Summer's Hottest New Pet Products Sizzle with Convenience and Innovation

Business Wire, May 18, 2005

GREENWICH, Conn. -- Just in Time for Memorial Day Weekend, APPMA Announces Products and Warm Weather Safety Tips to Make the Great Outdoors More Comfortable and Enjoyable for Pets and Their Owners

After a long and cold winter stuck climbing the walls indoors and an upcoming long weekend, it's time to head outdoors for some fun in the sun. According to The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) 2005-2006 new National Pet Owners Survey, nearly 14 million dog owners bring along their dog when traveling -- that's up from 10.4 million in 2002.

And, now there are more reasons than ever to bring along your furry, finned and four-legged companions. With more people taking their pets along and manufacturers focusing on pet consumer needs, a host of new products are just scratching the surface of ways to make the dog days of summer more enjoyable for pets and their people.

Just in time for Memorial Day weekend, APPMA is releasing some of the season's most innovative products sure to keep pets and their owners busy all summer long:

--Now your pet can have a comfortable place to rest and sleep no matter where you go with Bamboo's Pet Sleep Over Bags. These reversible sleeping bags can also open flat for use as a training blanket or car seat protector. With various toys and treats to keep your pet occupied during travel, these sleep over bags are great for long trips, camping or just around the house. www.bamboopets.com

--The family cat can also take part in fishing this summer with Bamboo's Cat Fisher(TM) Rod & Reel Toy which allows you to play "cat and mouse" with your cat using a fun fishing pole. Just sit back, relax and cast up to 40 feet so you can entice your cat from afar. www.bamboopets.com

--For those summer evening outings, keep your pet safe with PupLight. PupLight is an LED flashlight designed to be carried around a dog's neck, lighting the dog and the way for a safer and more enjoyable nighttime dog-walking experience. www.puplight.com

--With the warm weather under way, dogs are more prone to stick their heads out of moving cars, which can be dangerous to their eyes. To protect your dog's eyes from harmful outdoor elements, try Doggles(R), the first protective eyewear for dogs. Doggles(R) protect against 100% of UV rays and help to save your dog's eyes from wind, debris and outdoor elements. Doggles(R) also offers Pet Sunscreen. www.doggles.com

--A fun new product to keep your pet hydrated, while treating them to a cold drink on a hot day, is the Chill-A-Bowl by Aspen Pet Products Inc. This new product is simple to use. Place the plastic bowl, with an internal water compartment, in the freezer for four-five hours, and then fill it with water. It will keep your dog's water cold for hours. www.talktometreatball.com

--Drinkwell(R) The Original Pet Fountain by Veterinary Ventures satisfies a pet's preference for running water and need for proper hydration, while also serving as a convenience product for owners. The Pet Fountain holds more than 1 gallon of water and keeps pets off counters and out of sinks and toilets. Drinkwell(R) Big Dog is also available for larger dogs. It holds well over 2 gallons and is the largest capacity pet fountain on the market. www.petfountain.com

--Give your dog some exercise this summer with the Go-Frr Slingshot Action Fetch Ball by Proball Inc. This ball with attached elastic loop will go farther than any ball you throw with your arm. Simply attach the elastic loop to the slingshot, pull back and let it fly! www.proballinc.com

--It flies, it floats, it's flexible! The BOODA(R) Floppy Disc(R) by Aspen Pet Products Inc. is a fun, durable, interactive fetch toy that will keep your dog entertained in and out of the water this summer. This high-flying toy is soft and gentle on pets' teeth and gums, and is a safe way to play and exercise with your pet. Brightly colored, the Floppy Disc is available in two popular sizes at PETsMART, PETCO and other fine retailers nationwide.

--If you're planning on barbecues and want a lush green lawn without yellow burn stains, try The Pee Post(TM) Pheromone-Treated Yard Stake by Brampton Co. The Pee Post(TM) offers pet owners an alternative training tool for housebreaking their pets by encouraging dogs to eliminate in a specific area of the yard by attracting dogs' acute sense of smell with a pheromone scent. www.simplesolution.com

--If your outdoor gathering is in days and you don't have time for potty training, try Simple Solution(R) Lawn Spot Away(TM) which instantly colors pet urine burn spots with a natural green coloring. The product's natural enzymes break down pet urine and speed up growth to damaged grass. Lawn Spot Away(TM) is safe to use on all types of grass and plants. www.simplesolution.com

--Give your dog a shaded bed to relax in during the dog days of summer with Howlin' Pets' Outdoor Chaise. The bed comes complete with a cushion and canopy. This bed has solid construction and looks like a piece of patio furniture. It will complement any lawn or patio. www.howlinpet.com