Review: Dexas Collapsible Travel Cup

With temps regularly in the 90s lately we've been taking a number of precautions to keep Andy safe while outdoors. This includes limiting our walks to mornings and evenings, avoiding hot asphalt during the day, and making sure the pup keeps hydrated at all times. I usually take a bag with me when we go out on longer walks so that I can tote along bottles of water, extra poop bags, hand wipes, etc. Up to this point I also carried a small plastic bowl that we used to give Andy water. Problem was, after he was done drinking I would have to put the wet bowl back into the bag and everything would get a little damp. Arg. 

I've been looking for a solution to this problem the past month or so: enter the Dexas Collapsible Travel Cup. I came across this bowl at Petco the other day. I liked its compact, collapsible design, the fact that it could be clipped to things, and that it is BPA-free. 

We took the bowl for a spin last week and we're thrilled so far! Not only is it stylish and well-designed, it's sturdy and gets the job done. We got the bowl in the large size (purple) - which holds 2 cups, or 16 oz, of water. This is the perfect size for Andy, who is a medium-sized dog at 34 pounds. The body of the bowl is made from soft, but sturdy, silicone. You simply "pop" the bowl out, fill it with water, then "pop" it back in when you're done. I like to give the bowl a couple of good shakes to get rid of excess water before I stow it away. The bowl comes with a convenient carabiner clip, which I use to clip the bowl to the exterior of my walking bag - no more wet mess! I highly recommend this product to anyone that likes to spend time with their pup outdoors, especially during these hot summer months. Check out the Dexas website for more information and to see their other cool pet products.

Dexas Collapsible Travel Cup
Available at Petco, Amazon
Small | 1 cup, 8 oz | $7.99
Large | 2 cups, 16 oz | $9.99

Forthcoming Review: Dexas Collapsible Travel Cup

With the weather being so hot lately we've been making it a point to take our walks in the evenings, as the sun's going down. We picked up this collapsible travel cup in an effort to keep Andy hydrated while we're out and about. Will let you know what I think!

Review | Cloud Star Buddy Biscuits

Cloud Star is a U.S. based company that manufactures all natural treats and grooming supplies for dogs. They also make treats for cats and have a line of "Wag More, Bark Less" branded items for sale. So far I've only really come across their Buddy Biscuits, which I've seen at both pet supply stores and big box retailers like Target. I recently purchased a box of Buddy Biscuits, Roasted Chicken flavor, for Andy. Two factors played into my decision to give this brand a try: first and foremost, the fact that the treats are made in the USA, "all natural" (no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives), and free of corn, yeast, sugar, salt, and soy. Second, I'll be honest here, I'm a sucker for nice packaging and I just really like the way Cloud Star has branded their products.

The biscuits themselves are shaped like ginger bread men - pretty darn cute! - but unfortunately they look nothing like the treat depicted on the front of the box itself as far as color is concerned. In fact, my first impression of the biscuits when I opened the box was that they looked rather pale and unappetizing. They're also devoid of any scent (which is really neither good or bad but made me wonder what sort of flavor the biscuits actually have). Well, I'm not one to judge a book by its cover so I knew the real test would be whether or not Andy liked them.  

Review | Blue Buffalo Health Bars

Andy's enjoyed Blue Buffalo's Health Bars ever since he was a wee pup. As I was shopping for supplies before we picked Andy up from the humane society I knew I wanted to get a treat of some sort that we could give him any time we left him alone in the loft. I figured if we could get Andy to associate our leaving him by himself with a positive experience (i.e. a special treat) we could help him work through any separation anxiety he might have. A little positive reinforcement can go a long way! Blue Buffalo Health Bars, or "Goodbye Cookies" as their known in our household, have been a staple ever since. I love that they don't contain fillers like corn and wheat, that they're full of whole grains and vegetables, are fortified with Omega 3 fatty acids, and are all natural (i.e. they contain no artificial colors or preservatives). Andy loves their generous size and crunch!   

