The Latest Looks in Travel for Every Pampered Pet

By Amy Reiley

Like many single women today, I have a pampered pooch with his own frequent flier number, (ok, that’s an exaggeration, but only slightly). My Long-Haired Chihuahua, Big, share’s my frequent flier miles, but more often than not, whether I’m traveling cross country or just a quick hop, he’s tucked comfortably under my seat, sharing every experience.

But traveling pals have special needs: treats that travel well; calming herbs for crowded airports; clothing to keep warm in colder climates and, of course, a poop pouch with a little more style than an old grocery bag.

Luckily, with the increasing interest in pet travel, the dog products market brings us an increasing number of new toys and accessories to suit every travel companion’s style. I asked Big to test some of the latest products to the market and here’s my discerning dog’s verdict.

Dogswell Functional Treats, http://www.dogswell.com : Big gives these jerkies two paws waaaaay up. He loves every flavor from the breathies for freshening breath to the vitality, which contains flax oil for a healthy skin and coat. And I love the fact that the all-natural jerkies come individually wrapped for easy packing and contain no hormones or fillers. Well done, Dogswell! (The company also offers a line of cat treats at http://www.catswell.com ).

Kathy Santo Relieve de Stress http://www.kathysantos.com : This herbal elixir is great for calming a nervous dog. I give Big a dose before a long trip and he snoozes peacefully through every anxious moment.

Poop Pouch, http://www.pooppouch.net : A decorative baggie that attaches to a leash, belt or bag, the poop pouch allows me to tuck away puppy waste discretely. In concept, I love the product, however the colors and styles are somewhat limited and don’t particularly match with my personal style. However, it beats dragging a clear baggie of steaming pet poo around the neighborhood!

Surfdawg Spa Vanilla-Bone-ana Shampoo from Puppies with Attitude, http://www.puppieswithattitude.com : Although its a great product, Big gave it a paws down for one simple reason: scent. The all-natural shampoo left him clean, silky and fluffier than ever before but the scent was immediately objectionable as it compromised his masculinity - hey, Chihuahua’s can be sensitive. More importantly, the scent, which is quite strong, was a draw for flies, leaving poor Big covered in bites in about 48 hours of his spa shampoo.

Puppies with Attitude Spa Robe http://www.puppieswithattitude.com : Reviews were mixed on this one. This was my absolute favorite of all the products I tried. I loved the image of my pooch and I lounging spa-side in our matching white terry robes. Big, however, donned his bathrobe with indignation. Although my pooch is a big fan of winter sweaters, superfluous garments are not up his alley. But get one anyway, snap a photo and retire the robe. It’s worth it.

Pawdivas Gourmet Heart Cookies http://www.puppieswithattitude.com : If you only get one item from the list, this would be a winner. I loved traveling with the heart-shaped box of bonbons and Big couldn’t wait for me to dole them out. His eyes positively lit up at the site of the box. And although the icing decorations on the cookies is a bit fragile, the biscuits themselves, as well as the case, are quite durable and light enough to toss into even the most over-stuffed travel tote.