Videos for Pets to Watch
Keep your dog or cat entertained while you’re away with these films.
Ever wonder what your dog does all day when you’re not home? What about your cat? Well, if they are like most pets, they spend their alone-time sleeping the day away. However, if you’d rather they use their time more wisely, consider putting a video on for them.
Research has shown that both cats and dogs can recognize images and movement on TV screens and computer monitors, leaving the door open for pet-loving video producers to create an assortment of videos for dogs and cats to enjoy.
As you might suspect, you won’t find a lot of award-winning performances or suspenseful plot twists in videos for pets to watch. Instead, these productions are focused primarily on movement and sound that attracts dogs and cats. In most cases, the videos are designed to stimulate pets and give them something to look at. In some cases, they are designed to relaxed stressed out pets, and help them stay calm in stressful situations.
Here are just a handful of the videos available for your cat or dog’s entertainment.
- Videos for Dogs Extravaganza: 8 Hours of Bird and Squirrel Fun
Your dog (or cat) can watch birds and squirrels scampering around for hours on end with this video, available on YouTube.
Peer Windows: A Film to Help Relax Cats and Woofering Heights: A Film to Help Relax Dogs
These videos are designed for cats and dogs, respectively. Available on YouTube, they are meant to help reduce anxiety in your pet. You can put them on in stressful times, such as during thunderstorms or while fireworks are going off. Or, if you have a pet with separation anxiety, you can leave them running when you are away from home.
Cat Games
Cats can’t stop watching the graphic images in this series of entertaining videos, available on YouTube or directly from the producers at TVBini.com. The shapes, movement and colors lock in a cat’s attention and keep them focused. Some felines will try to capture the graphical mice, giving them both mental and physical stimulation.
DVD for Dogs: While You are Gone
This DVD features a collection of calming video and soothing sounds meant to ease a dog’s stress while alone. Canine viewers take a walk through the woods, where they see an assortment of animals, followed by a virtual game of fetch. Nature sounds, soothing music and sonic sounds only audible to dogs provide the soundtrack.
PAWS-itively Peaceful Pooch
Dogs seem to enjoy watching other dogs play, swim and relax, according to the producers of this DVD, which has all that plus ducks, a playful cat and a tortoise. Music and ambient nature sounds provide the audio backdrop, and were selected to help dogs relax.
While not all dogs and cats are drawn to watching videos, the ones who are seem to really enjoy what they are seeing. Sit your pet down in front of your TV or video monitor and give one of these videos a try. Both you and your pet might really enjoy the results!
About the Author: Audrey Pavia is an award-winning freelance writer and author of “The Labrador Retriever Handbook.” She is a former staff editor of Dog Fancy, Dog World and The AKC Gazette magazines. To learn more about her work, visit www.audreypavia.com and hollywoodhoofbeats.net/
wreaking havoc on local U.S. ecosystems. These treats not only help to remove it from our waterways, but provides a delicious and novel U.S.-based cat treats. The fish also has a high percentage of omega 3s. With the slogan, “Saving the environment – one pet at a time,” you know it’s a win-win situation.
from Inaba are the most unusual cat treats I’ve seen and my cats can’t get enough. The long, slim packages contain a paste made with real deep-sea—and dolphin-safe— tuna or farm-raised chicken. Grain-free, they can be used as a treat or food topper. You can choose from eight different varieties: Tuna, Tuna with Chicken, Tuna with Salmon, Chicken, Chicken with Scallop, Chicken with Cheese, Chicken with Crab, Chicken with Shrimp. Inaba also offers 
If your cat isn’t a fan of tuna, 
Nip-naps & Curly. These cute organic catnip-infused toys by Goli Design LLC come in four designs and four colors. Curly Kitty, Curly Bunny, Nip-Naps Kitty and Nip-Naps Bunny are hand-crafted from colorful cotton fabric, and have a long lasting scent. They range in size from 2.25 in. to 3 in. in length, depending on the style. Goli Design employs villagers of impoverished third world countries to create these toys in an effort to help improve their quality of life. For more information, visit 
Kitty Tippy Track n’ Roll Toy. Made by K&H Manufacturing, Kitty Tippy Track n’ Roll toys features a variety of shapes with a cardboard scratching post in the center, surrounded by an outside track containing two balls for batting. Cats can swat at the balls as they roll back and forth. An optional Tippy rocker can be installed on the back of the toy to make it teeter during playtime. The toy comes with a packet of catnip to encourage cats to play. For more information, visit 
Turbo Tail Cat Toys. Turbo Tail toys by Coastal Pet Products feature a bright orange tail attached to different toy types designed to attract and keep a cat’s attention. The various Turbo Tail styles include the Pop Up Ball, the Rattle Ball, Turbo Tail Teaser, Catnip Belly Crunk Mouse, Rattle Mouse and Ameba-Bug. Cats bat the toys around, causing the tail to twist and jiggle. All the toys come with a catnip refill pouch. For more information, visit 
One of my biggest gripes about litter is the dust that permeates the air when you fill the box or the cat scratches around. It’s not healthy for both human and animal residents. The new Cats Incredible Cat Litter from Lucy Pet Products has proprietary non-toxic technology that prevents any ammonia smell from building up in the box and the packaging claims its 99.9 per cent dust free—and it is. Plus it comes in a bag with a pouring spout that makes it very user-friendly.