Updated Review | Get Naked Super Antioxidant Dog Treats

In my original review of Get Naked's Super Antioxidant Dog Treats I was generally happy with the product but dissatisfied with the size and longevity of the "small" sized dental chews. Since the chews come in a "small" size I think it's safe to assume they also come in a "large" size, and while this is true, the large chews sure are hard to come by! The Get Naked brand isn't widely available at stores in my area to begin with; Petco is the only store around here that stocks the brand regularly, and for some reason, they only carry them in "small." I only happened upon the "large" chews as I was browsing the pet section at my local T.J. Maxx a couple of weeks ago. At $3.99 a bag I immediately snatched up a couple of bags and Andy's been enjoying the chews ever since.

The "large" sized chews have all the same great benefits as their smaller counterparts - they're wheat, corn, soy, and gluten free (great for pups with allergies), made with all natural ingredients, and made in the USA. Andy weighs in around 32 pounds and the "large" chew is more size appropriate for him. A large chew lasts around 4-5 minutes. I know that doesn't sound like a lot of time but because Andy is such an aggressive chewer 4-5 minutes for a dental chew is actually not all that bad. I highly recommend the "large" Get Naked dental chews if you have a medium sized dog or larger. They make for a great occasional treat and will satisfy your pup's desire to chew. Finding the chews in a "large" at a local store may prove to be a challenge but luckily they're readily available (and cheaper!) on the internet. 

Review | Earthbath Eucalyptus & Peppermint Shampoo

Earthbath is a company that makes all natural grooming products for dogs, cats, and horses. According to their website their products are natural, non-toxic, paraben free, phthalate free, and phosphate free. The products are also "made in the USA with human-grade ingredients and pure essential oils" and have no artificial colors and fragrances. As far as their products for dogs are concerned, they have shampoos, grooming foams (kind of like a "dry-bath"), wipes, and deodorizing spritzes available. 

We've been using Earthbath's Eucalyptus & Peppermint Shampoo on Andy for about a month now and so far I'm happy with the product. The shampoo is "soap-free" and very gentle on Andy's coat and skin and has a wonderful scent to boot - it's herbal and minty but not overly so. I definitely prefer it to some of the fruity or floral scented dog shampoos I've purchased in the past. I've sniffed other shampoos in Earthbath's line (Orange Peel Oil and Oatmeal and Aloe) and they also smelled nice - not perfumy but more of a clean herbal medicinal scent - and I mean this in the best sort of way.  Post-bath the scent doesn't actually last all that long, maybe a day...which actually makes me kind of sad. On the plus side, it leaves Andy's coat shiny and soft for a couple of weeks...which makes me very happy.

Supposedly the oils contained within the shampoo are supposed to "help relieve pets of their most common topical skin problems while acting to cool and relieve irritated skin associated with flea bites and other dermatitis." I'm anticipating another rough flea season come spring/summer, so I'm really hoping this shampoo delivers on this particular claim. Earthbath's Eucalyptus & Peppermint Shampoo has been good for Andy so far and is good for the environment. Win/Win! The only downside to this product is the price. It isn't cheap! A 16 oz bottle retails for about $14.99. I picked mine up at Marshalls for $7.99. I honestly don't know if I'd pay retail for this. Is it worth $14.99? Yes. Am I a cheapskate? Yes. Draw. In all seriousness though, I'll continue to buy Earthbath products as long as I can find them at discount retailers like Marshalls or T.J. Maxx.

Earthbath Eucalyptus & Peppermint Shampoo
Marshalls | 16 oz | $7.99
Petco | 16 oz | $14.99

Review | Kong Wobbler

The Kong Wobbler reminds me of Weebles, a children's toy from Fisher Price. The Wobbler works on the same principle as Weebles - it's an egg-shaped gadget that's weighted on one end and spins and rolls anytime it's nudged, eventually righting itself. The Kong Wobbler is described as a dog treat dispenser and feeding toy. It's made up of two halves that unscrew to allow for easy filling and clean-up. Once filled the Wobbler will dispense whatever is inside through the hole in the center as it spins, rolls, and wobbles around. The Kong website doesn't actually say much about the product so the following description comes from petsmart.com:

The Wobbler unscrews for quick filling and easy clean up, and is top-shelf dishwasher safe. It is great for playtime, providing challenge and physical activity the whole family will enjoy watching. It also presents and excellent alternative to the traditional food bowl, extending the joy of feeding time and preventing unhealthy gulping. The Wobbler is made of a durable, FDA food-approved, high strength polymer and can accommodate up to two cups of food.

