Dog luxury beds and cat pampering shampoos? Has the world gone pet pampering crazy or has humanity just woken up to the realization of how important dogs and cats are to our lives? There have always been a few eccentric people who prized their furry friends and pampered them with pet luxuries. But today it’s fair to say that domestic dogs and cats have gone through an evolution of status, from animal to pet to family member. Today, it’s perfectly normal to spend a sizeable amount of money, time and emotional energy on the health and happiness of our dogs and cats, pampering them with lavish pet luxury products and services. And why not? We love them!
A good measure of how far our pets have been elevated in status is in how the world is now catering to them, and to their owners. The largest pet stores don’t even sell dogs and cats. They stock their shelves with an abundance of the trendiest pet supplies, from the latest dog grooming products to luxury pet beds to every imaginable pet toy, all while encouraging and facilitating pet adoption from shelters. And of course, pets get to come along for the shopping.
Even if you aren’t in a pet store, you’re likely to find trendy new pet luxury items for your dog or cat in a variety of other stores. Makers of “people products” such as Old Navy, Harley Davidson and Paul Mitchell now have their own lines of designer pet products. The traditional dog bath has gone out the window, and is being replaced by professional dog grooming and pampered pet spa treatments. Cats still lick themselves meticulously, but their efforts can be enhanced by special kitty dry mousse shampoos, which pampers pets by getting them clean without having to go near water.
Pampering Pets at Home and Away
We are giving much more thought to our pets' well being when they're home alone, and pampering them with interactive pet toys or luxury pet services. Now there are cat and dog toys designed to keep them occupied and special pet DVDs for their entertainment. Many owners go a step further and take their pets to a doggie daycare for play and/or exercise and body conditioning. (Cats are still staying at home, because they generally prefer their own territory.)
When traveling, it used to be a hard to find pet friendly hotels. Now, pets are not just “allowed” in some hotels, they get some luxury pet pampering. Some hotels graciously welcome dogs with special pet pillows, treats, toys, even a licensed doggie masseuse.
But possibly nowhere is it more evident that our pets are our family members than in the explosion of new pet luxury products. And redesigned pet products have emerged to solve old problems. Staple pet items, such as bowls, collars, leashes, toys, beds and crates have gone through design transformations to make them more stylish, more comfortable, safer or smarter.
The best pet pampering, we believe, are products that appeal to your dog’s or cat’s nature and make them more comfortable or happy. On the next page, we’ll show you some pet products we’ve found.
Are we spoiling our pets when we pamper them with the latest creature comforts? When we indulge them with pet toys and treats? When we actively include them in our lives? It’s more likely we’re spoiling ourselves. Whatever amount of love and attention we give our pets, they always seem to give us more in return.