The State of Luxury Pet Accessories

Luxury Pet Accessories are not going away whether we like it or not. Luxury is defined by dictionary.com as, “a material object, service, etc., conducive to sumptuous living, usually a delicacy, elegance, or refinement of living rather than a necessity.” There are also subjective definitions. If asking ten random people on the street to define luxury, the answers will be all over the place. Some affiliate luxury with money, others do not. To some, luxury is all they know, to others, luxury is something they will never know.  Luxury pet accessories to Family A means having a soft pad for their pet to sleep on, while…

Soft and Cozy

Family B believes that Kate Spade or another high end designer’s luxury pet accessories is just that, luxurious.

Either way, whether you fall into the category of Family A of Family B or None of the Above we love our pets and want what is best and safest for them.

The amount of money we spend on our pets has increased every year since 1994. That year, 17 billion dollars were spent on pets, not just on luxury or food, but all inclusive (Vet, Purchasing the pet, Boarding, etc…) In 2014, 58 billion dollars was spent and the projected number for 2015 is 60 billion dollars. Even accounting for inflation, the 17 billion spent in 1994 equates to 27.9 billion dollars today. In twenty years we’ve more than doubled how we spend to take care of our pets.

This article from Time Magazine is a very informative read on the subject. According to Time, in October 2012 Americans spent $370 Million Dollars on Halloween Costumes for their pets.

Trick or Treat. TREAT! DID YOU SAY TREAT?

This is also because there is just so much more out there for pets. We’re not just talking ideas and do it yourself plans, but all around availability. The more we purchase and make the presence known on the internet, more and more options will continue to present itself.

Does this dress make me look fat?

This short Pro & Con article from a few years ago is spot on when it comes to whether or not luxury pet accessories are necessary. It was written during the economic downturn last decade but the ideals still hold true. The comments continue the argument and are a highly suggested read. What especially stands out is the thought that the priciest of luxury pet accessories were catered to smaller dogs. Can you picture a diamond studded collar more on a St. Bernard or a Chihuahua?

Are Luxury Pet Accessories A Good Idea?

Yes. Yes They Are.

Pets are our family members and they should be treated with the love they deserve. They should be comfortable when they sleep and when they go outside to play. Our furry family members should also be safe in any element regardless of where you live. When we travel, airlines now allow (size permitting) Pets to fit under the seat in front of you instead of being stored and forgotten in the cargo hold where all we do, all flight, is worry if the temperature is okay.  Traveling with our pets is a luxury and one that creates fantastic family memories.

There’s a difference between luxury dog accessories and the ridiculousness.

I don’t need color for my pedicure, but thank you.

We’ve earned the right to pamper our pets and as pet parents we will do anything for them, including but not limited to, a super soft pet bed, an awesome dog house or designer carrier bag. You’ve earned it too. Happy and healthy pets create positive environments for us at home.

The Princess will now retire for the night.

No. Make It Stop.

Look, our pets deserve all the love we have to give and they will definitely be warm in winter and comfortable all the time, but they’re needs are pretty minimal.  They probably don’t need this diamond collar.

Yep, this exists. The cost is over $1,000,000

They need to play. They need to sleep. They need to eat, have companionship and feel like they contribute to the family. That is the best luxury our pets can have.

All you need is love.

When we take our dogs to the park to exercise and play we don’t think about what type of outdoor dog gear we need. Out of habit we grab the basics; collar, leash, tennis ball and the ever present found stick. Our dogs enjoy an adventure as much as we do. The trips to the park are incredible fun.

BALL! BALL! HERE’S THE BALL! I’M BRINGING YOU THE BALL! THROW IT AGAIN! THROW IT AGAIN! BALL! BALL! BALL!

The adventures do not need to stop at our local dog park. Visiting National and State Parks offers us the opportunity to see some of Mother Nature’s best work. Taking advantage of local trails is a benefit to us as pet parents and our dogs. The Bring Fido website has a very detailed listing of hiking trails not just in America but across the world. As much as we would love to bring our dogs everywhere there are laws and regulations that prevent our pets from visiting specific locations. Doing the research in advance prevents disappointment and frustrations and allows us and our dogs the freedom to enjoy the newest adventure.

Now that we know where we can bring our pets let’s find the best types of outdoor dog gear that’s available to ensure are dogs are safe and of course, stylish.

OUTDOOR DOG GEAR #1

DOG LIFE JACKET

You just got to do it, Chauncey. Don’t hesitate. Just jump. Don’t make me push you.