I only use the Wobbler occasionally as a treat dispenser to keep Andy entertained. I like to fill it with a small handful of kibble, anything more than that and I'd actually have to start counting the kibble towards Andy's daily calorie intake. Once the Wobbler hits the ground it only takes the pup about 5 minutes to get it empty...but boy does he have a good time doing it! It's quite entertaining watching Andy knock, push, and throw this thing all over the place. With that in mind, one thing to consider with the Wobbler is that it will get knocked around, and rather violently if your dog really gets into it - so make sure the floor is clear! I'd also recommend only giving the Wobbler to your dog under supervision. We have a small size Wobbler and once Andy gets it empty he always picks it up and takes it to the couch to try to gnaw on it. The plastic is hard and durable but not indestructible.

Review | Scratch Lounge

 

I haven't done any reviews of cat products on this blog but thought I'd throw one into the mix seeing how 2 of my 3 fur children identify as feline. Cat claw maintenance is an important part of any kitty's health regimen. Cat's claws have an outer layer, or sheath, which protects new claw growth. Cats need to periodically shed these sheaths in order to free the new growth within. They accomplish this by scratching at things, which is why it's important to provide your kitty with an appropriate outlet to direct this scratching, such as a scratching post or cardboard scratcher.  

This is where the Scratch Lounge comes in, touted as the "World's Best Cat Scratcher." This thing is pretty sweet - it's a 3-sided scratcher made of super-dense reversible honeycomb cardboard panels. The panels are no different than those found in a standard cardboard scratcher. What makes the Scratch Lounge different is sheer size - it's like a double-wide trailer. Most cats, the morbidly obese excepting, should be able to fit comfortably in the Lounge.  The Scratch Lounge provides multiple scratching surfaces, and because the panels are reversible, it'll last longer than your average cardboard scratcher. 

Review | Nylabone Dinosaur Dental Chew

Soon after adopting Andy we quickly discovered he had the power to chew, tear, and mangle his way through just about anything we threw at him. Andy is an especially aggressive chewer and it took a bit of trial before we found a "toy" that could reasonably withstand the onslaught of the pup's relentless chompers.  Our go-to "toy" of 2012 has been by far the Nylabone Dinosaur Dental Chew. Really, any of the Nylabone products for "powerful chewers" are good, we just happen to find the playful shapes of the Dinosaur Dental Chew line especially appealing (nerds that we are). There are three dinos available: a Brontosaurus, a Stegosaurus, and a T-Rex. There's really no difference between the three as far as flavor or staying power are concerned and Andy has equally enjoyed them all.

The Dino Chews cost around $7.99 a piece at local big-box pet supply stores and generally last anywhere from 1.5 to 2 months. While this may not sound all that long when you consider the fact that Andy has ripped through stuffed toys in a matter of minutes, and most recently, a $17.00 antler chew in a matter of days, spending $7.99 every couple of months really isn't all that bad. I've read complaints online from folks that were disappointed the chew didn't last longer, to which I would say, how hard do you want this thing to be? If it didn't have any give at all your dog's teeth would get cracked! Also, generally speaking, if you give your dog a variety of toys to cycle through they'll all last a little longer.

Review | Prairie Dog Antler Dog Chew

So that Prairie Dog Antler dog chew I bought over the weekend? Um, yeah, this is all that remains. I took these photos on Tuesday, so the antler is actually even smaller now and just about to become a choking hazard. I'm a little disappointed. After all the great things I read about  antlers, about them being durable and all, I expected this to last longer. I'm going to have to toss what remains at the end of the week lest Andy choke on the nub.

