The only living and competing Ugly dog to hold the coveted "Ring of Champions" title which makes him the current "World's Ugliest Dog". Originally won the contest at the Sonoma Marin Fair. Andrews says Rascal does not get shaved, and is naturally hairless except for his mohawk and some hair on his tail and feet. He also has no teeth, and is not able to keep his tongue in his mouth. Rascal comes from a dynasty of "Ugly Doy Royalty", with his Mom, Grandmother, and Grandfather all having held the title of "The World's Ugliest Dog". Rascal's Grandfather "Chi Chi" is in the Guinness Book of World Records for winning the most ugly dog contests and was undefeated with 7 ugly dog wins. Andrews goes on to say that Rascal may be the only dog, along with his Mom "Mai Tai" to receive a Mayoral proclamation. I dunno. Personally, I think Rascal is more cute than he is ugly. What do you folks think? Is Rascal ugly, or he is cute?

Canine Caviar - Venison Tripe

Canine Caviar Pet Foods Inc. added a new variety to its line of Canine Caviar pet food. "Venison Tripe" contains nothing but pure venison tripe and water, and is intended for both dogs and cats. (ya gotta do something with deer utensils right?) The company also offers Gourmet Beaver (made with ground beaver), among other varieties.

Latka's Dog Biscuits - Cheese

Latka's Doggie Treats are now offering their Dog Biscuits in new Cheese flavor. They're said to be made with all natural, wholesome, human grade ingredients, including Parmesan cheese. They contain no sugar, salt, preservatives, coloring, or additives. Sold in a handled box, the biscuits come in shapes of mini bones, 1 1/2 inch ovals and rectangles. They have a shelf life of six months.

Precise Plus Adds Puppy Formula

Precise Pet Products has added a puppy variety to its line of Precise Plus dog food. It's said to be made with chicken meat and chicken meal for exceptional palatability and digestibility, along with beneficial botanical ingredients such as carrots, cranberries, dried kelp, and flaxseed. Herbal ingredients are also included such as rosemary, turmeric, peppermint, and chamomile. Product literature says that it's naturally preserved with vitamins C and E.

Winner of PetSafe IdeaFetch Announced

Last October we announced the IdeaFetch contest from PetSafe, where folks could enter their ideas for new pet products, and win cash. The winner was announced during the Global Pet Expo in San Diego yesterday. And the honor goes to Jonathan Warren, of West Palm Beach, FL, for his "MicroID Collar". The MicroID Collar is a flash card memory chip that plugs into your computer by way of USB port. The chip contains a program that stores your pet's name, photo, vet information, your address and phone, and whatever else you want. But wait, why the heck is this a new idea? It's already been done! Check out the Top Tag Pet ID. Hello?? Well, congrats to Mr. Warren, he wins $40,000 and gets to have his product sold through PETCO. Man, if I knew they were accepting ideas that had already been done and perfected, I would've entered.

World's Ugliest Dog - Post Sam Era

The Sonoma-Marin Fair is gearing up for the 18th Annual World's Ugliest Dog Contest, with a $1,000 prize at stake, and hopes for instant worldwide fame.

That fame catapulted the previous three-time champion, Li'l Sam, a 14-year-old Chinese Crested, into the media spotlight with appearances on CNN, Late Show with Carson Daly, Inside Edition, the Insider, CBS Early Show, as well as Japanese, German and Spanish television with mentions on Regis & Kelly and Jay Leno. Sam passed away shortly after the contest.

According to the Fair's press release, contenders from across the country, as far as Florida, and even England, are expected to compete for the title.

The contest takes place at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma on Friday, June 23rd at 6:30 p.m.

Shizzle My Pizzle Stick!

JAKKS Pacific, Inc. announced it has signed a licensing agreement to develop a line of pet products based on the name and image of rap artist Snoop Dogg.

The new pet products deal will cover toys, beds, leashes, apparel, treats and more for dogs under the company's JPI pet division. JAKKS expects to begin shipping the Snoop Dogg-branded pet line in 2006 to retail locations nationwide.

According to Snoop Dogg himself...

"Snoop Dogg's love goes beyond people -- it is for living creatures throughout the universe. How can I be Snoop Dogg and not show my love for pets?"

Pet Specifix Flea & Tick Applicators

Wellmark International introduced a new packaging concept for their Zodiac line of Spot On flea and tick topicals.

Dubbed, "Pet Specifix", because the dog applicator is shaped like a bone, while the cat applicator is shaped like a cat's head. Also, they went with different colors for different weight classes of dogs, kinda like how Frontline does it.

The company claims that the bone and cat shaped applicators will avoid the problem of people applying cat topical to their dog.

Pet Specifix is available at pet specialty stores nationwide.

Does Your Dog Blog?

If your dog is not already blogging, you might check out My-Dog-Blog, a new blog host for dog owners. Dog blogging is nothing new, with several pooches already posting their photos and daily journal entries on places like Blogger, Live Journal, Type Pad and others. The difference with My-Dog-Blog, is that they offer dog-themed templates, and the domain name will probably help with search engine referrals. My-Dog-Blog offers all the usual slate of features, templates, RSS feeds, mailing lists, photo albums, create avatars, and so on. It also supports "friends lists", with an option to share special content to your most trusted friends. Kinda like the MySpace.com for doggies.