Hottest New Pet Products Unleashed At Global Pet Expo; The World's Largest Annual Pet Products Trade Show Features the Hottest New Toys, Treats, Food and Gadgets for Pets

Business Wire, March 29, 2005

GREENWICH, Conn. -- From canine prescription lenses, dog car seats and hi-tech water bowls to microprocessor-controlled smart aquariums, DVDs for cats and cookbooks for birds, the products unveiled at Global Pet Expo in Orlando last week demonstrate the innovative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit of pet product manufacturers.

Here are some of the trends and hottest pet products leading the pack:

Hi-Tech Pet Products:

--Among this year's most interesting product launches is Doggles' Prescription Lenses for Dogs. For dogs that have bad vision or cataracts, Originalz Doggles(R) with corrective lenses help preserve dogs' eyesight. With a veterinary ophthalmologist's prescription, Doggles(R) will create a pair to suit individual dog's needs. www.doggles.com

--ThirstAlert! dish from JoBananas Club flashes red lights when the water level in the bowl is low. And, the deluxe version scheduled for release next year will be able to send an e-mail or text message to let you know when the bowl is empty. www.gojobananas.com.

--BiOrb Smart Aquarium with microprocessor controlled heat and light by Casco Group Inc. This unique sphere aquarium is so stylish even the pickiest interior decorators will fall in love with it. It can be equipped with an electronic heating system, a five stage smart filtration system, and programmable lights with sunrise, sunset and moonlight modes. Comes in different colors and is simple for novices or experienced fish keepers. www.reef-one.com

--The Careful Clipper by Dogmatic Products marks the first renovation to the nail clipper in 20 years and features an ergonomic handle and flexible snake light that allows you to see through almost any nail to avoid cutting the quick. www.dogmaticproducts.com

--The K&H Cool Bed absorbs heat from your pet and radiates the heat back into the air. Small 19x24 Medium 25x36 Large 37x48 www.khmfg.com

--Skamper-Ramp(R) by Skamper Industries is a rescue device and a dog ramp combined. Attach the ramp to any pool or walled pond, and provide your pet with an easy escape from the water. www.skamper-ramp.com

--Wall Mounted Aquarium by Aqua Vista Enterprises looks like a stylish piece of art on any wall. www.aquavistainc.com

--Feathered Phonics CDs and DVDs teach birds to talk and sing in more than eight languages. www.featheredphonics.com

Resemblance to Human Products Trend:

--As more and more people are bleaching their teeth, why not whiter teeth on dogs? Pearly Whites N-Bone(R) teeth whitening bones www.n-bone.com

--Dogmatic is launching single servings of NaChews and Woofy-Pop microwave popcorn for dogs. You may soon see for the first time dog treats at the checkout line and in convenience stores. www.dogmaticproducts.com

--Chocolick Gourmet treats are the first safe chocolates for dogs. www.hbhnet.com

--Bowie Wowie - All Natural Oven Ready Refrigerated Cookie Dough for dogs. www.divadoggie.com

--Similar to toothbrush gloves for babies, Petrodex Finger Toothbrush Glove is designed to provide a gentle method of removing plaque & food debris from pets' teeth. www.virbaccorp.com

--As a growing number of people consider pets a member of the family, their loss is more difficult to bear. A company has released condolence gifts for pet loss designed for specific individuals including children and women. www.comfortbaskets.com

Pet Pampering and Fashion:

--Pucci Couture warm-up is a stylish and sporty hooded velour one-piece with contrasting trim four-legged construction and "signature" logo is offered in pastel colors and multiple sizes to fit any pooch. www.ethicalpet.com

More People Traveling with Pets:

--Since we strap in our children for safety in the car, why not our pets? Global Pet Products has launched a line of pet car seats. These new car seats keep new upholstery in the vehicle free of hair and dirt and keep your pet from flying into the front seat if the driver suddenly hits the brakes. These three new kinds of pet car seats can hold dogs up to 25 pounds. www.globalpetproducts.com

--Easy Ride Paw Porch from RGO Enterprises is an enlarged platform that mounts in the car window for your dog to place his front paws on while riding in a car. It protects the car's interior and provides a stable ride for your pet. www.pawporch.com

--For the on-the-go pet - Dogmatic Products' Towne and Country Go Bags. The Towne and Country Go Bags include a leash, a retractable food and water bowl, a pet passport, a pill container, and a rollup bed -- everything you need to travel with your pet comfortably. www.dogmaticproducts.com

Health-related Pet Product Trend:

--Doggles(R) Wearable Ionizer for Pets reduces airborne allergens, helps eliminate bad odors, airborne viruses, germs and bacteria, and creates healthier and cleaner air for pets and people. Studies show negative ions improve health and decrease allergies including pet dander. The ionizer attaches to a collar and can be personalized with built-in scent cartridges available in scents to relax, calm or soothe your pet. www.doggles.com