CRAZY, COOL, NEAT Pet Gadgets and Gifts

Being the proud owner of a Chihuahua, I realize that sweaters in the cold months are not just for looks, they serve a purpose. Little dogs need to keep warm. However, dog clothing goes beyond practicality. Since dogs are considered part of the family, there may be an occasion when you need formal wear for an event your dog will be attending.

Pet clothing ranges from pajamas, tutus, shoes, leather jackets, Halloween costumes, Christmas attire, sweaters, raincoats, and my favorite; The Pet Snuggie for dogs, similar to the pet owner's version- a fleece blanket with sleeves! These would make a great gift for your favorite dog and human.

If you haven't noticed celebrities carrying their pets in trendy pet totes, originated by the ingenious Paris Hilton, you are are living under a rock in a cave. Pet totes are more than convenient, they are a status symbol- not only can you afford the ridiculously over priced mini designer breed of your choice, but you can afford to carry it in a designer carrier, possibly more expensive than your hand bag.

There are pactical reasons for acquiring a pet carrier- travel being most obvious. The coolest pet carrier I've seen is for rodent pets. Small, lined, and easy to carry; I had no idea these were available until I got my 3 yr old daughter a guinea pig for her birthday. I was worried about how or if she would be able to carry the guinea pig, but we made a trip to our local pet store (Pet Smart) and found a small tote especially for rodents. Problem solved.

An outdoor enclosure for your dogs or cats while you're camping is much more suitable than the old fashioned approach of tying your dog by his leash to the picnic table. Besides, if you have really small dogs, an enclosure is almost a necessity so that an eagle or hawk doesn't mistake your dog for a mouse or rat.

The health conscious movement has extended to fine fare for your Fido. Gone are the days of kibbles and bits, instead there are numerous books to choose from with only the best recipes for your pooch or cat too. If you absolutely can't cook, there are bakeries that make dog friendly cakes and treats.

Accessories are not a pet necessity and even well beyond a pet luxury. They are simply for amusement, from my viewpoint, and for pet owners who want their pets to look their best in an attempt to fulfill the old cliche- If you don't look good, I don't look good.

The world of dog accessories began with diamond studded dog collars- one more reason you don't want to lose your dog. Now accessories have evolved into the latest craze, which is dog hair extensions as pictured on the right, and well beyond the good ol' days of hair bows.

There are some cool, maybe teetering on bizarre pet products on the market. I've discovered a hamster exerciser designed to look like a princess coach for your hamster named Cinderella (or Prince Charming). There are jacuzzi dog baths, interactive dog puzzles and toys, goldfish walkers- seriously, dog translators that translate various emotions your dog has and how many times he's barked while you're gone. There are motion activated gadgets, such as a pet bowl that has a voice recording of you saying something sweet to your dog so he can hear your voice even when you are away.

Some useful products like a dog vacuum hair brush (one called a Furminator), the aquarium desk organizer, cat toilet seats that fit onto your toilet, and warming electric dog beds.

If you spoil your pet, you can spoil yourself with pet products for owners. The holiday season is a great time to break out the wine and make it more special by getting personalized wine labels displaying a picture of your pooch and a catchy wine name and description. Tired of your old, plain, rectangle body pillow, instead sleep with an over-sized dog or cat body pillow. However, I would not suggest this to those who already sleep with an over-sized pet in their beds.

The best gift to yourself! A powered poop scooper. This is bordeline necessity and luxury, but you deserve it. And for elder folks who love their pets but have a hard time bending over to scoop poop, this is an excellent gift.