Today's Kool Idea: BioBag Dog Waste Bags

Yesterday, we were playing catch with our kids in our development's common grassy area. It was great to have some old-fashioned outside time, though it was admittedly hard to ignore the oppressive heat of the Florida sun. Anyway, here we were, running for a long pass from one of our football stars-to-be, when we suddenly felt the ground get squishy beneath our feet. Holy sh..achem, oh cra...uh...oh, pooh! Literally. You guessed it, our big feet had landed in a pile of doggy doo. Do you have any idea what it's like getting that stuff off the bottom of sneakers with ridges? Ugh...we shudder just thinking about it.

Okay, here's the kicker. While we were away on vacation last week, our home owners association sent a letter to everyone, reminding us of our legal obligation to clean up after our dogs. Apparently, we aren't the only ones scrubbing our shoes these days. While it's admirable that our community is taking a more active role in keeping our grass play-friendly and poop-free, we have a sudden (and unpleasant) vision of our dumpsters filling up with tons of plastic supermarket bags. We are seriously considering giving each of our dog owner neighbors a roll of BioBags.

Made from GMO free certified corn instead of polyethylene, BioBag dog waste bags are the first biodegradable and compostable "plastic" pooper bags in the world. Think about it...using regular plastic bags to dispose of pet waste prevents natural decomposition. It just doesn't make sense to put 100% biodegradable dog waste into plastic bags that can take over 100 years to decompose. BioBags have given us a practical solution to a common problem. The waste and the bag can be thrown into a backyard compost, where both items can decompose naturally; the waste and bag can be buried, where micro-organisms will quickly eat both; the waste and bag can be set at curbside with other yard waste where communities collect biodegradable waste for composting.

Okay, so maybe we're a little pathetic to be getting so excited about dog waste bags...but we really love our BioBags, especially now that they come available on a roll. We admit to falling for the "biodegradable" claim on another brand of widely available poop bags, only to find out that they are misleading the public and do not meet every state's standards. We won't mention names, but shame on them! Anyway, we do still have the dispenser from that purchase...it's super-convenient, and apparently the new BioBags on a roll should fit in it beautifully. Excellent!

It is the responsibility of every dog owner to clean up after your pet. If you are looking for a dog waste bag that completely biodegradable, BioBags are definitely worth checking out. They even come in two sizes, regular and large. Just remember that they do have a shelf life, as with any biodegradable and compostable bag. The best part, though? They are sturdy enough to handle even tough messes without puncturing in mid-scoop...anyone who has had the pleasure of their fingers breaking through one of those flimsy regular plastic bags can appreciate this statement. Oh boy, could we tell you stories (shuddering again)! Okay, so BioBags aren't free like grocery bags. But they are reasonably priced, especially considering how much better they are for the environment. We at The Daily Kool all agree...BioBags are definitely a "kool" idea!

Subscribe to The Daily Kool by Email

Today's Kool Idea: Greenies Pill Pockets for Dogs and Cats

When we were kids, our older brother hated taking aspirin. Okay, perhaps we're really showing our age here, but these were the days before children's Tylenol liquid suspension and when Dimetapp cough syrup (we remember it as the yummy grape medicine) was by prescription only. Our poor mother could only get our brother to take a pill by crushing it in applesauce and spoon-feeding him. Considering the torture he put us through growing up, it was a great pleasure to have a reason to call big brother a "baby" at times...na nanny boo boo!

Our poor pets don't have it as easy as our brother did when it comes to taking medication. Whenever our dog Pepper has to take a pill, we literally pry his mouth open, shove it to the back of his throat, clamp his jaw shut and rub until he swallows. Don't get us wrong, Pepper's pretty good about taking them (certainly better than our brother was), but why should we have to struggle at all? Isn't there a way to let him think his medication is more reward than punishment?

Leave it to our mother...she found these Pill Pockets for dogs and cats by the Greenies company last year. As a foster parent for Poodle Rescue, our mother fell in love with and decided to keep an otherwise unadoptable dog who had a host of social and medical issues...sometimes, things are just meant to be. Poor Kasha took pills three times a day and somehow became very adept at hiding them in her mouth to later be spit out in Mom's potted plants...ah yes, Kasha was quite the clever pooch. Greenies Pill Pockets changed all of that.

Greenies Pill Pockets for dogs and cats are a nutritious treat that contain a built-in pocket, perfect for hiding a pill or supplement. This veterinarian designed and recommended solution is truly brilliant (why can't we think of these things?)! Seriously, folks...it doesn't get any easier than this. Just hold the Greenies Pill Pocket, insert the pill, squeeze the top half closed, then give as a treat. There are two sizes available for dogs; the smaller one is great for tablets, while the larger one is more suited for capsules. The one size for cats works well for either capsules or tablets. Dogs have their flavor choice of beef or chicken, while cats get either chicken or salmon. Pets love the taste so much, they won't even notice there's medicine inside.

