Top Treat Toys for Dogs

Kong

The Kong ball is probably one of the most popular treat toys out there. You can stuff pretty much anything in there, and in summer, you can freeze the fillings to help cool your pup down too. Try stuffing the Kong ball with some scrambled egg and cheese or yoghurt and fruit bits. Minced meat and even raw meat work well too. The ideas here are endless.

Snoop and Nook Balls

The Snoop and Nook ball combo is one of our all-time favourite interactive treat-dispensing toys. It’s a heck of a challenge for dogs to separate the two balls from each other, so fill the big ball with something your furry friend really loves. This will give them the enthusiasm to dig the little Nook ball out of the Snoop ball. The balls can also be used separately. The Snoop ball is excellent for larger treats and kibbles, while the Nook is suitable for soft stuffing like peanut butter or yoghurt.

Flavorit Bones

We love the range from Petqwerks! But the brand is famous for more than just their Flip Sticks. They also make Flavorit Bones, which are great for dogs with powerful jaws. Try spreading some peanut butter over the indents of the toy to keep your pup entertained for hours on end.

Bionic Ball

Outward Hound is a brand synonymous with hours of fun for dogs. The Bionic Ball is one of the best treat toys out there since it’s ideal for soft fillings. These balls come available in various sizes, so there’s one for every jaw size out there. We like the Bionic because it’s quick and easy to get ready and doubles up as a regular toy once your pup has enjoyed the filling.

K9 Connectables

We’ve been raving about K9 Connectables since 2019 and can honestly say that it’s still one of our absolute favourite. It’s also one of the most challenging toys on the market, so if you own a smarty paws, this is an ideal fit! These toys are cleverly designed, probing your dog to use its instincts to hunt and work for food. As your dog unlocks and disconnects the pieces of these toys, they gain access to hidden treats! The Connectables come available in various options, catering for treat,  dental, and mental stimulation needs.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are plenty of innovative treat toys on the market to keep your pet entertained while having their munchy needs met as well. Go ahead and spoil your pet with any one of these goodies to ensure they’re staying warm and engaged throughout the chilly season!

The post The Best Dog Treat Toys in Town appeared first on Petz.

With the use of pet-safe sun care products, we can help minimise the risk of our pets contracting skin cancer and sun-related tumors.

Why Not Use Regular Sunscreen?

Many sun protection products for humans contain zinc, which is toxic for animals. It should be avoided at all costs. Zinc oxide irritates the stomach and can also cause vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, abdominal pain, and depression when ingested. Long-term exposure to zing can cause severe intravascular hemolytic anemia, blood in the urine, jaundice, weakness, organ failure, and even death.

More About Petscreen SPF23

Petscreen SPF23 is available online and in stores. We love this stuff because it contains 4 different sun protection agents and is quick drying. With its broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB, this sunscreen is safe for daily use on light-skinned pets.

Because most dogs don’t dig being sprayed with sunscreen, it’s best to spray some product into your hand and then apply it to your dog’s skin.

Petscreen SPF23 helps ensure that your furry friend doesn’t burn in the sun. it also helps prevent an array of skin cancers like malignant melanomas, squamous cell carcinoma, and hemangiomas.

Does my dog really need it?

Think about it this way: Some humans are more susceptible to sunburn. The fairer your skin, the higher your risks. Dogs are exactly the same. If your pup is fair-furred, he or she carries a higher risk of getting sunburnt. But this doesn’t mean that dark fur is in the clear. It never hurts to bring out some extra precautions. If you’re about to spend the outdoors with your dogs, dog sunscreen is the best way to prepare for it.

When is the best time to apply dog sunscreen?

Again, human rules come into play where dogs and sunscreen are concerned. Apply some canine sunscreen just before your dog heads outdoors, and make sure to reapply it throughout the course of the day. The sun’s rays are at their most potent between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and this is the time during which your dog is most likely to get burnt.

Where should I apply it?

Your dog has a few sun-sensitive areas, which have less fur or no fur at all. The checklist looks a little something like this:

• Nose
• Tips of the ears
• Groin
• Around the lips
• Belly

Be sure to patch test the sunscreen before applying it to your dog’s whole body, and for the love of all things furry, please avoid the eye areas. If your pet doesn’t show any weird reaction to the lotion, feel free to apply it generously to the areas that need coverage. Allow the sunscreen to soak in for a few minutes before exposing your dog to the sun and check to ensure that your pet doesn’t lick the lotion off.

