DOG FANCY Editors’ Choice 2006

Brake-Fast Dog Food Bowl
If your dog eats too much too fast, this bowl might help. The simple obstructions in its design prevent dogs from inhaling their food, making them eat more slowly, which may reduce the risk of bloat. The medium-sized blue plastic bowl is durable and dishwasher safe with a no-tip shape.

$14.99
Contact: Brake-Fast LLC, 1083 Independence Blvd., Ste. 119, Virginia Beach, VA 23455; 757-339-5703; www.brake-fast.net

DryFur Pet Carrier Insert
This absorbent mat locks away wetness to keep your dog comfortable if he has a potty accident in his crate while traveling. These disposable inserts contain two pads with super absorbent polymers, a rigid insulating core, and a soft, cloth-like cover for comfort. The mats come in three sizes with a different color for each size, in packs of two.

$12.99 (small); $13.99 (medium); $14.99 (large)
Contact: KC Pet Products LLC, 12503-D SE Division St., Portland, OR 97236; 888-250-4824; www.dryfur.com

Sniffers 101
These all-natural, semi-moist training bits contain herbs such as chamomile, lemon balm, and lavender to help calm and focus dogs during training. Great for both puppies and adult dogs, Sniffers 101 are formulated by a veterinary herbalist and developed by trainers to be the ultimate training bits.

$4.99 to $5.99 (8-ounce bag)
Contact: Chomp Inc., 20 Mathewson Dr., Weymouth, MA 02189;
877-947-9277; www.chompinc.com, $4.99 to $5.99 (8-ounce bag)

Easy Brush
Designed like a bone, your dog sinks his teeth into the Easy Brush “bone” to get at the tasty reward — in this case, doggie toothpaste. As your dog chews, the bristles on both sides and both ends of the plastic bone help brush your dog’s teeth. The brush base is made of durable plastic with polypropylene bristles.

$14.99 (small); $19.99 (large); toothpaste included
Contact: Farnam Companies Inc., 301 W. Osborn Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85013; 800-234-2269; www.easybrush.com

Wacky Walk’r X’tension
Used in combination with any leash, the X’tension helps eliminate stress on both you and your dog. Made from latex tubing and easily attached to your existing leash via a D-ring, it provides extension to retractable and rigid leads, relieving the jerk when you hit the end of the leash. A safety line in the center prevents the X’tension from stretching more than twice its length. It comes in four lengths ranging from 6 inches to 12 inches unstretched. Available in 14 colors.

$8 (small); $10 (medium); $12 (large); $14 (extra-large)
Contact: Wacky Walk’r, 1210 Evansburg Rd., Collegeville, PA 19426; 610-222-0679; www.wackywalkr.com

Rub-A-Dub Pet Tub
Make bath time easier with the Rub-A-Dub Pet Tub, a 34.6-by-19.5-by-10-inch deep, durable, plastic tub. Special built-in compartments keep all of your grooming products organized. Paw-print-shaped non-skid appliqués provide ample traction for safety. Use the handy drain plug or pour spout for quick water disposal.

$24.99 to $27.99
Contact: Petmate Pet Products, P.O. Box 1246, Arlington, TX 76004; 877-738-6283; www.petmate.com

Simple Solution Oxy Solution Orange Power
This stain remover uses oxygen and orange oil — an effective cleaning agent — to clean household stains, including pet stains. Safe for use on carpets, clothing, and other washable surfaces, it comes pre-mixed and ready to use in a spray bottle.

$8.99 (32 ounces)
Contact: The Bramton Company, P.O. Box 655450, Dallas, TX 75265; 800-272-6336; www.simplesolution.com

Wood & Tile Odor Eliminator & Cleaner for Dogs
This all-natural cleaner and odor eliminator is specifically formulated for wood and tile surfaces. It works on contact, so you don’t need to saturate or soak the problem area, according to the manufacturer. Made from organic ingredients, and safe for both pets and people, it works on stains such as urine, dog marking, feces, and vomit. Simply spray the affected area and wipe dry with a clean cloth.

$9.99 (16 ounces)
Contact: SeaYu Enterprises Inc., P.O. Box 16236, San Francisco, CA 94116; 877-854-6624; www.sea-yu.com

Pet Steps
Give your small, long, or senior dog a leg up with Pet Steps, which make it easier for him to reach his favorite places. Each of the four steps is 5 inches high, for a total height of 20 inches. The sturdy plastic design features carpet and raised paw prints on each tread for grip and comfort. The one-piece hollow construction requires no assembly, weighs only four pounds, and can hold up to 70 pounds.

$29.95 to $39.95
Contact: Petmate Pet Products, P.O. Box 1246, Arlington, TX 76004;877-738-6283; www.petmate.com