Are you fluent in nautical or seafaring or lakefaring or riverfaring? Then a flotation device for our dog is essential. Those family holidays at the lake create the memories that we cherish forever. Having our dogs wearing a life jacket ensures safety. We recommend a bright color with a handle. This gives greater visibility and the ability to grab and hold on if such a situation presents itself.

This is my happy face.

OUTDOOR DOG GEAR #2

POOP BAGS

All right. I’m going in. *Holds Breath*

While this action above would be the best thing ever, we all know it’s not realistic. As pet parents we need to clean up after our dogs. Poop bags will be required in most if not all open areas. Not only do feces attract wildlife that could potentially put everyone in danger, no one wants to step in it. Disposing of our dog’s waste is a common everyday practice at home and just because we are out in nature, nature may be calling, but it’s calling for us to clean it up.

OUTDOOR DOG GEAR #3

BOOTIES

You really need to see this view.

Much like us pet parents that wear protective and appropriate foot gear while out in nature our pets should receive the same protection. We tuck our pants into our socks to avoid ticks getting to our legs and we wear thick hiking shoes for traction and prevention of thorns or rocks tearing up our feet. Our dogs can encounter the same issues. Thorns or sharp rocks can easily cut into the pads of the paws considerably injuring our pets. Dog booties are a necessary piece of outdoor dog gear to add into the wardrobe.

OUTDOOR DOG GEAR #4

DOG PACK

I’m ridiculously good looking.

The dog pack is a great accessory to add to the pile of outdoor dog gear. This convenient item not only holds on to extra water, snacks, first aid kit or any other knick knacks that come along on your journey. Remember that our dogs can get dehydrated just like us humans and carrying around extra supplies is highly recommended. One accessory that can be carried around in the pack is a collapsible water bowl. It’s very difficult for a dog to drink out of a water bottle and this nifty little thing makes drinking much easier for our pets.  While we will have a backpack of our own, a lot of the dog packs are interchangeable between dogs and humans. Weight restrictions should be adhered to and you’d be satisfied when you see that your dog actually enjoys having a legitimate responsibility on the trail. The bond grows stronger.

OUTDOOR DOG GEAR #5

PET BARRIER

We can’t forget about transportation when we want to take our dogs outdoors. The Advantek Pet Barrier keeps pets safe and secure in the back of a vehicle or cargo area.  Its universal fit and easy adjustable rods allow for simple assembly.  The Advantek Pet Barrier is constructed of heavy gauge, powder-coated steel wire and is pressure mounted.

HAVE FUN!

Since our pets are part of our family, having the ability to bring them along on any outdoor adventure is comforting and fun. Now, with the right tools and great outdoor dog gear we can have fun.  What are your must haves for outdoor dog gear? Let us know. See you on the trails!

LUXURY DOG ACCESSORIES WE’D LOVE TO HAVE

Okay. Let’s be honest here. We love to pamper our pets as much as if not more than ourselves.  Luxury dog accessories aren’t always available at the local pet store so here are five of the best dog accessories out there and where to find them.

Dictionary.com defines luxury as a material object, service, etc., conducive to sumptuous living, usually a delicacy, elegance, or refinement of living rather than a necessity. 

LUXURY DOG ACCESSORIES #1

DOG BEDS

Any dog will probably never get out of this bed.

While our pets are content sleeping on the floor, why not go a huge step forward? This pet bed is courtesy of Scott’s of London. All beds are handcrafted and designed with roll-up cushioned arms for comfort.  We as pet parents will most likely find ourselves getting cozy and snuggling up with our dogs on their bed. A nice twist. No longer will our dogs want to be on our bed but us on theirs.

LUXURY DOG ACCESSORIES #2

DOG HOUSES

The Saloon Dog House

This dog house from Advantek is the first to be made out of an attractive, sturdy and high-quality furniture-grade wood. It’s design is a throwback to the Wild West. Tumbleweeds breeze by as your dog impatiently awaits his target: The thrown stick. This dog house fits in any backyard setting old west or not. Click here for additional pictures and information regarding this old west saloon doghouse.

LUXURY DOG ACCESSORIES #3

DOG BATHROBES

Have you seen my slippers?

Dog bathrobes, like the one above are available from bitchnewyork.com Not only do they have bathrobes as luxury dog accessories but many other items as well, ranging from gluten free snacks to cologne and perfumes. Surf on over and browse. There’s a good chance you’ll find something that you never knew existed and want to have.