If you’re ever in doubt, the best way to protect your dog from sunburn is to limit the amount of time they spend outside in the sun. doggie hats, goggles and shirts can also be great additions to your sun-defence stockpile.

The post Petscreen SPF23 Product Review appeared first on Petz.

What is NexGard Spectra?

These preventative treats are tasty broad-spectrum oral chews that treat and prevent tick, flea, and mite infestations. Soft and soy-based, these chews taste like beef, and since they’re so delicious, your dogs will never try and flee when it’s time for preventative care.

How does it work?

NexGard Spectra is a monthly treatment that helps prevent external and internal pests from plaguing your pets. Within 30 minutes of administering the “treat”, the product starts killing fleas.  It kills ticks in 48 hours and also prevents heartworm, hookworm, and roundworm infestations.

Is NexGard Spectra suitable for all dogs?

Yes! Regardless of how big or small your furry friend is, NexGard is suitable for him or her since it comes available in 5 sizes.

What’s the difference between Nexgard and Nexgard Spectra?

NexGard protects dogs against brown dog ticks, bush ticks, and the potentially deadly paralysis tick. NexGard SPECTRA contains an additional active ingredient, milbemycin oxime, which provides protection against heartworm and intestinal worms.

How effective is this treatment?

We recently had the opportunity to review the range of NexGard Spectra chewable treatments. The chewable tick & flea treatment is administered orally and contains fluralaner. This medicine starts working after 30minutes of being administered and should keep your dog protected for up to 4 weeks.

There’s no guesswork to be done since pet owners can choose between suitable dosages for toy, small, medium, large, and extra-large breeds. Since dogs love the taste of NexGard chews, they’re effortless to administer and non-messy.

If your dog happens to get sick and vomits after he or she ingested the tablet, it won’t offer any protection. You also need to keep in mind that these chews don’t repel ticks and fleas. The pests die when they bite your dog. Another thing to keep in mind is the price. NexGard Spectra chews are not the cheapest on the market. They’re much more expensive than spot-on treatments. But they’re one of your most effective solutions.

The post Product Review: NexGard Spectra appeared first on Petz.

Weirdest pet products

Pet highchairs

From cuddling with them in bed to binge-watching our favourite shows with them on our laps, our pets are always by our sides. But for pet owners that want to ensure they’re also bonding with their pets during mealtimes, the pet highchair might be the ideal solution. These clip-on pet highchairs ensure that you’ll be staring lovingly into your furry friend’s eyes as you enjoy dinner.

Dog Beer

While you’re propping your pet up in that highchair, why not give him a beer as well? Dog beer is non-alcoholic (obviously) and formulated with canines in mind. In fact, these “refreshments” are more of a sauce or gravy than anything else, so your new drinking buddy won’t be negatively affected by post-work drinks.

Cat Translator

Meowlingual is a handheld device that translates your cat’s sounds. Apparently, it works by analysing your kitten’s expressions, movements, sounds, and behaviour. It then categorises the data into different moods and emotions, and over 200 cat chat words. Are you really ready to hear what your cat honestly thinks of you? We don’t think we are.

Poop Freeze

Poop Freeze is an aerosol that blasts cold air onto dog poop, freezing it for easy pickup. The same company (FSI) also manufactures the Dog Fart Terminator, an aerosol spray that gets rid of god flatulence odour thanks to the fact that it contains fart-fighting particles. Definitely one of the weirdest pet products we’ve ever encountered!

Dog Pacer

If you want to take your dog for a walk without leaving the house, the dog pacer might be your ideal splurge. It’s a treadmill designed specifically for dogs and has been dubbed the cheapest, best value dog treadmill on the market. But it’s not cheap. At all. If you don’t have anything else to do with your hard-earned cash, this gadget comes with several pre-set workout programs that’ll help set the stage for your dog to pass the army’s fitness test.

