Pet Stuff Steals & Deals -- 7/3/09

Amazon is having a Pet Supplies Summer Sale over the holiday weekend. Save up to 60% July 2 through July 7.

Feeling patriotic? Shop the Amazon Made-in-USA Pet Products.

Save $5 on your PetSmart.com order of $30 or more. Use code JULYPERK. Ends 7/14 at noon ET.

Get up to 20% off at PetSmart's Super Summer Sale. Ends 7/27.

Read More in: Cats | Dogs | Pet Stuff Steals and Deals | Sales | Summer

Dyson Unveils New Handheld Vacuum with World's Fastest Motor -- DC31 Animal

An upgrade to the powerful Dyson DC16 Root 6 Handheld Vacuum Cleaner is on the horizon. The Telegraph reports that Sir James Dyson has invented a new handheld Dyson DC31 vacuum cleaner with a motor that's ten times faster than a jet engine, and much quieter. The small, lightweight DC31 Animal for pet hair will debut in the UK and US this fall at $270.

via Blisstree / PopSci

Read More in: Birds | Cats | Dogs | Pet Hair Solutions

PetScoop: New Oral Meds for Dog Flu, Fleas And Ticks In Dogs And Cats

Fleas and Ticks - New Jersey scientists are reporting the discovery and successful tests of the first once-a-month pill, N-tert-Butyl Nodulisporamide, a purportedly safe and effective means of controlling both fleas and ticks in domestic dogs and cats. From Science Daily:

In tests on fleas and ticks in dogs and cats, a single dose of the new pill was 100 percent effective in protecting against both fleas and ticks for a month. There were no signs of toxic effects on the animals. Scientists obtained the flea and tick fighter from a substance first found in a fungus that "has the potential to usher in a new era in the treatment of ecoparasitic [ticks and fleas, for instance] infestations in companion animals."

Dog Flu - If your pup is distinguished by a cute snubbed nose, meaning a Pekingese, a pug or a Shi-Tzu, s/he may be susceptible to a flu virus, H3N8 dog flu, that jumped from horses to dogs a few years ago. This virus puts a strain on short-nosed dogs' ability to breathe.

According to NYTImes it has hit hard in Florida, New York City's northern suburbs, Philadelphia and Denver. They have the scoop on the new flu vaccine just approved by the US Department of Agriculture:

It has now been found in 30 states, but almost exclusively in settings where dogs live closely together: shelters, pet stores, kennels and dog schools. Because the owners of these establishments have learned to turn away sick dogs just as school principals facing swine flu send home sick children, the disease's progress has been slowed.

"Probably over 10,000 dogs have been infected," Dr. Crawford said, "but I can't say whether it's 20,000 or 30,000. In a population of 70 million, that's a drop in the bucket."

Dr. Edward J. Dubovi of the veterinary school at Cornell University, another discoverer of the virus, said it is "probably not as well adapted to dogs as it could be." It took five mutations to let it jump to dogs from horses, where it had circulated for 40 years.

Another mutation or two "could make it a very serious issue," he said, but at the moment, "it takes a certain density of dogs to keep it going."

Read More in: Cats | Dogs | Health and Safety | Pet News

Biodegradable Olive Unisex and Super Poop Bags

Rather than scooping pet poop into petroleum-based plastic bags which slowly break down over the centuries in landfills, why not try putting the 100% biodegradable pet poop into equally biodegradable pick-up bags?

Olive Unisex Poop Bags and Olive Super Poop Bags are made naturally from GMO-free corn starch and vegetable oil, are certified 100% biodegradable and compost in as little as 40 days.

Available in two convenient sizes -- Unisex Poop Bags (small) and Super Poop Bags (large).

Read More in: Cats | Dogs | Health and Safety | Litter and Clean-Up

Keep Both Hands on the Handlebars and Let Your Dog Set the Pace on Your Bike Rides -- Springer Bike Leash

Dogs love the Springer Bike Leash which lets them set the pace on your bike rides. And you can keep both hands on the handlebars.