Andy got his antler when I got home from work on Saturday night, which was after midnight. He took to it right away. In fact, he chomped on it for the next three and a half hours straight. I finally took it away at 3:30 a.m. because I kept waking up to the sounds of him gnawing on it. Ha! 

One of the positive things about the antler was that it kept the pup occupied for hours at a time. This was really helpful when I was finishing up a paper earlier this week and didn't have a whole lot of time to devote to him. Giving Andy the antler was like sticking a kid in front of the tv - it kept him occupied and I got to get my work done. Win/Win!

Review | Blue Buffalo Mini Blue Bars Dog Biscuits

I'm always on the lookout for healthy, all-natural treats for Andy and Blue Buffalo's Mini Blue Bars Dog Biscuits fit the bill. These biscuits contain no animal by-product meals, no corn/wheat/soy (great for pups with allergies), and no artificial preservatives or flavors. They come in a variety of flavors: Blueberry/Yogurt, Banana/Yogurt, Apples/Yogurt, and Chicken/Cheddar - the first three are completely animal-product free and great for pups with sensitivities to proteins. The biscuits are bite-sized and crunchy and Andy always "sits pretty" with anticipation when he knows he's going to get one. 

The biscuits come in 8oz and 20oz bags and cost around $7.99 and $12.99 respectively. I found these on sale a couple of weeks back at Petco and picked up a 20oz bag of the Apples and Yogurt flavor for $10.39. I know that sounds like a lot to drop on a bag of dog biscuits, but really, when you do the math it's not that bad a deal when they're on sale. Because these treats are on the pricier side I tend to dole them out sparingly, 1-2 a day, and so far after 2 weeks we still have about half the bag left. I tend to rotate through different brands and types of treats, picking up whatever is on sale as long as it's manufactured in the USA and all-natural, and would definitely purchase these Mini Blue Bars again in the future.    

Patience

I always make Andy "sit pretty" before I give him a treat. He knows the drill. Sometimes he'll even go "sit pretty" on his own, next to the bowl of treats, and wait for me to notice him and give him a reward. Clever pup has me trained!

Look at him eyeballing that Get Naked Super Antioxidant Dog Treat...he sure is focused when there are treats involved! Get Naked Super Antioxidant Dog Treats are a great all-natural dental chew for pups. Check out my review of the product from July.

Updated Review | WAHL Oatmeal Coconut Lime Verbena Pet Shampoo Concentrate

I first wrote about WAHL's Oatmeal Coconut Lime Verbena Pet Shampoo Concentrate back in August. At the time we had been using the shampoo for about 3 months and I gave the product a less than stellar review primarily because I thought the formula was too harsh and was causing irritation to Andy's skin (he was constantly gnawing and biting at himself). I'm a little embarrassed to admit this, but being the cheapskate that I am, I couldn't bring myself to throw the bottle away and we've been continuing to use the shampoo since. My opinion of the product has changed and I now feel comfortable recommending it to anyone looking for a decent middle of the road dog shampoo.

Andy's been with us for about 9 months now and I've come to believe that the issues he had with skin irritation when we first adopted him had more to do with diet, fleas, and stress. When we brought him home from the humane society his coat was dull, it shed tremendously, and had a fair amount of dander. After almost 9 months of a high quality diet and regular bathing, not to mention plenty of stress-free loving, his coat is now healthy. Andy gets baths every 1-3 weeks. The time he spends at Camp Bow Wow, coupled with his insatiable desire to roll in poop, means he gets ripe pretty fast. After a bath using the Wahl's shampoo his coat is soft and has a pleasant scent that lingers for several days. Also, after 9 months of regular baths we still have about a third of the bottle left. Just goes to show the importance of a high quality diet and vigilant flea control. Once this bottle of shampoo runs out I'll likely try something different, for the sake of variety, but if you're looking for a decent, affordable product I say give this a shot.