Puppy Scoops

Usually, anything that even remotely refers to the idea of poop puts us off, but puppy scoops isn’t what it sounds like. This is actually an excellent pet product, although it’s not something you’d find at your local convenience store. Puppy Scoops is a bacon-flavoured ice cream designed for dogs. This brand contains whole milk, gelatin, salt, can juice, and natural bacon flavouring. It arrives as a dry mix, so you’ll have to add hot water, mix it up, and then freeze it for a safe, tasty dog treat.

The post Review of the weirdest pet products appeared first on Petz.

What is Eau de Pooch?

Hannelie Laubscher, founder and creator of the range has a deep passion for natural essential oils and plant-based raw materials. Her passion soon saw her experimenting with body products, natural remedies, and a host of other natural products. She’s also an animal lover of note. And when her love for natural extracts and animals came together, something magical happened.

With the help of a likeminded Biochemist and a lab, Eau de Pooch was born with the focus of enhancing natural elegance, healthy cleanliness, and pooch glamour.

All products in the range are made from plant-based raw materials and are free from chemicals and dyes. The products are hypo-allergenic, non-corrosive, pH neutral and safe for use around infants.

A luxurious option for pampering your dog

The entire product line from Eau de Pooch is themed in a royal-inspired black and gold theme. It immediately gives you the impression that you’re investing in the best for your dog. You can choose between a masculine or feminine perfume or opt for their natural room & linen atomizer, all three of which target and combat that doggy smell that can sometimes linger in the air.

The perfumes not only eliminate dodgy smells, but they also nourish and moisturize the coat, so it’s an all-in-one solution. The brand also stocks a luxurious nose and paw butter. This helps soften up areas on your dog’s body that are prone to develop calluses.

We love the great scent that the perfumes give off. We reckon they’re great to use between baths to help keep your pet smelling fresh.

Investing in luxury also means you’re helping animals in need

Eau de Pooch isn’t only made with love, they also give back to those who need it most. A percentage from each sale goes to two very special charities. One of those charities is Medic Alert Dogs SA, who is focused on placing service dogs with underprivileged, disabled, diseased individuals and veterans that need assistance.

The other charity that the brand supports is TEARS Animal Rescue that specialises in assisting, rescuing and rehoming abandoned animals throughout the country.

Final Thoughts

These luxury products are a welcome change to the sometimes bland grooming products landscape. Their products don’t only look great, they work great as well. If your dog considers your bed to be his own, their linen spray is something that will change your life for good!

To get your hands on their products, you can visit one of their stockists (like @Frits Pet Hotel) or simply stock up by visiting their online store!

The post Eau de Pooch product review appeared first on Petz.

The story behind Gizzls

Gizzls is a CBD product range for pets that was born after the owner of the company treated her cat,  Gizzy, with CBD oil when everyone feared he had just months to live. Gizzy’s Chronic Kidney Disease and coinciding special diet is what inspired not only the Full  Spectrum CBD tinctures, but also Gizzls’ range of delicious CBD treats for cats and dogs.

Why CBD?

CBD oil is a cannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant. It’s not psychoactive so it won’t get your pet zonked out. Animals are naturally set up to produce their own endocannabinoids, but from time to time, they also need a little help, just like humans. By supplementing their diets with CBD, you’re boosting their endocannabinoid system which in turn boosts physiological functions and other essential bodily functions.

And what about the treat range?

Gizzls manufactures its products with the best full-spectrum oil and finest natural ingredients. Their treats contain no animal by-products, no meals, corn, wheat, or anything artificial. Meats used in their dog and cat treats are sourced locally at Gizzls-vetted farms to ensure it’s free-range and free from any other nasties. Veggies used in the recipes are sourced locally from community gardens that don’t use any pesticides either.

Keen on getting your hands on some Gizzls products?

Gizzls treats are baked with CBD oil, so the oil isn’t drizzled or sprayed onto the treats once they’re already baked. Even though they offer some standard options like fish, meat and ostrich flavoured treats, Gizzls can custom bake treats depending on your pet’s ailment. Sometimes pets need to be treated with stronger dosages of CBD, and this company will go out of their way to assist in whichever way they can

Final thoughts

The market is overly-saturated in CBD products for pets, but we reckon Gizzls stands out in its own unique way since everything they use is sourced locally. By supporting this brand, you’re also helping create jobs in South Africa and supporting the local economy.

