pet products Archives

The Things We Still Love: Pet products that have stood the test of time… and Cooper

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Since this site started in the summer of 2009, we’ve been fortunate to receive gobs of pet products to consider for review and giveaway. Tons never make it to the site in the first place. Those that do are ones we assimilate into our lives and, I believe, are valuable. But not all have stood the test of time!

I’ve been brainstorming this year’s holiday gift guide, and it got me thinking: Of all the stuff we’ve reviewed over the last 9+ years, which ones are we still using? Which ones are now most-loved and most-used around the house? John and I talked it through and came up with this list of things we love, use, and enjoy every day.

I should note, and you guys won’t be surprised to hear this: This list excludes books! I could’ve listed dozens of books that we’ve loved over the years–and I’m super pumped because I have a huge back-to-school roundup of books and giveaways coming later this month–but I couldn’t possibly have picked one or two to include here!

The Things We Still Love_ Pet products that have stood the test of time... and Cooper — OhMyDogBlog.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Ruggable

This rug lives in the hallway with our bedroom door and our backyard outside door. (They’re at 90-degree angles to each other.) So, what that means is Cooper often runs outside, then comes back inside and jumps right into our bed. Which is fine. He’s allowed. But yard feet? No one wants yard feet on their pillow. This rug catches a bunch of yard crud, and it’s machine washable! I can run the vacuum over it when I’m doing the floors, then every few weeks I peel up the top, toss it in the washer and dryer, then put it back down. I want to get another for our front door, too! Love this one so much! Original post.

Available on Amazon. Side note: One of the one-star reviews says that it slips all over the place. We’ve literally never had it slip. I’m wondering if that person has the pad upside down?

Euroflex

I use this thing every week. Cat litter gets everywhere. The baby throws food. Everyone sheds. This is fast. It’s easy. I just pull it out of its little storage bag, vacuum up the mess, and move on. My main complaint is that it overheats. So, that being said, this is not a full, clean-the-house vacuum but rather a quick clean-up vacuum. I’ve reviewed many vacuums over the years, and this one stays at the top of my most-used and preferred list! (This is one I won’t give to a friend or family member or relative’s neighbor’s kid going off to college, which is what I’ve done with almost all the other review vacuums I’ve gotten over the years!!) Original post.

It doesn’t look like the one we had is still available (it was almost 5 years ago) but there are two similar ones on Amazon: this one and this one.

DGP

Every single time someone asks me for a joint care recommendation, this is it. It works, you guys. It worked for Lucas before his osteosarcoma and amputation, and it worked for him after it, too. It worked for Emmett and his age-related joint issues. BUT, we’ve never given it to Cooper because we thought with his allergies there might be a conflict. (Turns out, that may not be the case, but that’s another story–a long story–for another day, but we are considering switching him to DGP from the one he’s on now.) We LOVED this product. One early post. And another more recent.

Available on Amazon. So, so, so worth it.

Kurgo backpack

I’m glad I took on this exercise of going through the stuff we really, truly love because we haven’t used this backpack in ages. I want to get it back into regular use because it makes a humongous difference. First of all, when we’re hiking, it’s super useful for Cooper to carry a bunch of his and our stuff! Second, though, it totally focuses him. His mindset shifts the second he has this strapped to his back, and we need to get that back. I plan on dusting this one off and trying it out on our hike this coming weekend. If you’re looking for a pack, this one has two saddlebags, it’s fully adjustable in a ton of different ways, it’s durable, and it’s cute. I highly recommend it for hiking, of course, but also for dogs who could benefit from a little bit of mental focus during a walk. Original post. Second post.

The model we have is older and it looks discontinued, but there’s a newer version available on Amazon.

Emmett’s portrait

I’m not even sure what else to say about this other than this is one of the things I’d grab in a house fire. Leah Davies is wildly talented, you guys. This past Christmas, I commissioned her to paint Newt’s portrait as a gift for John, and he totally cried when he opened it. 🙂 In all seriousness, her work is incredible. This is one of my favorite things in my entire house. She captured Em so perfectly. Original post.

Contact her if you’re interested in a pet portrait! Or just click on her website to see the header image with the cat and the succulents… holy moly. It’s so gorgeous and looks like a photograph, not a painting!