WAHL Oatmeal Coconut Lime Verbena Pet Shampoo Concentrate

Available at Target 

$5.99 24 oz

Related Post:
Original Review|WAHL Oatmeal Coconut Lime Verbena Pet Shampoo Concentrate

Forthcoming Reviews

Blue Buffalo | Blue Bars

Kong | Wobbler

Natural Balance | Dog Food Rolls

Nylabone | Dinosaur Dental Chew

Updated Review | Wahl | Oatmeal Shampoo Concentrate

Review | Premier Easy Walk Harness | Part 2: Overall

As promised, here's Part 2 of my review of the Premier Easy Walk Harness. As mentioned in Part 1 of my review, aside from sizing issues I'm actually happy with the harness and would recommend it to anyone with a dog that doesn't walk "nice" on the leash. While no leash, collar, or harness can take the place of proper training (which I know we haven't done enough of with Andy) I think most dog owners should see immediate results with the Easy Walk Harness. The harness consists of two straps, one that wraps around the torso, directly behind the legs, and one that falls across the top of the breast bone. The front strap is similar to a martingale collar, with loops that tighten gently across the chest and shoulder blades when your dog tugs. This, coupled with the fact that the leash clips to the front of the harness, makes it difficult for your pup to pull. When he does pull the pressure created by the martingale loops will force him to his side and redirect his attention towards you.

The Easy Walk Harness hasn't stopped Andy from pulling completely but I'd say he tugs about 70% less - which is a vast improvement and much better results than we had with the gentle leader or the body harness. It's also easy to get on and off. The harness is actually dual-toned, unlike the product photo, so I know immediately which strap goes around Andy's body and which goes across his chest. From what I've read the model I purchased, which is the Easy Walk Reflective Harness and Leash set, is actually sturdier than the regular model sold in most stores (which does not come with a leash). The set is made of a nice heavy nylon and features reflective threads (which really do reflect!) and snap buckles made of sturdy plastic. One complaint I do have is that the instructions for the harness say you should use a leash with a light-weight clip but the leash that came with the set actually has a pretty heavy clip, which contributes to the front strap sagging.

Review | Premier Easy Walk Harness | Part 1: Fit

Andy's been wearing his new Premier Easy Walk Harness for a month now and I'm finally ready to share some of my thoughts about it (To read about why we chose this particular harness, click here). I'm going to split this review into 2 parts: "fit" and overall feelings about the product. Today I'm going to write primarily about the fit and fitting of the harness.

Before ordering the harness I had to decide what size to get. I started by consulting the sizing instructions on Premier's website. The instructions had me measure Andy's girth - the length around his rib cage, directly behind his front legs. I then compared that measurement to the sizing chart and decided to order a medium since his girth is approximately 23 inches. The harness came with some pretty detailed fitting instructions. After a lot of adjusting of straps, readjusting, and adjusting some more, I just couldn't get the medium size harness to fit properly, and I determined it was because it was actually a touch too small. Either Andy has a really odd shaped body or Premier's sizing chart is way off...I'm guessing it's the latter of the two. I did see some complaints about sizing when I read reviews on the harness, I just didn't think the sizing chart would be SO off.

Review | Zoe Dental Chews

This has been a week of firsts! Not only did Andy pee like a big boy for the first time the other day, he finally encountered an edible item he does not like! I came across these dental chews from a brand called Zoe, which I had never heard of prior to this purchase, while browsing at T.J. Maxx last week. The brand is manufactured by a Canadian company called Hagen - though the product packaging says the chews themselves are made in the USA (?). I'm not gonna lie...I was drawn to the pretty packaging...but ultimately I decided to buy the dental chews for the following reasons: they're made in the USA, they're wheat/corn/soy-free, and they contain all natural ingredients and no artificial preservatives or dyes. At $4.99 for 8.1 oz of chews (approx. 10 small chews) the Zoe treats seemed like a good deal. There were 2 different kinds available; I picked up the "Antioxidant" ones, which are supposed to "support a healthy immune system."   