LUXURY DOG ACCESSORIES #4

SUNGLASSES

I’ll be Back

The sunglasses above are available via pamperedpuppy.com.  Sunglasses for dogs, a.k.a. doggles, provide our pets protection from harmful UV rays and wind. Those are some of the health and safety benefits to wearing the doggles, and you can feel as though your not just making a positive and adorable fashion statement.

LUXURY DOG ACCESSORIES #5

STARBARKS

No. That is not a typo.

Don’t be stingy on the Whipped Cream.

The Starbarks chew toy is available from tailsinthecity.com because when we drink our lattes and frappuccinos our dogs should have every right to have their own.  Sip your mocha outside while your dog playfully enjoys theirs. Doesn’t that sound like a wonderful morning?

With these five items your pet will be swimming in luxury dog accessories and enjoying life to the fullest. As pet parents we will surely be jealous of our pets.

Lower… Lower… Ahhhhhhh…

Help! I want to take my dog camping but I have no idea where to start! Is there dog camping gear? Are there laws and regulations? Is it even a good idea?

Yes, it’s a Great Idea, But Only With the Right Dog Camping Gear.

Our dogs complete our families and there’s every reason to bring them along when we venture out into the beauty of Mother Nature and go camping. Whether you want to get out, hike and be active all over the park or prefer to just read and sit by the campfire drinking cocoa and eating beans there’s many things that need to be considered for the health and safety of our pets.

Can we stay just one more day?

First and Foremost: Are dogs even allowed in campgrounds? Here’s a website dedicated to listing all pet friendly campgrounds across America.  Click here for pet friendly campgrounds in Canada.  This link gives all the details about pets in The National Parks.

Dude, we’re in Montana.

To help preserve nature and the safety of our pets there are necessities when going camping with our dogs. The dog camping gear list isn’t exclusive to items only relevant to going to the outdoors; as an example, the leash and collar (license and tags.) These are everyday items for our pets, but it’s best to have a leash with about twenty feet to it. This way it can be attached to a ground stake (also essential) in the campground to allow our dogs some free range.

The Pet Gazebo is a solution for your camping needs. With its convenient tote bag as an accessory it’s easy to bring pets along and this everyday home item turns into a great piece of dog camping gear.

Having our dogs secured while driving to the campground is the safe approach for transportation. Having a harness or a crate for your vehicle is essential. A quick internet search for dog travel crates reveals how many options are available. Adding this to the list of dog camping gear is a must.

It took forever to find parking for my truck.

Basic items to add to your list of dog camping gear.

Food and Water Dishes.

Poop Bags.

Towel.

Brush.

Clothes/Booties.  (See previous blog entry on the should I dress my dog debate.)

First Aid Kit.

Don’t forget the ointment.

This is a must. While we always think about one for us pet parents, it very well might not be compatible for our pets needs. It’s a much better idea to have one specifically for our four legged family members. We love our dogs and there’s no sense in not being prepared. There are a ton of options out there for Dog First Aid Kits. Click Here for an internet search so you can find one to add to your dog camping gear.

If your family sleeps in separate tents, don’t forget that our dogs need to be out of the elements and safe from predators at the campground.  While a bed may not be required, an adjacent tent so our dogs can have some privacy is an option too.

If you need me, I’ll be right over here.

When Hiking

This Moment.

Okay, so you’re the type that wants to venture out and travel the foot paths through nature. Our dogs can be the ultimate companion for the trek.  You should only bring pets that are well trained that listen and are obedient.  Just like we pack water and food for the hike do not forget to include extra for our pets. One option is to have dogs wear their own pack. This item is an option for your dog camping gear list.

Let’s do this!

The links at the top of the page will provide the information needed to see if pets are even allowed on hiking trails. Clearly a hike like Angels Landing in Zion National Park is not for our pets, but a thrilling hike nonetheless.  Much like us pet parents, we need to build up the strength to do certain hikes. The same applies for our pets. Have the vet conduct a physical to see if the body is able to handle such strenuous activity.  While at the vet it is best to make sure any vaccinations are up to date. Just like us pet parents, our dogs are vulnerable to ticks, poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac. The dog booties are an essential item and should be added to your dog camping gear kit.

Have fun out there and be safe!

For more information about products we are currently working on to optimize the camping experience with your dog, follow our Facebook page and check out our website on a regular basis for new updates!

One mountain down…