Solvit Ramp

This one we actually didn’t receive as a freebie from the company; John’s mom sent it as a gift right before Lukey’s amputation. As luck would have it, right after they reached out with a product pitch, which I was able to turn into the giveaway instead! I know that there are more compact or telescoping versions out there now, even by this same company, but here’s my thing: I need durability. I need stability. I need this to be solid. And it’s all of those things. Yes, it’s heavy (20 pounds), but it’s not going to shift on your pup. It’s not going to buckle in the middle or wiggle even an inch. If you’re dealing with a dog with an injury or even age-related mobility issues, those things are non-negotiable in my book. Next week Cooper turns eight, and while he’s thankfully not struggling with any mobility issues right now, and he’s still my running partner, I’m going to start training him on the ramp now so that as he ages he’ll be all set and comfy with it. I mean, I should say, I’m going to start training him on it as soon as I get a car. (Did I tell you guys my car died? The Emmett Mobile is gone forever. It broke my heart. I cried. The car guy thought I was nuts.) Original post.

Available on Amazon.

There are tons of other products that deserve honorable mentions like the GingerLead, any toy from West Paw, the Only Natural Pet grass seed cat litter, and–more recently–Cooper’s new anti-anxiety supplement routine. But this list of six leads the pack of piles of pet products we’ve tested over the years!

Are there any pet products that you love? Anything you consider a must-have or even a can’t-live-without? I’d love to know! Share in the comments your (or your pet’s!) most prized possession!

Pet Hydration Month: Tips and products to keep your pets hydrated

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July is Pet Hydration Month, so I’m squeaking in at the last second with helpful information, a product review, and a giveaway!

I keep this running list of questions and ideas for possible blog posts, and one that’s been on my list for far too long was: How much water does a dog need in a day? Turns out, an ounce of water per pound! Check out this awesome infographic from PetSafe about water consumption in dogs and cats:

For a big dog like Lucas, that’s a lot of water in a day! Frankly, I don’t know that any of the herd drank enough each day, especially in the hot, muggy summer heat. One problem, I think, was that our two water dishes were side-by-side and sort of uninteresting. They aren’t in the most convenient location either. In the course of a normal day, they wouldn’t walk past them often (between the kitchen and back door so mostly when they go outside). But drinking enough water is critical for overall health, like flushing out the kidneys (SO important for cats).

We have two PetSafe fountains that they kindly sent us, so we set up one upstairs right outside my office door, which they walk past 987 times a day:

And we set up the other in the living room:

The upstairs one is pretty small, and Lucas won’t drink from it. I’m not sure why. He passes by it a bunch. He knows it’s water. The other three drink from it. He won’t. Something to consider if you’re thinking about a fountain. The downstairs one is more like a normal stainless bowl, and everyone was comfortable with it right away. It’s also nearly silent, which is great for the living room. Occasionally Newt thinks it’s super fun to poke her paw in the fountain part, then she shakes it off all horrified about having a wet foot. Goofy girl.

Do they drink more water because of the fountains? Hard to say. Supposedly moving water and the fresh oxygenation are both more appealing to pets. I think if anyone is drinking more, it’s Newt. Or it could be that the bowls are in places I see her drinking more often? Regardless, I’m glad to see her drinking water throughout the day!

The ones we have are the Avalon (the red ceramic one) and Zen (the stainless one). For a while I was tempted to buy an outdoor fountain–it seems like such a great way to provide fresh, clean outdoor water versus a bowl that sits out collecting crud–but then I realized that the dogs never want to be outside without me, so I probably wouldn’t use it. While at SuperZoo, though, I did see their new fountain, the Sedona, which is really simple and could match any decor.

That said, PetSafe has very generously offered a fountain for me to give away to one of YOU lucky pups! This is a Rafflecopter giveaway. The widget will load below (sometimes it takes a second). If you’re reading this via email or through a feed, you might have to click the link.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks, PetSafe, for offering this giveaway! What do you guys think? Would your pets drink more filtered water? Do you currently have some kind of filter or fountain system in place?

The best holiday gifts for dogs who love to PLAY!

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Welcome to the first of seven days of our annual Holiday Gift Guide and Giveaway Extravaganza! After months of rigorous product testing, we’ve whittled down the list to the very best holiday gifts for pets! Today’s gifts are all about PLAY!

We spent the last couple months testing a huge range of dog toys. Some did not pass muster. Others we fell in love with instantly! (Bonus: Most of the testers and extra toys are going to the shelter once the guide closes!)