The post Product Review: Gizzls CBD Oil for Pets appeared first on Petz.

From home cameras to GPS gadgets, the team at Petz took a look at what smart pet devices are available in South Africa, and what we found will calm the nerves of even the most anxious pet parent. Here’s our list of the top smart thingamajigs you can invest in!

Smart pet devices we’d all love to get our hands-on

Waggs GPS Tracker

The Waggs GPS Tracker will keep you in the know about where exactly your pets go. Dogs that stay in the yard all day might not need it as much, but it’s ideal for cats that hit the streets in the morning and only head home come dinner time. Since the device is a little heavier than a standard collar, your pet might need a day or two to get used to it. It pairs with an app on your phone to ensure you’re able to track them if they’re lost.

Automatic Pet Feeder

Planning on going out to dinner after work and worried over your dog’s next meal? Automatic pet feeders, like this one from PetSafe, are probably some of the coolest smart pet devices out there.  Although it’s not cheap, it does have an abundance of great features and will ensure that your pet doesn’t miss a meal just because you’re running a little late. This unit is programmable and allows you to schedule up to 12 meals a day. You have full control over how much food is dispensed at each time slot and the locking lid covers the food storage compartment to keep your pup’s food fresh and secure.

Pet Camera

Most of us use baby monitors to keep an eye on the youngest members of our families, and just like you need to watch the little ones, pets also need to be checked up on from time to time. Thanks to advances in smart home tech, we now have more remote control via phones and tablets than ever before. We’re obsessed with the Petcam that allows you to interact with your dog even if you’re not physically there.

Microchip Pet Door

Home security is a massive concern in South Africa, but that doesn’t mean it has to have an impact on the quality of your pet’s life. Smart pet doors keep unwanted guests (and intruders) out while giving your pet the freedom of movement between their indoor and outdoor spaces. These are some of the best smart pet devices out there since they liberate pet owners from those 2 am wakeup calls from pets that need to head outside.

The post The best smart pet devices pet owners can invest in this year appeared first on Petz.

Our favourite outdoor accessories (canine approved)

1. Hunter Denali Dog Coat

The winter should be the last thing preventing your dog from exploring the outdoors. The Hunter Denali coat is the perfect solution for those cold days. It’s super durable and repels water like nobody’s business. Of, it also comes available in a variety of colours and is machine washable!

2. Hunter Detroit Backpack

If you thought that adventuring with your dog couldn’t possibly get any cooler, you’ve never had an encounter with the Hunter Detroit Backpack. The bag was made for dogs on the move and is constructed from rugged, durable materials. It also features adjustable straps and can be used as a regular backpack but also doubles up as a travel bed.

3. Wagworld Double Seat Hammock

We love the Wagworld double car seat hammock because it’s a one-size-fits-all solution to your travel needs. Not only does it serve as a dedicated “doggy seat”, but it also protects your car seats from hair, scratches, grime and dirt. The most important feature about this accessory is that it keeps your dogs safe and secure in the back seat while you’re driving!

4. Rogz Lighthouse Dog Toy

The Rogz Lighthouse toy is ideal for water sports. This thing has exceptional buoyancy and will float and stand upright in all water conditions for high visibility.

5. Best Friend Collapsible Silicone Pet Bowl

The collapsible pet bowl from Woolies is just one of those outdoor accessories every dog owner needs to have with them when they hit the road with their furkids. The collapsible bowl is made from silicone and folds up nearly flat to fit easily into your backpack.

6. LED Collar

If you love venturing out in the later afternoon or evening, darkness can settle in pretty quickly. An LED collar is one of the best outdoor accessories for any dog since it helps keep your dog visible even when the sun sets.

7. Ruffwear Grip Trex Dog Boots

Dog owners that love taking their furry friends along on adventures in the more rugged outdoors might want to consider Ruffwear Grip Trex dog boots since it can save your pup from seriously sore feet. These boots provide superior protection for your dog’s paws and ensure optimal comfort.

The post A roundup of the best outdoor accessories for dogs appeared first on Petz.

