STAMFORD, Conn., Oct. 12, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The American Pet Products Association (APPA) is pleased to celebrate the joys and benefits dogs bring to our lives, and encourage dog ownership in honor of Adopt-a-Dog Month (October). According to the 2017-2018 APPA National Pet Owners Survey, over 60 million U.S. households have a dog and there are a total of 89.7 million dogs owned in the U.S. The Survey also reveals top benefits to dog ownership: love and companionship, stress relief, and fun to have in the household. And dogs can help make us healthier too. Research conducted by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) finds dogs can help improve heart health, alleviate depression, increase well-being, support child health and development, and contribute to healthy aging. Since this month-long holiday encourages people to think about adding a dog to their home, below are some recommendations manufactured by APPA members to help adopted dogs transition smoothly into their "furrever" home.
The Bare Necessities
For a new pet's meal, feeding time is a treat with the Adjustable Feeder with Collapsible Bowls by Dexas International. The elevated position of the bowls eliminates stress placed on joints caused by leaning while eating, improves digestion and encourages an ergonomically correct feeding posture. Plus, they can be adjusted to different levels to fit all sized dogs.
Price: Starting at $44.99
http://www.dexas.com
Sleep is a favorite activity of pets so why not give them the same quality bed humans have? The Ultimate Pet Bed and Lounge by PetFusion brings comfort and style to pet beds. The 4-inch memory foam base provides pets with reduced joint pain, and improved health and mobility. The cover is machine washable and easy to clean.
Price: $89.95
http://www.pet-fusion.com
For puppies or small indoor dogs that use pee pads, BrilliantPad by Brilliant Pet is an owner's dream come true. It works like a regular dog pad, soaking up liquids, but also dries out solids before wrapping and sealing the waste away. Small dog owners can either set a timer to renew the pad automatically or refresh it manually by touching a button on the machine.
Price: $149.99
http://www.brilliantpad.com
The ECOFLEX Pet Crate By New Age Pet is the perfect spot for pets to relax and it doubles as an end table too. Made of ECOFLEX, a non-toxic recycled plastic-wood polymer composite material, the Pet Crate is easy to clean and doesn't absorb moisture, keeping pets happy and healthy. The piece is available in a variety of colors and sizes including russet, espresso, antique white and gray.
Price: Starting at $164.99
http://www.newagepet.com
Food and Treats
Want a food that has uncompromised natural ingredients? Purina's Beyond WILD line gives pets natural ingredients plus vitamins and minerals that provide high protein, nutrient-dense nutrition with freeze-dried chicken bites. Plus it's grain-free and free of corn wheat, soy and most importantly, preservatives.
Price: Starting at $22.99
http://www.beyondpetfood.com
Training is essential when adding a new dog to a home. Rewarding pets during training can now be guilt-free with Chewy Cricket Treats by Jiminy's. With less than 3 calories a treat, it contains wholesome ingredients like sweet potato, peas, oats and crickets. Not to mention, they are sustainable, humane and hypoallergenic.
Price: $11.90
http://www.jiminys.com
For small dogs and lighter chewers, Cheezie Chews Treats are focused on providing pets with a great tasting, functional and fun product without sacrificing their overall health and well-being. Cheezie Chews start with naturally great tasting, protein rich, lactose and fat free Himalayan Brand cheese. This ensures dogs receive a great tasting and easily digestible chew.
Price: $14.99
http://www.cheeziechews.com
Let's Take a Walk
Have pets step into the Voyager All-Weather Mesh Harness by Best Pet Supplies, Inc. and stroll with confidence. This simple vest-style harness is a breeze to put on. Just step in, secure, clip on your leash and go! Available in a variety of colors to match every dog's style, Voyager harnesses are made using breathable mesh fabric and are ideal for year-round use.
Price: $13.99
http://www.bestpethouse.com
The Marine Dog Leash by Kucha Dog Co has a silky, marine-grade rope to repel dirt, dries quickly and is made with quality hardware to stand the test of time. The included cast o-ring on the handle is designed to hold small clipped items or loop across your chest for off-leash walking. All leashes are handmade to ensure the best quality and guaranteed to last.
Price: $49.99
http://www.kuchadogco.com
Safety first when it comes to evening walks with dogs. Reflective Fashion Collars by Hamilton ensures that dogs are kept safe during lowlight conditions without sacrificing style. The collection is made using highly reflective print on premium quality nylon which is resistant to wear and tear. Collars come in two designs and a variety of colors and sizes.
Price: Starting at $12.99
http://www.hamiltonproducts.com
Bath Time
Not all dogs love taking a bath so why not stretch out time in between baths with Waterless Foaming Shampoo by Pura Naturals Pet. Offering a stress and mess-free way to keep dogs clean and smelling fresh between bath, this natural no-rinse formula is blended with lavender and chamomile to soothe and moisturize pets' skin.
Price: $12.99
http://www.puranaturalspet.com
Dog hygiene includes clean ears too! kin+kind's Clean Ears Cleanser prevents ear odor by removing waxy build-up that can happen over time. This all-natural alcohol-free treatment won't sting and is made without water to prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
Price: $9.99
http://www.kin-kind.com
Dirt Shield™ After-Bath Spray by Miracle Care helps preserve cleanliness and inhibit pollutants from clinging to a dog's coat. The Moringa Tree oil in Dirt Shield™ is rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B3 and C. Its unique properties also include calcium, magnesium and iron to assist in providing a conditioning and strengthening effect on normal and damaged coat hair.
Price: $9.99
http://www.miraclecarepet.com
Playin' Around
Every dog loves a game of tug of war. The Busy Buddy Tug-A-Jug by PetSafe rewards and challenges dogs at the same time. The unique design appeals to all five senses to encourage dogs to play; dogs can see, smell, and hear the treats while moving the Tug-A-Jug around to receive a tasty reward. Use it to regulate meals, play games, or teach training commands.
Price: $9.99
http://www.petsafe.net
Dogs can have lots of fun playing with the Micro Ball Med Monster by Mighty Dog Toys because they are made to last. Made with multiple layers of flexible material that move with the dog's teeth instead of tearing, the Mighty Monster is a great option to discourage chewing habits. It has very little stuffing on the inside, is filled with squeakers in each limb, and includes a durable squeaky ball in the body.
Price: $24.00
http://www.mydogtoy.com
Metro Balls® by Metro Paws are durable, safe, non-toxic balls made with natural rubber in standard sizing for most pups. Their unique color combinations make them easy to find when out on the trail or at the dog park. They come with three balls per pack and five chic, unique color combinations including orange, seafoam, pink, black and yellow.
Price: $9.99
http://www.metropaws.com
For more information, product samples, images or interview opportunities, please contact Liz Thomas at 775-322-4022 or liz(at)theimpetusagency(dot)com
The American Pet Products Association (APPA) is the leading trade association serving the interests of the pet products industry since 1958. APPA membership includes more than 1,200 pet product manufacturers, their representatives, importers and livestock suppliers representing both large corporations and growing business enterprises. APPA's mission is to promote, develop and advance pet ownership and the pet product industry and to provide the services necessary to help its members prosper. APPA is also proud to grow and support the industry through the following initiatives: Pets Add Life (PAL), the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), The Pet Leadership Council (PLC), the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC), Bird Enjoyment and Advantage Koalition (BEAK), and the Pet Care Trust. Visit http://www.americanpetproducts.org for more information.
SOURCE American Pet Products Association, Inc.
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