Review | Long Lasting Durable 5 Senses Chew

The "Long Lasting Durable 5 Senses Chew" was one of the first Nylabone products I purchased for Andy. I picked it up at a T.J. Maxx back in July for around $4.00 but haven't seen one there, or anywhere else for that matter, since. It still shows up on the Nylabone website so I don't think it's been phased out completely. I want to write a quick review, well mainly a caveat, in case there are folks out there that still have access to this particular product. 

The packaging for the 5 Senses Chew touts the following: See it! Interactive Shapes, Smell it! Irresistible, Taste it! Bacon Infused, Touch it! Bumps and Ridges, Hear it! Clickety Clack. I wasn't really taken in by all the claims when I picked this chew up. I decided to buy it primarily because it was a Nylabone product (which I generally trust), it felt sturdy, and it looked interesting. I think Andy might have been at the tail end of teething when I picked it up in July, so I know I was also on the lookout for durable chew toys. 

Review | Merrick Classic Real Lamb with Brown Rice & Apple Dry Dog Food

Andy's been on a steady diet of Merrick Classic Real Lamb with Brown Rice & Apple Dry Dog Food for about 2 months now. So far we're happy with this product and Andy can't seem to get enough of it...although that sort of describes his relationship with food in general. This is my first experience with Merrick products (they also produce the Castor & Pollux brand). I was drawn to them because: 

* All of their ingredients are grown in the U.S. (no ingredients from China)
* Their products contain no artificial additives, sweeteners, colorings or preservatives
* They have a strong commitment to food-safety performance and quality management
* They use higher quality proteins - deboned meat is the first ingredient.
* Their foods include high levels of Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and shiny coat, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfates to support healthy bones and joints, and highly digestible meat proteins, peas, apples and blueberries to support and improve digestive function.

Dog food and treat reviews are kind of goofy. Having never tasted the products myself I can't speak to things like palatability or texture, and really Andy will eat anything, so my opinions are based more on things like ingredients lists, where the products are manufactured, and whether or not my dog has a negative reaction to it (i.e. he doesn't want to eat it or it makes him sick). When it comes to dog food there are a number of brands that I would highly recommend (Merrick, Wellness, Blue Buffalo, just to name a few) and really as long as your pup is getting a high-quality diet that's all that matters. What's great about the brands I mentioned is that they all hit the five points I talk about above, and in addition, offer lines that meet special dietary needs: limited ingredients or grain free (which I need for my cat Diego).

Post Day Camp Wipe Down

Andy's always a little grimy when he comes home from Camp Bow Wow. He spends the day running around tussling with other dogs, both indoors and out, so it's really no surprise. His paws get especially dirty and dusty from the gravel that covers the outdoor play area. In lieu of giving him a bath every Wednesday night, which is impractical and wouldn't be good for his skin and coat, I've taken to wiping him down thoroughly with a baby wipe once we get home. I picked up a package of Huggies Naturally Refreshing Cucumber & Green Tea Baby Wipes at Target a couple of weeks back ($1.99 for a pack of 56 wipes) and so far I'm really happy with the product. The wipes are sturdy and one is usually enough to freshen Andy up and get rid of the dust on his coat and paws. The scent is light and refreshing and a great alternative for folks who don't like baby powder scents. The next time I see these wipes on sale I'll probably pick up a second pack for the car. 

I've seen specialty "pet wipes" at pet supply stores that sell for around $5-10 for 50-100 wipes. That's a little pricey for my taste. These "pet wipes" typically differ from baby wipes in that they contain coat and skin conditioners, but really, if your dog is eating a high quality dog food his coat and skin should already be in great shape. Many are also labeled as "veterinarian approved" - which I think is just a gimmick to get us to spend more money on a product that isn't really necessary. As far as the baby wipes are concerned, I figure if they're good enough for a baby's bottom, they're good enough for a dog. Of course there is always the off chance your pup could have an allergic reaction to a particular brand of baby wipe, so it's always smart to proceed with caution when trying out a new product. These Huggies wipes have worked well for us so far and I foresee us always having them on hand to keep the pup fresh.