JUST FOR PLEASURE

       Choose from an array of products to enhance your life of happiness with your pets
       By Chompoo Trakullertsathien

       At the 6th Pet Expo Thailand 2009 held recently at the Queen Sirikit Convention Center, a vast variety of pet products and accessories made their debut, out to pamper both pets and pet owners alike. The response to the Trendy Fashions and Lifestyle Exhibition for Pets and Pet Lovers event was overwhelmingly positive.Most of the edible products on display were manufactured primarily for the sake of the physical and mental health of canines, although many were also suitable for felines. A lot of them came in the form of snacks that double up as functional toothbrushes to keep teeth clean and healthy if fed to the animals properly.
       Beauty products, like shampoos, deodorant sprays, and serum nutrient lotions were available in a multitude of packaging and containers. All of them were for the same purpose: To keep dogs' coats glossy and smooth. More importantly, they were made from natural ingredients that are environment- and animal-friendly.
       Items to keep dogs amused and entertained, like toys, were also produced from natural materials. In this regard, rubber occupied the front position.
       The hottest commodities at the expo turned out to be pet accessories,because of their distinctive and adorable designs. Pet owners could not help but be attracted by them, and they were snapped up by the dozens.
       Here is a partial list of the products that are selling like hot cakes.
       MUNCHIES
       Paragon snacks are suitable for dogs of all ages and sizes. They are high in fibre but low in protein. A bit softer than Paragon, Petory chewable edibles are suitable for young and advanced-age dogs.
       Imported from the US, Pegetable is a supplementary food. Besides helping to clean a dog's teeth, it is rich in beta-carotene, minerals and vitamins, all of which are important nutrients in pets' diets.
       ACCESSORIES
       Devil headbands are popular as most, if not all, dog owners tend to consider their pets as lovely devils at one time or another. They come into various sizes.
       To protect dogs from eyeirritating ultraviolet rays and strong winds, pet glasses are supplied with interchangeable lenses. Available for all sizes of dog, the eyewear are stylish as well as functionally beneficial.
       GROOMING
       Milk shampoos are in high demand because they contain milk and refreshingly fragrant natural substances.
       Gone are the days when unwell dogs cannot be given a shower or a bath. In the market is a new grooming product that can keep sick dogs clean. The pet owner simply sprays this product onto the dog's coat and then wipes it off with a towel. The spray produces tiny bubbles, so it does not leave behind any residue on the dog's hair.
       When dog owners have no time to comb their dogs, they can make use of coatenhancing lotions that get rid of dirt and smoothen their pets' hair.
       DRESSING UP
       As far as apparel is concerned, pet owners like to follow the trend. Giant silkscreened T-shirts are much sought after for their cool and chic styles. Moreover, they carry cute messages like "I love Mom and Dad" and "Super Dog". Tiger-stripe patterns and military-uniform imitations are at the top of the shopping list in this category.
       Special pyjamas and nightgowns meant for pet lovers who want to show their closeness to their animals can choose to wear "mine and my pet's" costumes with the same pattern.
       Luxury accessories like necklaces, fashionable collars and body harnesses for dogs receive a warm welcome from owners who are enthusiastic followers of fashion. The necklaces come in sets for owner and pet to share their commonality.
       TOYS
       Toys are indispensable when it comes to keeping dogs occupied during leisure. Playthings that produce a sound when squeezed attract the attention of dog enthusiasts as they are fun items in the eyes, and to the ears, of humans and animals. Eye-catching and wide in range,the choice is practically unlimited.