Posted on: Friday, August 25, 2006
Over-the-top pet products all the rage
By Dr. Marty Becker
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
Spoiling your pet rotten — with the latest fashion designs, entertainment gizmos, treat flavors or after-bath scents — has gone from raised eyebrows and thoughts of the crazy pet lady, to beyond socially acceptable. Pampering your pet is now considered derigueur, avant-garde, cool and hot!
For proof, take a look at the new pet products that have hit the market:
Rugs for Rover — Dogs don't do comb-overs, but now their owners can call Ruth Regina's wig shop in Bay Harbor Islands, Fla., and get a custom-made canine hairpiece (braids, curls, extensions) that can be dyed, highlighted and styled. Regina, who has made wigs for stars and is a former beauty consultant for the Miss Universe pageant, makes the wigs with synthetic or human hair, with openings for the pet's ears. While Regina is busy developing a commercial line, if you call and order a custom hairpiece, Fido, just like her human customers, will be measured and receive a special fitting to insure comfort and complete coverage.
Wear your dog's coat — Those of us who wear loose hairs from our pets proudly, now have the option to wear our pet's fur to work, literally. VIP Fibers in California will spin your dog or cat's fur into yarn that has been turned into sweaters, afghans, teddy bears, "fur-get me not flowers" and "pettable picture frames," even bikinis. www.vipfibers.com
Flavored bottled water for dogs — It's crazy enough that we humans pay more for bottled water than gasoline, but since when do dogs, who will happily raid the garbage can or eat their own doo-doo, need water in flavors such as Toilet Water (chicken flavor), Gutter Water (beef flavor), Puddle Water (liver flavor) and Hose Water (lamb flavor). A four-pack of these vitamin-enriched waters sell for $7.49. www.k9waterco.com
Fido's first cell phone — PetsCell is a waterproof, bone-shaped cell phone that attaches to a dog's collar and allows owners to talk to their best friends over two-way speakers. PetsCell has temperature sensors to indicate if the dog is too hot or cold, and a sophisticated GPS function to track lost pets. And, if someone finds your wayward hound, there are three preprogrammed "call owner" buttons that allow good Samaritans to call you directly and let you know your dog's whereabouts. Available late 2006. www.petsmobility.com
Beauty for the beast — Launched during the first ever Pet Fashion Week in New York City, Sexy Beast is a beauty regimen for dogs that includes a botanical water infusion, powder to add a subtle shimmer, gloss to restore coat luster and add shine, topped off with a signature fragrance ($65 for 3.4 oz.). www.sexybeaststyle.com
Dr. Marty Becker is the resident veterinarian on "Good Morning America" and the author of two new books, "Why Do Dogs Drink Out Of Toilets?" and "Do Cats Always Land On Their Feet?"
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