This leash keeps your dog by your side. S/he is protected from traffic and from getting tangled up in the bike pedals and wheels. The leash should reduce your dog's tugs by up to 90%.

The Springer Bike Leash comes complete with a specially designed comfortable biking harness, so your dog pulls with its shoulders and chest instead of with its neck, thus reducing neck strains and injuries.

Read More in: Collars and Leashes | Dogs | Problem Solvers

Super Cool Pets Monthly Roundup -- June 2009

We dug up a lot of fun super cool pet gear this past June -- it's summer!

Accessories and Supplies

• Good Dog Trixie Koontz Pet Products -- The Dog Bliss You Collection by Author Dean Koontz at PetSmart
• Skamper-Ramp SKR4 Swimming Pool Pet Ramp
• Dog and Fish Corn on the Cob Holders
• Organic Zero Odor Eliminates Pet Odors Permanently

Apparel for Pet Lovers

• Cat-Themed Bags and Accessories from Morn Creations at Yes Style

Apparel for Pets

• Stars Hoodie Dog Tank for Your Patriot Pet
• Keep Your Dog Super Cool Wearing a Dog Cool Vest

Artwork

• Sockington the Cat Discovers Latte Art

Bedding

• Make Your Own Pet Bed -- Molly Mutt Dog Bed Duvet and Stuff Sack
• Fatboy Doggielounge and Catbag Indoor/Outdoor Pet Beds

Behavior

• Thunderstorms, Fireworks, Vet Visits -- 3 Remedies to Reduce Pet Anxiety

Birds

• iBird App for iPhone and iPod -- Lightweight Field Guide to Birds
• PetScoop: Soft-Hearted Pillow -- An Alternative to the Pet Cremation Urn
• Brecklands Dawn Chorus on Birdsong Radio -- Increase Productivity and Relax
• Summertime Vacation and Staycation Pet Supplies at PETCO.com with Free Shipping

Books & Media

• Good Dog Trixie Koontz Pet Products -- The Dog Bliss You Collection by Author Dean Koontz at PetSmart
• Dogs at Work -- Dog-Friendly Policies and Advice in the Business Environment
• iBird App for iPhone and iPod -- Lightweight Field Guide to Birds
• PetScoop: White House Releases Official Portrait and Baseball Card of Obama Family Dog "Bo"
• Sockington the Cat Discovers Latte Art
• Pet Lover Gifts for Dad on Father's Day
• Super Cool Pet Books -- Amazon Hot New Releases 6/13/09
• Brecklands Dawn Chorus on Birdsong Radio -- Increase Productivity and Relax

Collars and Leashes

• Fourth of July Art Eco-Friendly Dog Collar and Leash

Continue reading: "Super Cool Pets Monthly Roundup -- June 2009"

Read More in: Birds | Cats | Dogs | Monthly Round Up

Good Dog Trixie Koontz Pet Products -- The Dog Bliss You Collection by Author Dean Koontz at PetSmart

During July and August your local PetSmart will feature the exclusive Good Dog Trixie Koontz products. The Dog Bliss You product line by Dean Koontz, worldwide best-selling author and pet parent to the late Trixie, his beloved golden retriever, is based on the book Bliss to You: Trixie's Guide to a Happy Life

The collection celebrates Trixie's "wit and wisdom" and includes 31 unique items:

* Butterfly toys, plush bones, disks and rope tugs to play with dogs.
* Food bowls and storage canisters.
* "Bliss You" and "Laugh 'til Your Face Hurts" tanks for a carefree style.
* Specialty gifts such as coffee mugs, photo frames, key chains, journals and pens.

All royalties are donated to Canine Companions for Independence (CCI).

Read More in: Accessories and Supplies | Books & Media | Dogs | Pet News

FroliCat BOLT Automatic Laser Toy

Relieve your cat's boredom and provide some exercise! The FroliCat BOLT Automatic Laser Toy for Cats will endlessly entertain even our laziest kitty cats with automatically-generated red laser patterns.

Hold the BOLT in your hand or place it on a flat surface, turn it on and watch your cat pounce, chase, and bat at the exciting laser patterns.