Today, I’m sharing our TOP 10 favorite dog toys, which would make great gifts (some are even small enough to fit in a stocking)! So, let’s get going!

Disclaimer: We didn’t receive any compensation for this guide, though some of these brands sent products for our consideration. Not all made the cut! The ones here are ones we really, truly love. Any link followed by an asterisk (*) means it’s an affiliate link – you won’t pay a single extra penny if you purchase through those links, but OMD! will receive a tiny bit of commission, which we use to offset the costs of producing this guide! Questions? Send me an email: info {at} ohmydogblog {dot} com.

KONG Jumbler Ball and Jumbler Football

We love KONG around here but hadn’t played with these Jumbler toys before. They’re fairly solid and have a tennis ball inside the toy, which makes them bounce erratically. The football is a fun shape for playing catch in the yard, though this one didn’t hold up as well as the ball. The ball? Oh. Em. Gee. Cooper is obsessed. Not just a little. He takes it with him everywhere.

He even tries to bark with it in his mouth because he doesn’t want to put it down. It has handles on either side, so it’s great for tug, too. We enjoyed both toys, for sure, but if you were in the market for just one, I recommend the ball. I’d let you play with ours, but Cooper hasn’t put it down yet! To buy: the KONG Jumbler Football Toy in Large* and the KONG Jumbler Ball Toy in Large/X-Large* (the one in Cooper’s mouth is this size but orange, which I can’t find online).

Tuggo

For the past few years, we’ve had a running joke about getting Cooper a tire. Something huge and heavy and massive that he can’t destroy and will actually wear him out. Well, wouldn’t ya’ know! The Tuggo fits the bill and isn’t toxic like chewing tire rubber! We tested the large. You fill it with water, and it ranges in weight from just the ball to 20 pounds when full! Twenty pounds! We filled it halfway, and Cooper spent an afternoon dragging it around the yard. It was a total victory, and nearly two months later, it’s still in one piece! One caveat: This is NOT an inside toy. He tried winging it around a bit… I could see it taking down a whole bookcase. Now that it’s cold out, it’ll be a bit of a chore to empty and fill it for outside play sessions, but I know we’ll get a ton of use out of it this spring. If your dog is strong, high-energy, or just shreds toys, this is the one for you! To buy: Tuggo is available in two sizes: 7 inch and 10 inch .

PetSafe Tug-a-Jug and Kibble Nibble

Obviously treat puzzles had to make my list! We LOVE treat puzzles. It keeps them busy and occupied and makes them really think about getting their food. These two are very different but both are so fun. The Kibble Nibble is sort of a “beginner” level treat toy because once they figure it out, they have it down. The good thing, though, is that it forces my gulpers to eat their food slowly, which I appreciate. The Tug-a-Jug is much harder because the rope through the bottle has a stopper. They have to really work to get that kibble! It keeps them very busy! Although, one word of warning: If you have a dog who FLINGS puzzle toys like Lucas, don’t give this one near breakable objects or your TV. The rope/bottle combo can fling FAR! To buy: Tug-a-Jug from $9.99 to $19.99 and Kibble Nibble from $13.99 to $19.99 (Oh, and hint: The Kibble Nibble is great for cats, too!)

Chukit Launcher, Tumble Bumper, and Glow Ball

With these super short days upon us, it’s tougher to do much outside playing after work. Well, bundle up and take these glow-in-the-dark Chukit toys! For dogs who love to run and chase, nothing beats the Chukit. We had one that disappeared in the move, so I was excited to get these testers – and, better yet, since they glow, the game can go on well after the sun sets. At 4 pm. Sigh. The bumper is great for fetch, too, but we let our guard down for about 30 seconds, and Cooper shredded it. If you have a dog who loves to fetch, these are prefect! If you have a dog who loves to shred, go for the launcher and ball and skip the bumper! To buy: $4.93 for the Chuckit! Medium Max Glow Ball*, $8.79 for the Chuckit Tumble Bumper* and $10 for the Chuckit! Pro 18M Launcher*.