Because not all dogs are the same, you have to be very careful when choosing a walking aid, something that benefits you and your four-legged companion. Some of these dog walking products will make sense to your dog while others might a complete waste of time or perhaps even have detrimental effects.

We’re not about to tell you how to train your dog. We’re simply pointing out the advantages and disadvantages of some lead systems out there. So without putting it off any longer, let’s dive right into it!

Options for dog walking products

1. The basic collar and lead

Perhaps this is the most conventional of all the dog walking products and it also has a bunch of advantages. The collar and lead system is widely available, convenient and super cost-effective. Rogz, for instance, offers a wide variety of colours and sizes, plus it’s a proudly South African organisation.

The downside of this option is the injury it can potentially place on your dog’s neck if it isn’t used correctly. This becomes even more dangerous if you’ve got a dog that loves pulling on the lead.

2. Dog harness systems

Dog harnesses work well for a lot of dogs because the pressure isn’t placed on the neck but is instead placed across the back or around the chest. We like these dog walking products because they allow for a bit more control over particularly excitable dogs that love pulling on the lead.

The cons of these products are that the amount of control you have is limited and won’t help or dogs with behavioural issues. Also, using harnesses on smaller breeds are tricky and not always the best idea.

Halti Head Harness System

Halti Head Collars were designed by Dr Robert Mugford to assist in the training and management of dogs that pull too hard on their leashes and pooches that are a little more difficult to control. These collars look a lot like the ones you use to lead a horse around, and yes, some people still confuse it with a muzzle, but it’s definitely not a muzzle. Halti head collars provide better control around your dog’s head because it reduces pulling. It’s almost like “power steering”, but just for your dog.

Of course, like with all things man-made, there are some drawbacks to this product. Getting the collar fitted correctly can be a battle in itself and it’ll take a while for your dog to get used to it.

The post Review: The best dog walking products appeared first on Petz.

If you’re keen on learning more about the benefits of Lokuno dog food, read our review to find out why it might just become SA’s next best seller!

What is Lokuno dog food?

Lokuno takes things back to basics and makes feeding your dog a healthy diet simple and affordable too. These food are free from artificial colorants and flavorings, made with 100% real ingredients, and come packed with super high levels of protein, which is exactly what your dog needs.

The Lokuno range supports healthy skin and coat condition enables and supports healthy digestion and works hard to help provide joint and bone support. It also aids in the development of a healthy immune system and, depending on your pet’s life stage, can cater to just about any nutritional need.

No bad stuff here

We’ve talked about the horrifying truth about what goes into pet food these days before, so if you’re a Petz fan, you already know all about it. If not, you can check out the gory details here. Since we’re totally obsessed about finding real food for pets, the Lokuno range of pet foods immediately got our attention since they only use real ingredients and no fillers.

All their foods are meat-based diets that are inspired by a dog’s natural meat craving. Chicken is their star ingredient since it’s such an amazing source of amino acids, calcium, phosphorus, and chondroitin, which supports healthy joints.

If you’re looking for some peace of mind, you can rest assured that Lokuno uses NO bovine or fish by-products and they add ZERO sugar or artificial sweeteners to their products. Just like we all like to know exactly what we’re consuming, it’s important to know what goes into your pet’s food too, and that’s why the company is totally transparent with their ingredients.

A perfect match for every stage of your dog’s life

As your dog ages, his or her nutritional needs will change, and Lokuno knows that all too well. The manufacturer caters to all stages and ages including:

• Puppy food – formulated to provide a complete balanced diet for puppies u to the age of 14 months
• Adult food – This range caters to the lower nutrient requirement of adult dogs compared to puppies but still focuses on the right balance of nutrients to prolong the onset of potential health problems.
• Senior food – Older dogs have less muscle mass than adult dogs and thus require fewer calories. Lokuno’s senior range caters to those needs and places greater emphasis on immune support to help keep your golden oldie feeling in tip-top shape.

Proudly South African

Here at Petz, we love supporting local businesses, which is yet another reason we love Lokuno. It’s formulated and developed by South African nutritionists and manufactured locally. Not only does buying this brand mean you’re supporting SA’s economy, but you’re also buying into one of the most affordable and best food options currently available on the market.

The post Product Review: Lokuno Dog Food appeared first on Petz.