Weird and wonderful things people buy their pets
Forget bones and pig ears — there is a new breed of treats to fetch next time you want to spoil your dog. From fashion to tech and beauty, these are the best new products to get your paws on.
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It’s no secret Australians love pets — about 65 per cent of us own one.
That may explain why a sizeable chunk of our collective incomes goes on them, to the tune of $12.2 billion a year.
And man’s best friend sure can lead a comfortable life these days, with pet owners able to treat their beloved fur babies to everything from matching outfits to high-tech treat dispensers and even body scrubs.
YOUR GUIDE TO THE 2019 MELBOURNE DOG LOVERS SHOW
HOW TO TAKE PERFECT PICTURES OF YOUR PET
THE MELBOURNE PET OWNERS TURNING THEIR DOGS VEGAN
Ahead of this weekend’s Melbourne Dog Lovers Show, we’ve sniffed out some of the most fun and unusual things pet owners can fetch for their dogs.
DOG FASHION
MATCHING OUTFITS
They say dogs look like their owners — now they can dress like them too.
Tail(ors) Pablo and Co create T-shirts, raincoats, visors, bowties and bandanas for dogs, and matching T-shirts for their owners.
Or go double denim with Pethaus, which can style your pooch to match your favourite jeans.
Its hoodies and vests for hounds will set you back from $39.95 and $59.95 respectively.
If your pet has attitude, you can pick up a “good boy” or “high roller” patch to applique on the jackets.
LUXE STYLE
Sometimes your own fur coat just isn’t glam enough.
Fashion brand Eye of Dog creates dog garments in luxe fabrics such as faux fur, faux leather and sequins.
You’ll fork out around $40 for a pink faux fur sweater fit for a tiny pooch or $29 for a black mesh top, perfect for pooches who like to walk on the wild side.
Warning: your pooch may end up better dressed than you.
TECHNOLOGY
DOG FLOATIES
If, like Spike in the picture above, your pooch is partial to a doggy paddle, they can now get a helping hand in the water.
The Ezy Dog flotation vest has ultra-buoyancy foam that purportedly help dogs keep afloat in the water, while still allowing them to swim freely. It’ll set you back $59.95.
ROBO-TREATS
Leaving Fido home alone?
Australian company Tricky Treats has developed a way to reduce the separation anxiety (and your guilt levels) with its automatic treat and toy dispenser.
Stuff toys and treats into the wall-mounted dispenser, which will release them at pre-set times throughout the day.
Plus you can record a message, which the dispenser will play to let your dog know it’s treat time.
BLOW-DRY IN STYLE
You no longer need to use your own hairdryer to groom your pooch.
Korean firm Petaum have created a two-in-one grooming dryer, which is a combination of a dryer and a brush.
Useful for dealing with wriggly pups that won’t stand still too long, it retails for $99.95.
SWEET TREATS
DOG-FRIENDLY CAKES
They’re birthday cakes, not as we know them.
Melbourne-based Willows Pantry creates drool-worthy raw beef cakes to help pooches celebrate their birthday (or any other occasion) in style.
If a whole cake (from $55) seems a little excessive, they also make pupcakes with a personalised bone cookie ($4 each).
Golden BARKery is another company giving dogs the chance to have their cake, and eat it too.
Go all out with a fancy cake, from $35, puppy cupcakes (from $6) or personalised dog biscuits (from $12).
INTERIOR DESIGN
MODERN KENNELS
The old-school kennel has had a makeover.
Dapper Hound creates handmade dog kennels in South Australia, which are inspired by the minimalism of Scandinavian furniture and designed to complement your interiors.
The kennels are made from American oak timber, with a foam canvas cushion inside to help your dog-tired friend get a good night’s sleep.
DOGGY DOONA
Nothing beats curling up underneath a doona on a cold night.
If your dog tends to hog the blanket, these Mini Pet fleecy blankets may be the solution.
Pop it on your pet and they’ll have their own to stay cosy in - no more tug-of-war to stay warm.
PET PAW-TRAITS
Sure, you already have thousands of photos of your canine friend, but why not give him or her pride of place on your wall?
Commissioning art pieces is becoming an increasingly popular way to immortalise pets.
For a modern take, Pop Art Puppy Dogs’ paintings add a pop of colour to your walls while putting your pet firmly in the frame.
BOW-WOW BEAUTY
DOG PERFUMES
Dogs may look cute, but they don’t always smell great.
Never fear — you can now buy dog colognes.
Dog groomer Melanie Newman has a released a cologne ($24.95) as part of her range of products for pampered pooches.
Also in the range is a dog body scrub made of charcoal, sandalwood and lavender ($19.50) — possibly handy to have on hand after your pet takes itself for a mudbath.
DOGGY MASSAGE
At the end of a long day, our four-legged friends love to rest their weary bones.
Now gou can give your pooch a pep-up with a vibrating pet massager.
Petssager’s device is waterproof, rechargeable and has eight different strength and speed settings, which will have your dog howling with joy.
Plus, massage is said to be good for dog-owner bonding and help reduce pain and stress, increase flexibility and circulation, and promote sleep.
Fido never had it so good.
The Melbourne Dog Lovers Show is at the Royal Exhibition Building from Friday,
May 3, to Sunday, May 5.