Paw prints 4/30

Paw prints

Whose mug is cuter?

Pet owners and their pooches can participate in the Milk-Bone Make You and Your Dog Famous Search from now through June 21.

The doggie-treat maker is looking for a picture-perfect pair to grace the cover of the company's Original Dog Biscuits box. Twenty "couples" will be chosen as finalists. There are five categories -- small dogs under 20 pounds; medium dogs from 20 to 50 pounds; large dogs from 50 to 100 pounds; extra-lrge dogs over 100 pounds.

To enter, log on to www.milk-bones.com/famous. Consumers will ultimately vote on their favorite pet/owner combination.

New products for

pampered pets

SAN DIEGO - If it's available for you or your kids, you can count on seeing a version of it soon for your pet. Teeth-whitening treats? Check. Bedding and toys made with organic fabric? Check. Soothing balm for dry paws? Check.

Nothing is too good for our pets.

While some items are a bit over the top -- edible greeting cards for dogs come to mind -- pet product manufacturers have made a real effort to expand their sales with items that are appealing to cats and dogs, as well as convenient for their people.

Here are some of the newest offerings that will be available soon for pampered pets everywhere:

Cool rides -- If the typical nylon or vinyl pet carrier just isn't your style, check out the K9 high-fashion carriers from Nine West pet accessories. Besides practical features such as vented ends that also unzip and an external pocket for carrying treats, the carriers have fabric accents and clever touches such as bone-shaped zipper pulls. To complete the ensemble, your dog can wear a matching sweater and collar.

Komfort Pets --The temperature's just right in the Komfort Pets climate-controlled pet carrier.

When comfort is key, Komfort Pets has new climate-controlled pet carriers that provide cooling or heating via a 12-volt system that plugs into a car cigarette lighter or house current. A built-in battery provides temporary back-up in case of power failure.

These carriers are great for cats and dogs -- especially flat-faced breeds such as Persians and Pugs -- that ride frequently in the car and need a cool place to rest while their owner runs into the grocery store or stops for a meal during a road trip. Comes in four sizes; some models have wheels and retractable handles.

A patio for Princess -- The Let Meow't gets props for the name alone. The window-mounted cat patio gives kitties a breath of fresh air without exposing them to the dangers of the outdoors.

Special treats -- The Leo is a new treat-release toy that can be customized to offer your dog any level of challenge. As your dog rolls, chews or shakes the Leo, the treats move from one section to another. A Leo, made by Canine Genius, can keep your dog busy all day as he tries to get at the treats inside. The SnackShotz Treat Launcher by Dogmatic lets you exercise your pet from the comfort of your recliner. Load the launcher with the accompanying disc-like dog treats (the only ones that will work in it), pull the trigger, and watch your dog chase after them. Dogmatic also makes WoofyPOP, real microwave popcorn that comes in such dog-approved flavors as bacon, filet mignon, chicken, cheese, pepperoni and peanut butter. Popcorn is a good treat for dogs (and people) because it's high in fiber and low in fat. Look for WoofyPOP at Bed Bath and Beyond, PetSmart and other national retailers.

Dental health -- To help keep Fido's teeth clean, 3M Dental Treats, formulated to be low in calories, reduce plaque and digest easily if pieces are swallowed. With their Y-shape, the treats aren't easily swallowed, thus encouraging dogs to chew on them longer. Made by 3M Petcare, they come in sizes small, medium and large.