PAWS DOWN, TAILS UP
Spring Essentials: The Best Bets For Your Pet
By Lori Zelenko
Spring essentials for your pooch and kitty. We looked far and wide to find the most practical, healthy, and fun products—from fashionable to functional—for pets and pet parents to experience as the season’s change. So, get a jump on it and try one of our seasonal musts.
Ageless Paws
Ageless Paws freeze-dried dog and cat treats and food toppers are made in the USA with just one healthy, grain-free ingredient each: raw, wild-caught salmon, beef, chicken breast, turkey heart or bison liver. No additives, preservatives, fillers, antibiotics or added hormones, just 100% animal nutrition, delicious, healthy goodies to pamper your best furry friends. Small, bite-sized pieces make them perfect for training! Info: agelesspaws.com
FIRST SATURDAY LIME
The strongest and safest pesticide alternative on the market. Safe enough for use around kids and pets, yet it is strong enough to dry up insects. This is nature’s formula—an easy solution that repels pests and protects the lives of loved ones, animals, gardens, and our earth. We love that it is natural and safe—not just for dogs but for horses or goats (and yes, pet parents too). Info: firstsaturdaylime.com.
SPOT THE DOG
Whether you’re hiking in the deep woods, or running along a city street, Spot the Dog® reflective wear makes sure your four-legged companion is highly visible and safe. Between the styling and the quality, Spot the Dog is truly a winner! From bold tartans to neon shades for collars and coats, the looks are fashionable and fun, great for city or country dogs. We love that you can see our pups in the dark and so fashionably too! Info: spotthedogvt.com.
BRUTUS BROTH
This family-run business evolved from a commitment to enhance canine diets—while giving back to the community. Brutus Broth is packed with nutrients, minerals and amino acids, bone broth is a nutritional powerhouse for dogs with benefits such as gut, digestive and joint health, and improved immune systems. And FYI it is super safe as it is manufactured and packaged in USDA-approved facilities and contains no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Info: brutusbroth.com.
FAUNA CARE
We all recognize that animals play an important part in our lives. Fauna Care’s mission is to help provide the finest care possible to all our furry, fuzzy, and scaly friends. Cuts, wounds, burns, hot spots, and dermatitis can be painful for your pet so it’s important to know that Fauna Care’s no touch sprays make it easy to apply these healing formulas to irritated or infected areas without causing further discomfort. Editor’s note: Their silver spray is a miracle worker! Info: fauna-care.com.
MERRICK FRESH KISSES
Merrick Fresh Kisses are all-natural dental treats that deliver two big benefits at once: clean teeth and truly fresh breath thanks to the innovative double-brush design and all-natural breath freshening ingredients. As dogs chew, Fresh Kisses works to remove plaque and tartar while mint breath strips, coconut oil and a combination of botanical oils (mint, lemongrass, and rosemary oils) freshens breath naturally. Info: merrickpetcare.com.
NUTRA BITES
Bite-size treats are made with one single, nutritious ingredient: Bison liver. This top-grade protein is low in calories and loaded with vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. These tasty treats can help your dog: maintain a healthy weight, support digestion and boost overall health. Not only is top-grade, nutrient-rich bison liver the main ingredient, it’s the only ingredient. That way, you can treat your dog worry-free. My two won’t come to the door without one. Info: ultimatepetnutrition.com.
HAUSPANTHER
As satisfying for cats as they are for people, each Hauspanther toy encourages a different kind of play behavior from stalking and pouncing to chasing and tossing, keeping cats active and entertained. Abstract shapes, unique textures and sophisticated colors make the toys look like modern art on your living room floor. Who says cat toys can’t be beautiful and functional? Look at the Hauspanther Collection by Primetime Petz. Info: shop.hauspanther.com.
OLEY HEMP CAT LITTER
OleyHemp is on a mission to save the planet by practicing sustainable and organic farming practices as well as providing non-toxic products for your family, pets, and home. Their cat litter is all natural, made from 100% USA grown hemp. It is 100% biodegradable as well as paraben and toxin free. Seven times more absorbent than leading clay litter, OleyHemp is odor free and an excellent choice for pet owners who chose to live a natural lifestyle. Info: oleyhemp.com.
CAT PAW CANDLES
The purrfect gift for Cat Lovers, these cute, cool Cat Paw candles with 40 hours of burn time are made from pure vegetable wax with highly concentrated fragrance. Carefully designed and hand poured with love and passion, they come in a charming gift box that’s a fun memory to keep as a delightful reminder of the 6 oz. candle within. A wooden lid and seal keep your candle fresh. Info: catpaw.shop.
SOCIAL CBD
Dogs and cats, like humans and other vertebrates, have endocannabinoid systems. Social CBD PETS Broad Spectrum Drops interact with the receptors in the endocannabinoid system to help support your pet’s overall well-being. Made with 100% hemp-derived broad-spectrum CBD extract, fractionated coconut oil, all-natural herbs and spices, and a product promise of 0.0% THC, Social CBD PETS provides a pure, powerful, and honest wellness experience for every furry friend. Info: socialcbd.com.
PIBBORAFI
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to hold an adorable soft, cuddly puppy in the palm of your hand? A plush pup who has a heartwarming story of finding its fur-ever home? This dream comes true with the authentic and lovable collection of lightweight, palm-sized children’s toys modeled on real life rescue dogs. Pibborafi® Rescue Heroes—adorable plush creatures—are not only a fun toy for children (age three and up) but they give back too. Info: pibborafi.com.
AMUSE POOCH
Made only with USDA beef or ethically, pasture-raised chicken breast, Amuse Pooch Chicken Chips and Beef Chips are crunchy, healthy, and fun to eat, one crunch and you can see the consistency is like tortilla chips. A unique cooking process makes these single ingredient treats safe for pooches and for the humans handling them. Best of all, for the pet parent who totally adores their pooch, the bags can be customized with Fido’s picture. Info: amusepoochtreats.com.