Though we have been recommending Greenies Pill Pockets to all of our friends without complaint, remember that pets (like people) have different tastes...it is possible that yours won't like them. But, for around $8 per package, it's certainly worth taking the chance. We've also heard that some cats may be too smart to fall for the old "hide the pill in the pocket" trick and will chew around the pill...show offs! Our pooch Pepper tends to just swallow the whole darn thing, especially if we make him work (sit, shake, speak, etc.) to earn it. We love how pliable Greenies Pill Pockets for dogs and cats are...you can mush them around even really large pills. Plus, we can fit several smaller pills inside one of the larger pill pockets if we wanted to.

There has been some controversy surrounding the authenticity of some of the Greenies Pill Pocket distributors on Amazon, so we've referred you to our friends at 1-800-PetMeds (we used to work for the CEO at his previous company ten years ago and are big fans of his). Besides, the prices are reasonable and they have a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. The company doesn't seem to carry the salmon flavor for cat, though...we're not sure why. If you'd rather shop locally, we've found that Pet Supermarket tends to have a better price than PetSmart, and that many vets carry them as well.

Here's the bottom line...if you put medication inside something that pets actually like, then giving pills becomes a lot easier. Just like the applesauce trick worked with our brother. Greenies Pill Pockets for dogs and cats are a stress-free medication delivery treat and an absolute "kool" idea that every pet owner should try.

Subscribe to The Daily Kool by Email

Today's Kool Idea: Purina Frosty Paws Frozen Ice Cream Treats for Dogs

Yesterday, we returned from our gluttonous trip to our local Carvel ice cream shop on a euphoric sugar high. Oh yeah...The Daily Kool family has officially kicked off our celebration of National Ice Cream Month! Needless to say, we were in a fabulous mood when we walked through our front door. Of course, so was our lovable dog, Pepper...we may have mentioned him a few hundred times or so in our previous blog posts. Well, Pepper (as usual) was beside himself with joy when we came home, wagging his tail a mile a minute to show how excited he was to see us. We're telling you, there's not much that beats the feeling of unconditional love from a furry friend.

Wait a minute...did we say unconditional? Because when Pepper got closer to lick our faces (hey, he's a French poodle, after all), he literally took a giant sniff of our ice cream breath and reeled back from each of us in indignant shock. Okay, we realize we're attributing human characteristics to our dog (doesn't everybody?). But seriously, you should have seen the accusatory look on his face before he pointedly turned his doggie butt on us and walked away to pout on his bed. Yep, Pepper's big brown eyes can really bring on the guilt. No doubt about it, our dog wanted to be a part of July's National Ice Cream Month holiday.

It's a good thing we keep a box of Purina Frosty Paws frozen ice cream treats for dogs in the house for emergencies like this. Opening the freezer to take out one of these delicious and refreshing treats was just the ticket. Keep in mind that we say delicious from a dog's perspective, of course...though we were curious how doggie ice cream would taste, it just took one look at the first couple of ingredients to immediately curb our temptation. Dried whey and animal fat? Yuck!

Pepper sure does love his Purina Frosty Paws, though. Each box is available in two flavors (original and peanut butter), and comes with four individually packaged treats. They kind of look like the ice cream cups with the wooden spoons we used to get at camp when we were kids. We simply peel off the top of the frozen ice cream cup, and watch as our pampered pooch attacks it voraciously. And, because they're fortified with protein vitamins and minerals without the added sugar artificial flavors or colors, we can feel really good about giving them to him. Be forewarned, though. You might want to give your dog his Purina Frosty Paws frozen ice cream treats outside...they can get kind of messy. Then again, perhaps Pepper is a sloppier eater than most...his fancy poodle haircut is kind of deceiving.

If you're looking for a more natural and homemade frozen concoction that your dog will love, check out the recipe below, made with all natural plain yogurt. FYI, true dairy products are not really good for dogs, but yogurt contains much less lactose than regular milk. Plus, many veterinarians recommend yogurt to help maintain a healthy digestive tract in dogs, particularly if they are prone to yeast infections. You might want to get the okay from your own vet first, though. Thank goodness Pepper doesn't have these problems...we just give him the occasional treat because he loves it!

If we feel that ice cream is one of the true pleasures designed to help beat the insufferable heat and humidity of the summer, it's safe to assume that it would be the same for our four legged friends. Purina Frosty Paws frozen ice cream treats for dogs are a convenient and healthy way to share the joy of ice cream with your beloved pet. The best part? Many of the local supermarkets carry them in the freezer section. Definitely a "kool" idea.

