DRESSED TO IMPRESS

IMPRESS Dressed to

7 TRENDY SUPPLIES EVERY PET OWNER NEEDS

By Kelley White | Photo provided by Wet Nose

Choosing the best products for your fur baby can prove to be a daunting task with the sheer amount of information swirling around the endless abyss of the internet. For any pet owner looking to stay up-todate and equipped in an ever-evolving industry, local pet emporiums make it easy, suggesting a handful of popular, must-have basics, including these seven.

FOR PUPS WHO PULL ON THEIR LEASHES: FREEDOM NO-PULL HARNESS BY 2 HOUNDS DESIGN Jessie Klotz at Wet Nose in Geneva suggests using the harness with a double leash for the canines most apt to pull. “These harnesses take a fear-free approach to teaching leash manners,” says Klotz. “Four adjustment points means this harness will fit your baby like a glove and the Swiss velvet-lined strap prevents chafing. There are also two points of contact on this harness, hence the double leash. Using both the back D-ring and chest O-ring allows you maximum control and gently guides your dog while also preventing the harness from slipping around your pup’s body, thus avoiding a Houdini moment.”

FOR EASY INSTRUCTION: TRAINING TREATS AND POUCHES Ease and accessibility are key when training your pup. Klotz recommends treat pouches filled with tasty, healthy treats. “Our treat pouches range from your basic style to a deluxe version you can carry your poop bags and small personal belongings in,” says Klotz. “We also have a huge variety of training treats for dogs of every age and size, and our freeze-dried selection is sure to be a hit.”

FOR SAFE, CONTROLLED WALKS: MARTINGALE COLLARS For an inexpensive and less involved approach, martingale collars offer a comfortable and controlled method of walking your dog without the danger of choking. “Martingale collars are kind of like a prong collar without the sharp metal pieces,” says Elysia Vertiz at Just For Paws. “It’s more of something that will restrain them if they try to pull without the spikes on it.”

FOR A SPECTACULAR SNOOZE: BOWSERS BEDS Alexis Kliros at Two Bostons suggests Bowsers beds for the best naptime. “They are very high-quality, durable beds,” says Kliros. “They come in different sizes and colors, and they are customizable.”

FOR KITTIES: MERINO WOOL CAT BEDS AND TOYS The owner of The Barking Spot Bakery and Boutique, Nichole Berkhout, lauds these special kitty havens and play toys. Merino wool is well known for its capability to subdue odors and easily handle liquids, helping them retain cleanliness for an extended period of time.

FOR A LITTLE TREAT: CHEW STICKS MATATABI Berkhout details her customer’s favorite go-to treats for their furry (kitty) friends. “Silvervine (also known as Matatabi or Japanese catnip) is a climbing plant that grows in the mountainous regions of China, Japan, Korea and eastern Russia,” says Berkhout. “They are a safe and natural alternative to catnip and help control tartar, reduce stress and encourage play.”

FOR THE TRENDIEST PETS: HANDCRAFTED COLLARS AND BANDANAS Barking Spot also carries a selection of wildly popular and fun kitty accessories. “We work with small, women-owned, home-based businesses to provide the finest handcrafted collars for cats and kittens,” says Berkhout. “We carry a variety of styles, from bowties to bandanas, and all collars are made with breakaway buckles and removable bells to provide a safe and fun way to have a well-dressed kitty.” HERE’S WHERE YOU CAN FIND THE PRODUCTS MENTIONED:

 THE BARKING SPOT BAKERY

AND BOUTIQUE

630-608-6310 www.barkingspotbakery.com

 WET NOSE 202 Commons Drive, Geneva 630-232-7000 www.wetnose.com

 JUST FOR PAWS 40W160 Campton Crossings Drive, St. Charles 630-549-7845 www.justforpaws.com

 TWO BOSTONS 1900 S. Randall Road, Geneva 630-402-0795 www.twobostons.com