The BOLT operates in two modes -- in automatic mode it generates random patterns and in manual mode you control the play. The laser automatically shuts off after 15 minutes in either mode and also includes a manual on-off switch.

via Modern Cat

Read More in: Cats | Gadgets | Play & Toys

LuluCat UG-038 iPod Dock for Cat Lovers

If you love all things cat, how about this cat-shaped iPod dock 'LuluCat UG-038' from Taiwan's VOGUE Tech.

via DVICE / Aving

Read More in: Cats | Electronics

Universal Sports Bag Pet Carrier and Motorcycle Connection Kit by Pet Ego

This Universal Sports Bag Pet Carrier by Pet Ego is an ultra-versatile pet carrier for cats, small dogs and other small pets. This bag can be carried by hand, on your shoulder, in your car, and can even be carried on your bike or motorcycle.

The bag features windows for view and ventilation that can be covered using velcro pads. For added security, a safety leash is provided and the bag accommodates a seat belt. The padded, heavy-duty fabric is hypo-allergenic, scratch-proof, waterproof and UV-protected.

The Pet Ego Motorcycle Connection Kit for the Universal Sports Bag Pet Carrier allows you to secure it onto the back of your motorbike or onto the tank.

Read More in: Cats | Crates, Gates & Carriers | Dogs

Dogs at Work -- Dog-Friendly Policies and Advice in the Business Environment

Yesterday, Friday June 26, was Take Your Dog to Work Day. Did you bring your dog to work? If so, how did it go?

If you think your office needs more dog-friendly policies, or you just need advice on how to prepare your dog for the office environment, get the scoop from Dogs at Work: A Practical Guide to Creating Dog-Friendly Workplaces by Liz Palika and Jennifer Fearing.

And if you didn't get to take your dog to work, here is a cute slideshow of readers' photos at boston.com.

Photo: Casey, a 1½-year-old Golden Retriever, in the office conference room of David Sturm's office in Milford, N.H.

Read More in: Books & Media | Dogs

TRIX Tick Remover System -- Pen-Style Lasso Device

One of the grosser parts of pet ownership is tick removal. Dispose of embedded ticks without even touching them with this Trix Tick Remover. It uses a unique lasso technique, which enables the quick and easy removal of all common ticks.

Its long and narrow design makes it easy to use in pet ears, thick fur and other difficult and narrow places. The remover also works very well even if fur or hair comes into the loop.

via Shiny Shiny

Read More in: Cats | Dogs | Gadgets | Grooming | Health and Safety

Alex Quilted Dog Carrier

Tote your pup in style with this chic, Chanel inspired Alex Quilted Dog Carrier. Created to look like a designer purse, this camel carrier has plenty of space for your personal items while offering comfort for your pet.

It has side mesh panels for ventilation, an interior safety strap and a soft removable comfort pad. This fashionable and functional pet carrier is airline approved. In S and L.

Read More in: Crates, Gates & Carriers | Dogs | Travel

iBird App for iPhone and iPod -- Lightweight Field Guide to Birds

iBird Explorer is a "field guide to birds" app designed specifically for the iPhone and iPod touch. This is an interactive guide to all bird species of North America containing illustrations, photos, bird calls, and comprehensive facts to help you identify and enjoy birds.

There are several versions of iBird, so you can pick the one that suits you best. The free version, called iBird 15, has all the functionality of the full app with 15 of the most common birds of North America.

The most comprehensive versions are iBird Pro and iBird Plus which contain all the birds of North America.

There are also five less expensive regional versions of iBird, so check out this bird-lover's iPhone Application now available on iTunes.com.

Read More in: Birds | Books & Media | Electronics

Need Shade for Your Outdoor Pet? Guardian Gear Pet Beach Cabana

This Guardian Gear Pet Beach Cabana is a pet sun tent that set up in seconds to keep your pets shaded and cool on the beach, at the park, and anywhere the sun is hot.

This lightweight, portable tent has mesh windows on each side for ventilation. It folds for storage in the included travel bag.

Read More in: Dogs | Outdoors and Garden | Summer | Travel