March 15, 2009 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 1 Comment
I just returned yesterday from an interesting and informative trip to the Global Pet Expo. Touted as the pet industry’s largest annual trade show, this is where buyers come from all over the country to meet with pet product suppliers literally from all over the world. I was there on a mission to find new and wonderful products to both add to Petlane’s website, and to include in our next annual catalog.
This is my fourth time attending the show, and the first time I really believe I can say a word or two of praise for the pet industry. Typically, I come back from the show believing that there is nothing new in the pet world. However, three trends seem to be emerging which will have a direct effect on the pet industry as a whole.
First, there is a huge push towards “going green.” Environmentally-friendly products are cropping up more and more in the pet world. At the show, I saw everything from plastic products made from recycled plastic bottles, to plush dog toys made entirely from organic cotton. To my mind, this trend has both pros and cons. On the pro side, it means that us pet lovers will be able to choose from an ever widening selection of chemical-free treats, continue to clean our houses without harsh chemicals, and even buy high quality beds for our pets made from recycled materials. There is a cost however. Organic products in particular are definitely more expensive than their non-organic (all-natural included) counterparts. With the state of the economy being what it is, I am not sure that the price these products must command in order for their manufacturers to make any sort of a profit will be within the average pet owner’s budget. On the flip side of course, I can easily make the argument that many of us would rather pay a little more for a chemical free surface cleaner, than worry about what chemicals our cats are ingesting every time they lick their paws.
The second trend is that there is more of a focus on “made in America.” I saw more suppliers than ever before that boasted of USA made products (South America and China are probably the other two biggest suppliers of pet products). With the recent series of product scares, China has become public enemy #1. However, as the rash of recent pet food and peanut butter product recalls tells us, “Made In America” does not automatically guarentee that a product is safe. What I have always believe is most important is whether or not the manufacturer genuinely cares about the product he or she is making. I have seen stunning, well-crafted, incredibly well-thought through products that are made in China that I would be proud to (and have) add to the Petlane line. I have also seen USA made products that would never make it past my inspection committee (for example, when asking one potential USA sourced dog bone supplier about whether he had ever had any problems with splintering or salmonella, he assured me that he had been found innocent in all lawsuits - and he was completely serious).
This last trend is absolutely my favorite because it is so in keeping with what Petlane is all about. At this show I saw tremendous favoring of function over fashion. As a buyer for Petlane, I look for products that, well, enhance the lives of pets and their people. And this year I was truly delighted by seeing an excellent offering of products that do exactly that. What types of products specifically? Well, as we get closer to the release of our August catalog, I promise to give you some sneak previews.
Have you noticed new trends in the pet industry? What do you think pet retailers should be carrying to best entice their customers? Is there a specific product your wish Petlane carried? I want to hear from you!
March 8, 2009 | Filed Under Uncategorized, cats, dogs, pets | 2 Comments
Trust me when I say that nothing can ruin an Easter egg hunt or an Easter dinner faster than having to take Fluffy or Fido on an emergency trip to the veterinarian. Fortunately, there are very simple steps you can take to ensure that all your family members enjoy their celebration.
1) Choose pet-friendly flowers and plants for decorations
Cats and puppies are especially fond of munching on house plants (and adult dogs have been known to sample the local flora and fauna as well). Many common household plants, including Easter Lilies which are extremely popular this time of year, are poisonous to pets. The ASPCA has a listing of poisonous plants and non-poisonous alternatives. If you believe your pet has been poisoned, seek help immediately or call the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 . Please note that there is a $60 consultation fee for this service.
2) Stick to chocolate rabbits and marshmallow chicks
Every year, thousands of rabbits and cute baby chicks wind up in shelters (according to the HSUS, rabbits are the third most commonly surrendered animal). The majority of these animals were purchased as Easter gifts for young children. The problem is that, just like cats and dogs, rabbits and chicks require a tremendous amount of time and care and in general do not make good pets for young children. I recommend reading the ASPCA’s article entitled “General Rabbit Care” to learn exactly what it takes to care for a rabbit. You can also help spread the word that rabbits are not disposable pets by getting involved in the Make Mine Chocolate! campaign. Started in 2002 by the Columbus House Rabbit Society, the campaign aims to educate the public about the challenges of owning a rabbit and encourages parents to give chocolate or toy bunnies as Easter gifts instead of live rabbits.
3) Keep the chocolate and treats for the kids
Chocolate contains an ingredient called theobromine, a substance that can potentially prove fatal if ingested by dogs, cats, or birds. According to a report published by the ASPCA, as little as 1oz of chocolate is potentially lethal. As opposed to a sugar high, chocolate in cats, dogs, and birds can produce clinical effects ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to panting (in dogs) excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death in severe cases. If your animal shows any of these symptoms, or you believe he or she has gotten into your chocolate stash, contact your veterinarian immediately.
4) Choose Easter basket décor with care
As anyone who has ever owned a pet can tell you, animals are both innately curious and prone to satisfying their curiosity by attempting to eat unrecognized substances. Plastic grass is extremely dangerous to animals if ingested. The grass can become twisted within a pet’s intestines and can be fatal if not caught quickly enough. Often, the only solution is expensive surgery. Candy wrappers, plastic eggs and small toy parts can also pose a danger to critters. Keep your pet out of harm’s way by using tissue paper instead of plastic grass and doing a thorough clean-up after Easter celebrations.
5) Pets Do Not Make Good Party Animals
Even the most placid pet may not respond well to chaos and noise. If you are planning an Easter egg hunt at your house or a large family get-together, your pet may be more comfortable tucked away in a quiet area of the house. Keeping your pet separate from the festivities also significantly reduces the risk of him or her gobbling up some Easter goodies.
March 5, 2009 | Filed Under animals, cats, dogs | 4 Comments
It’s no secret that the downturn in the economy has affected pets and their families. Shelters have been experiencing a significant increase in animals being surrendered by families who can no longer afford (literally) to feed and care for their animal. What many people don’t
know is that help exists! Pet Food Banks have started springing up across the nation and, just like food banks for people, these organizations are handing out pet food to families with pets in need.
in Tracy, CA for example, the owner of a grooming salon created a non-profit organization called Lucky Paws. Every Saturday her organization hands out free pet food to those in need. Over the past few weeks, Lucky Paws has given food to over 200 families in need. In Seattle, WA the Seattle Humane Society distributes over 1,000 pounds of pet food every month to low-income seniors and others in need. Other organizations, like The Pet Food Bank, supply rescue groups and shelters with badly needed food for their animals. All of these organizations are in constant need of donations and supplies. Visit their websites to see how you can make a difference - and if you know of someone in need, contact your local rescue organization to see if they know of a pet food bank in your area. A few weeks of help could make all the difference.