Homemade Frozen Ice Cream Treats for Dogs

Ingredients:

• 32 oz. plain yogurt...we use Stoneyfield or Dannon (not fat-free)
• 1 banana, mashed
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons honey
  
• 2-3 handfuls of blueberries, optional

Directions: Mix all of the ingredients together in a blender and pour into ice cream trays or cups. Freeze for at least 3 hours.

Subscribe to The Daily Kool by Email

Today's Kool Idea: Naterfish Best Pet Ramp.com

The Daily Kool's beloved pooch Pepper, has just turned 9 years old...wow, time is definitely flying by quickly. Though he still acts like a puppy much of the time, we have noticed that things are slowing down just a little bit for him. The vet has told us his hips are beginning to weaken, as is often common for a standard poodle of his age. Plus, we've seen the extra hesitation when he jumps in the car, on the couch, and especially on the bed...yep, it's definitely time to get Pepper a pet ramp.

Why a ramp and not stairs, you ask (yes, we heard you)? Though both stairs and ramps are great for reducing the impact and stress associated with jumping on or off higher surfaces, we feel that the smooth and virtually impact-free design of a ramp is a better option for most pets...well, at least for ours. Since Pepper is a larger dog (and admittedly quite clumsy at times), we want to make sure that we invest in a ramp that is sturdy enough to virtually guarantee he won't fall off of it. Plus, since the ramp will become a permanent fixture in our home, we'd like to have one that blends in nicely with our wood finished bedroom furniture. So, which pet ramp is the best? And safest?

Check out the Naterfish pet ramp at Best Pet Ramp.com. These have to be some of the most beautiful pet ramps we've seen on the market yet...and we've done our research! The company boasts the safest and strongest indoor pet ramps on the market...that's quite a claim. Custom hand-finished (not factory made) and able to accommodate weight in excess of 300lbs, these pet ramps certainly seem unlikely to slip, tip over or fall apart. Yet, they are light enough to easily move when necessary to clean or make the bed...if you're a stickler for that kind of thing. The quality of the Naterfish pet ramps at Best Pet Ramp.com certainly seems top of the line, and we love all of the customizable options they offer. Best Pet Ramp.com offers three different heights (3ft, 4ft and 5ft) as well as three different width options to accommodate pets of all sizes. With a choice of seven wood finishes, six carpet colors, this is one pet ramp that would be an attractive addition to any bedroom.

Some of the Naterfish pet ramps at Best Pet Ramp.com feature models that include a safety rail which helps prevent your dog or cat from accidentally stepping off the side of the bed ramp. We love, love love this idea, especially since the rail can be placed on either side of the ramp and changed anytime. The Daily Kool is very disappointed to note that the website is not offering the safety rail option at this time...hopefully, this is just temporary. We have to say that the safety rail was one of the biggest selling points for us, and what truly sets this company apart from the rest...at least in our humble opinions. We have to admit that we would never have missed the safety rail if Best Pet Ramp.com had taken the description off of its website when they stopped offering it. But now that the idea is permanently fixed in our minds, we just cannot let it go...we're strange like that.

Even without the safety rail, the Naterfish pet ramps at Best Pet Ramp.com are undoubtedly the "koolest" pet ramps that we have come across online. Like most pet owners, we want to make sure we keep our dog as healthy as possible...protecting his hips, joints and back from injuries is a major concern for us. Let's not forget how pet ramps benefit our own backs...hey, we're getting older too, and Pepper is not quite as easy lift as you might think! A Naterfish pet ramp at Best Pet Ramp.com is a great, worry-free solution to protecting Pepper and helping him retain mobility with age, and most definitely a "kool" idea.

Subscribe to The Daily Kool by Email

Today's Kool Idea: Dog Crate Furniture

Many of you may know about our beloved pooch Pepper from PoodlePicks. It may surprise you to know that he has been, by far, the most challenging dog we've ever had. At almost eight years old, he still suffers from separation anxiety. We've never had to baby-proof our house with the kids, but to this day, we do have to Pepper-proof. Before we leave the house, we have to go through the routine of closing every door, completely cleaning off the dining room table, locking the pantry and strategically putting up gates to block off the kitchen and the stairs. Heaven forbid we accidentally skip anything...we will undoubtedly come home with garbage all over the kitchen (he figured out how to open the can), empty bags of baking chocolates strewn across the floor (he breaks into the pantry and zooms right in on them), or even smelly feces on the stairs. Of course, he only does these things when we're not home...when we are, he's a perfect angel. So tell us...who's trained who here? This situation is completely our fault, of course. When Pepper was a puppy, we were told that we should purchase a dog crate for him. But where on earth would we put a large, ugly and obtrusive wire crate in our small home?

