Number one pet product issue?
In light of my work over at Pet-Comfort-Products.com, I’d like you to tell me your number one pet product problem. Is your pet’s bed a piece of junk? Have you wasted money on a pet stroller? Have you bought pet furniture that broke but doesn’t include a warranty?
I’m especially interested in ergonomic and interface issues. For the most part, pet products have terrible usability. The instructions stink. Products are one-size-fits-none. The marketing is overblown. Talk to me about how you and your pets suffer.
By the way, if you like shopping for pet products online, talk about that too. Do pet product shopping web sites stink? Where do you shop and why? What do you like? What do you hate? Talk about it here!
January 3rd, 2006 at 1:18 pm
Probably the biggest problem is trying to brush the darn dogs teeth. After our four-year old dog needed two tooth extractions, we decided to get serious about brushing, but so far only my wife can do it. I think she uses dental wipes. I tried with the tooth brush, and got nowhere - the dog will NOT open her mouth, even though the literature says the toothpaste should be like a treat to her.
We also have a doggie-water-cooler, that works pretty well. The only slight annoyance (for the dog) is that she has to turn her head sideways to get head clearance from the reservoir. But it is very nice not to have to constantly refill. It looks like it holds about a half-gallon, which is plenty for a small dog.
January 3rd, 2006 at 1:55 pm
Heated outdoor water bowls often don’t last more than one winter. This year was an exception. It could be because previous models I’ve bought have the heating element snapped on the bottom but this current one it’s sealed inside the bowl. I don’t know why the others died.
January 6th, 2006 at 8:46 pm
A few years ago I spent a healthy amount on one of those carpeted cat trees - I had hoped that it would amuse them and keep them from using my great grandmother’s brocade couch as a scatching post. Of course, in typical cat fashion, they loved the box that it came in but wouldn’t go near the damned tree…