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| PET GAZETTE | ACCESSORIES
Useful for a number of different types of
pet are new automated feeders, playmates
and monitors. One of the most ingenious
ways of keeping pets satisfied while the
owner away is with a computerised monitor
that allows owners to see their pet (and their
pet can see them), talk to it and in some
cases dispense food and water. If customers
don’t fancy the high prices of interactive
monitors, water fountains offer a great
cheaper way to keep an animal hydrated
while the owner is away, not to mention
that animals love running streams of water.
When it comes to play time there is no
shortage of automated ball throwers, bones
and lasers, these are perfect for keeping
animals entertained.
Clothing for animals can be a controversial
subject with so many fancy dress costumes
available, how can owners be sure that their
pet enjoys the experience as much as them?
The RSPCA has already warned owners
wishing to dress up their dog of legal action.
A spokeswoman said: “Dog owners should
be aware that under the Animal Welfare Act
that came into force in April 2007 they have
a duty of care to ensure that all of their pets’
needs are met.
“One of those needs is to express normal
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behaviour and it could mean that with
restrictive clothing they are not able to do
that properly.”
Items such as purpose built dog coats offer
a humane way to have a dapper dog without
restricting the animal’s movement and in
some cases actually helping the animal to
stay dry. There are many options available
when it comes to coats with prices ranging
from around five to ten pounds all the way
into the hundreds for Diamond Dogs’ luxury
dog coats with Swarovski crystals.
Coats are also available for cats with
the main emphasis yet again on ensuring
thechoice of pet clothing is humane.
Personalised coats for cats, with name and
contact details stitched on, can come in very
useful in the event that a cat gets lost. Cats
value their freedom to roam wherever they
please, meaning it is highly important that
the coat will not obstruct the cat in anyway.
With so many new and exciting
accessories there has never been a more
enjoyable time to be involved with the pet
industry. It is important however to note that
no matter how cute the costume or how
fun it is to see one’s hamster driving, the
animal’s health and happiness must
come first.
May 2018