Worldwise’s Kathy Ireland Loved Ones Collection: Durable Fox Dog Toy and Hide & Seek Dog Toy

I saved the cutest for last! So, I have a confession: Sometimes I think dog toys are boring looking. Not all, of course, but many look similar, same color range, and so on. These Kathy Ireland toys? They’re so fresh and different! And darling! Like, seriously adorable! We tested the Hide & Seek ball first, and it’s such a clever product – it has a delayed light and noise function. We can hide it in the craziest places, and Cooper finds it! Such a fun and highly interactive way to play with a ball. At just under $30, it’s way more than we’d normally spend on a ball, but the added features are pretty neat (and it fits in standard launch toys, like the Chukit above). Next up was the durable fox. I seriously adore this toy. I didn’t want to give it to the boys to play with; it’s that cute! But they loved it – all three of them, which is rare for any toy! To buy: $29.82 for the Kathy Ireland Loved Ones Hide & Seek Dog Toy Electronic Light & Sound Ball – Blue* and $22.84 for the Kathy Ireland Loved Ones Durable Fox Dog Toy*.

We LOVE all 10 of these pet products, and now five of YOU get a chance to win some for your pups! This is a Rafflecopter giveaway. The widget should load below in a few seconds, or if you’re reading via email or feed, you may have to click the link. Winners will be drawn and notified on Friday, November 28. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Seriously, all 10 of these toys would make a great gift for the right dog! Come back tomorrow for our next day and a whole new theme for recommendations and giveaways!

It’s coming… get ready for a whirlwind of giveaways!

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For the past two months, we’ve tested every type of pet product you can think of. We’ve played, worn, and tasted some three dozen pet products so that we could whittle down to the Best of the Best for the 2013 holiday season. All next week, we will share our favorite gift recommendations with you with Where to Buy information so you can add these items to your holiday wish list. And, thanks to the incredible generosity of numerous organizations, we will be giving away one of every single recommendation!!

Here’s what you need to know to get involved:

Facebook fans will receive notifications in advance of when the giveaways will go live. So if you’re not following along on Facebook, head on over and join us!

The giveaways will be run through Rafflecopter. You don’t need to do anything special. No sign up required. All you need is an email address or Facebook profile.

Many days will include additional chances to win through the Rafflecopter widget. For instance, Twitter followers can earn an extra chance on Monday, so pay attention to those little extras! You’ll increase your chance at winning some fabulous prizes!

Here’s the tricky bit: ALL winners will be selected and announced next Sunday. That means Monday’s giveaway will close Sunday morning… but so will Friday’s. In other words, as the week progresses, you get less and less time to enter to win. It pays to follow along via subscription or FB so that you know when everything opens so you can get your entries in!

Finally, you can win every single day. So if you enter and win on Monday, you can still enter and win through Saturday. *Yeah, that’s right. Saturday! If you’ve been following along, you know I’ve been calling it “5 days of giveaways.” Well, there was SO MUCH good stuff, that I added a sixth!

Also, if you want to know the second the giveaways are posted, subscribe via email OR get the feed.

Phew! I think that’s it to get you up to speed. Have a great weekend, and I’ll see you back here on Monday!

Questions? Comments? Leave them below, and I’ll be sure to answer them in time for the start of the extravaganza!

Checking out BarkBox goodies!

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We received our very first BarkBox, so I thought it would be fun to do a video of the contents… with lots of “super helpful” help from Cooper and Newt. (You’ll note one of her favorite go-to moves: Sneak up behind Coop. Bite him in the ankle.)

We check out the October BarkBox! from Maggie Marton on Vimeo.

Okay, so if you sat through all that… 🙂 Here’s the scoop: BarkBox is a monthly subscription service that delivers a box of goodies each month based on your dog’s size. So we’re subscribed to the large dog box. If you get small or medium, the contents are probably different form what we showed in the video.

As you saw in the video, the contents are all high-quality products that I’d be purchasing for these guys anyway. The biggest bonus to the subscription is that a variety is delivered right to your door – and, as we all know, it takes variety to keep high-energy, intelligent dogs like Coop entertained.

Because I believe in BarkBox – the quality, convenience, and price – I’ve decided to work with them as an affiliate. This is the first time I’ve ever found something that I loved enough to do so! Plus, the company gives back: 10% of their proceeds go to a shelter or rescue. You can fill out an online form to nominate your fave shelter to receive the funds, too!

To launch the partnership, for a limited time, you can get $5 off a subscription to BarkBox if you use THIS LINK. (Yep, it’s my affiliate link.) If for some reason the link doesn’t give you the $5 off automatically (it should, but just in case!) the super secret coupon code is: ohmydog5.

What do you think? Do you subscribe to BarkBox? Have you tried a monthly subscription service before? I absolutely love the idea if the product, price, and convenience are right!