PROBIORA PET
Freshen your pet’s breath with ProBioraPet. A unique, once-a-day all-natural probiotic powder that supports and maintains good oral health for your companion pet... Just the way nature intended. Sprinkle on your pet’s food once daily. There’s no odor or taste. Naturally whitens your pet’s teeth as it restores your pet’s natural balance of beneficial bacteria. ProBioraPet is a breakthrough probiotic powder specifically designed for your pet’s oral and dental care. Info: probiorahealth.com.
WAGALONGS
When the owner of Wagalongs munched on her favorite Girl Scout cookies, and then looked at her own beloved dog, Max, she had a flash of inspiration: create equally delicious peanut butter treats for dogs. Certainly, dogs cannot eat Tagalongs cookies, but dogs can surely eat the delicious Wagalongs treats so lovingly made for them. Wagalongs are nutritious peanut butter dog treats made with both natural and organic ingredients Info: amazon.com.
STICKII CLUB
More cuteness than you ever thought could be stuffed in one package! Sticker collections for all those that love things super kawaii (Japanese cuteness culture). The Cute All The Doggos pack is filled with so many adorable stickers of dogs, sticker fanciers will be out of their minds with delight…there’s a Corgi Butt sticker patch stating ‘I 3 dogs’, a dog shaped paperclip, a literal hot dog notepad and of course the best decal ever by @corgiyolk and so much more! Info: stickiiclub.com.
DOO LOOP
A modern leash accessory for those tired of carrying dog waste. The Dooloop frees your hands for better things, morning coffee, a phone call, wave to a friend, push a stroller, hold a hand! No need to carry bags full of poop when out on walks with your dog. The Dooloop is made in Maine of non-toxic, compostable plastic and hand-assembled, for zero-waste packaging; useful, affordable and lightweight. Info: thedooloop.com.
LIL’ ARCHIES
No matter how much poop picking up you do, Lil’ Archie’s poop bags will sustain you: durable, sturdy and won’t break or leak. Helping to eliminate single-use plastic bag waste, these poop bags are 100% compostable, easy to open, easily tear off from the roll and meet strict industrial facility and home compost certifications. Packaged in boxes made of recycled materials ready to be recycled again upon disposal. Made with less packaging materials (no plastic or cardboard spools); sustainable Lil’ Archie’s bags take their commitment to the environment seriously. Info: lilarchies.com.
BUMBLEBEE PET COMPANY
There’s nothing worse than feeling like you aren’t doing the best for your dog. Sometimes it’s hard to come home after a long day and convince yourself to take the dog outside for a walk. Bumblebee Pet Company created the Tagalong a small plastic clip to hold full bags of dog poop on your daily dog walk. Secure the tag to your leash, stroller handle, or backpack and let Tagalong do the dirty work. PS: A portion of Bumblebee proceeds helps local animal rescue organizations. Info: bumblebeepetco.com.
EQUIGROOMER
The perfect grooming tool for dogs, cats and of course, horses too. Equigroomer gently removes loose hair, dirt, and dander on all parts of your pet’s body, including their legs and bellies. Tiny barbs grab dead, scaly hair and pull it out from the ends rather than digging down into the coat and potentially scratching sensitive skin. Many pets find this grooming process relaxing. Cats especially appreciate the EquiGroomer because it mimics a cat’s tongue. Info: equigroomer.com.
EVERLANE LINT ROLLERS
No matter what the season, it’s important to keep stubborn pet hair at bay, as it often gets stuck on furniture, clothes, and curtains. Evercare, known for their quality lint rollers can help keep pet hair under control. Evercare boasts an extreme stick adhesive, coupled with razor-cut, easy-tear sheets, to easily and efficiently pick up pet hair, lint, dust, and debris. Info: evercare.cleanerhomeliving.com.
WINSTON MANNER
This Spring’s must have fashion accessory for your dog? A Winston Manner dog harness and matching collar or leash. Find a style that best suits your dog’s personality or follow the trend and go with the season’s fashion fad - from denim to polka dots, Winston Manner has it all. Get ready for Fido to be the talk of the town. Flirty florals or manly macho gear, Winston Manner has what’s perfect for your pooch. My two love to strut their stuff in these uber chic harnesses! Info: winstonmanner.com.
ROCCO AND ROXIE
What do you get when you fall in love with two furry friends, an exuberant labradoodle and one cool tabby shelter cat? Meet the furry family members who are the inspiration for Rocco and Roxie, an outstanding line of super-effective products for pets and devoted pet parents. Started with love and motivated by the confidence of knowing that every product genuinely works, Rocco and Roxie are committed to using only the best ingredients. My dogs are insane for their jerky treats! Info: roccoandroxie.com.
FRISCO STRIPED POLO
When it comes to that fashion essential in a Spring wardrobe for your dog or even your fashion forward cat, Frisco has a selection of polos in a poly-cotton blend that are soft and ultra-wearable. The fabric is breathable so they’re outdoor-friendly, and the pullover design is quick and easy to put on. Sporty, fun and practical…what more could a pet parent ask for? Made by and for a family of pet lovers. Info: chewy.com.
BANDANAS UNLIMITED
Is your dog the life of the party? Outgoing and joyful? Or lower key, looking for love quietly on the sidelines? No matter what your pet’s personality, Bandanas Unlimited has a bandana to match. With three to a pack and six sizes, there’s sure to be one to match their mood and fit their size, so stock up, Summer’s coming and no self-respecting pup will be seen catching a frisbee without an “unlimited” bandana. Info: walmart.com.