The only place we could possibly fit a crate large enough to hold Pepper is in our living room. Since this is the first room everyone sees when they come in the house, we cringed at eyesore it would create. Check out this terrific company called Crate Haven. They have actually created beautiful, functional furniture designed to perfectly fit a standard wire dog crate. After much research, Crate Haven was our top pick for quality dog crate furniture. Be aware, though...it's also possibly the most expensive solution...these prices are not for the faint of heart, folks! Crate Haven's products require a separate crate purchase. However, this is actually an advantage, since the wire crate insert will provide protection and longevity...particularly for dogs who scratch or chew on furniture (yep, you guessed it...Pepper). Crate Haven offers three different styles with several sizes and finishes to match any decor. The contemporary lines of the Harrison collection are a particular favorite of The Daily Kool.

There are a couple of other notable options for those of us who want to eliminate the wire crate altogether. The Dynamic Accents end table dog crate is constructed of durable hardwoods, featuring a swing-through door that can be fastened shut or rotated inside the crate for open access. Check out Pets2Bed for the Dynamic Accents dog crate furniture. Again, be warned...this solution is not for dogs who may chew on a wooden door! If you don't have this problem, though...wow, what a gorgeous addition to any home! If you prefer a more modern look, the zen pet hideaway and AlumaDen are other terrific options.

Even after centuries of selective breeding and living in people's homes, dogs still retain some of their ancient instinct. Like their wolf ancestors, dogs are den animals and prefer a small, cozy place of their own where they can feel safe and secure. Crates are not just for training puppies...they provide a sanctuary for retreat from confusion or strangers and a comfortable place for relaxation. Dog crate furniture offers a perfect solution to bridging the gap between our pets needs and home decor. The privacy and comfort of a crate, plus the beauty of quality furniture...what more could a loving pet owner want? Dog crate furniture will improve your relationship with your dog...a worthwhile investment and definite "kool" idea!

Subscribe to The Daily Kool by Email

Today's Kool Idea: Lazer Brite Reflective Collars

Many of you know by now about Pepper from PoodlePicks. Our beloved black standard poodle has created quite a stir in the sports industry with his record at picking game winners (77% in this past weekend's NCAA picks...better than Obama). But we digress...as with any dog, Pepper requires a long nightly walk before bedtime. Unfortunately, the walking areas available to us are poorly lit, too dim for a car driver to properly see our pampered pooch. We make sure to wear fairly bright colors when walking at night, but were wondering if there was some way we could protect Pepper even better.

We were flipping through a pet industry catalog the other day when we came across an interesting ad for the Lazer Brite reflective collars. How "kool" are these? Made by Coastal Pet Products, Inc., Lazer Brite reflective collars use the same 3M Scotchlite reflective material that is used by safety professionals. Imagine that...now Pepper can glow in the dark, and be visible to approaching motorists up to 600 feet (critical breaking distance)! Hey, if it's good enough for firefighters (the material, not the collar itself), it's definitely good enough for Pepper. We like that the company offers adjustable collars, harnesses and leashes in several widths for dogs as well as an adjustable safe cat collar for those feisty felines. We also like that the Lazer Brite reflective collars have received an industry recognition reward (2008) for superior innovation and function.

As we mentioned with our feature of the LifeHammer yesterday, The Daily Kool is a firm believer that it is better to be proactive when it comes to the safety of our loved ones. Our pets certainly fall into that category. We have to point out that the pictures in the magazine ad were a much better representation of the Lazer Brite reflective collars than we were able to find online...trust us, these suckers really do their job. Pepper will definitely be sporting (sorry, but we love puns) one for his evening walks by next week. Happy trails!

Subscribe to The Daily Kool by Email

Today's Kool Idea: Skineez Dog Toys

Pepper (our pampered pooch) is crazy about soft plush toys.  Unfortunately, a new toy will maybe last an hour or so before the stuffing is all over the house.  Sound familiar?  A follower of the DailyKool told us that he keeps a collection of fluff toys in the basement to indulge his canine's compulsion.  It's an expensive and messy outlet for our dogs, but they have so much fun conquering these toys, we hate to deprive them.

Meet Skineez...a fluff-free (yes, you heard us correctly) dog toy that is specially designed for dogs who love stuffed toys and the parents who don't.  They are about 24" long, and come in three different animal designs:  the fox, raccoon and skunk.  We have both the fox and raccoon; our dog, Pepper is particularly attached to the raccoon.  The flattened shape will bring out your dog's prey instinct, and each comes with two squeakers (one in the head, the other in the tail).  Even without the stuffing, these Skineez dog toys are silky soft, yet much more durable than we expected.  The long and floppy body makes it easy for any size dog to grab, hold and carry.

We at the DailyKool love Pepper.  We pamper him with the best food, daily exercise and lots of loving.  He even has a series of "PoodlePicks" videos and blog writings for sports and other events (check them out and become a fan on Facebook).  And boy, does he love to play with his Skineez raccoon...and we love to see him happy (even when the squeaking wakes us up at 2am).  Check out this "kool" dog toy...not only will your dog be thrilled, but so will you.