Silica crystal litters are also dust-free. The latest version of the PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra Self-Cleaning Litterbox uses crystal litter cartridges that only have to be replaced weekly now comes with an Amazon Dash button so that reordering cartridges is quick and simple. This smart litterbox can be set to scoop at different time intervals so as not to spook your cat and also has a health counter to track how many times your cat uses the box.
Most diagnostic litters use assorted pH indicators that react to the introduction of urine and change color alerting to a potential problem. Diagnostic litter brands include Dr. Elsey’s Health Monitor™ Everyday Litter, LifeMate Clumping Cat Litter with Health Alert from Pestell Pet Products and Monthly Monitor from the Ultra Pet Company and Pretty Litter. And just like jumbo litterboxes, diagnostic litters are sold online and delivered to your door.
Phoenix, Arizona, recently passed a law in which no dogs are allowed on trails once the temps hit 90 degrees. That’s a good rule of thumb for all regions, and honestly, you’ll need to take extra precautions when temps climb above 80 degrees.
Protecting Paws
There was a time in my life when I never leashed my two large dogs. They traveled everywhere with me while I was horseback riding or hiking. Those times have changed dramatically. It’s not only considerate to keep your dog leashed; it’s the law in most state parks where hiking with dogs is allowed. Dogs can affect horses, wildlife and people—stay safe, stay leashed.
However, if you have a dog who just can’t carry extra weight, you don’t necessarily need to leave him behind. There are some great new dog walking belts for humans that make it shouldering the load easier. 
Protect Pets from Pests
Keep it Clean
Stay Hydrated
Made of durable Orbee-Tuff material, these translucent links can be joined into different shapes for diverse levels of difficulty to keep dogs engaged. They can be filled with favorite treats to keep the entertainment simultaneously rewarding. Designed for dogs of all sizes, this treat-dispensing puzzle toy will keep you involved, too, as you create fun configurations for your pup(s). Orbee-Tuff LINK sets are available in Royal Blue/Clear and Orange/Clear color combinations and are sold in four- or eight-piece sets. 
The Zinger launcher offers a variety of interchangeable toys, making playtime more fun and exciting for you and your dogs. And its hands-free pickup means you won’t ever be slimed by a drooled on toy. There’s a Zinger for medium and large dogs and one, the Zinger Junior, for small dogs and puppies. The Zing Shot accessory toy has a tennis-ball felt texture; the Zing Cube is a soft square for use in smaller environments and the Zing Bumpy, with its uneven surface has an irregular bounce. All the Zing Toys float and are designed for beach and pool water games. 
Based on popular children’s yard games such as badminton and jacks, these fun, floatable toys from Kurgo provide you with new ways to play with your dog. The Wapple Ball, inspired by the classic Whiffle Ball, has an irregular bounce and can be used with a bat, tennis racquet, lacrosse stick or a standard-sized ChuckIt!—or you could go completely old school and simply throw it. The Tossing Disc is a rough- and-tough version of the traditional Frisbee; the Backyard Birdie replicates a game of badminton with your pooch; and the Target Jack is designed to land with its point up no matter how hard or far you throw it. There are more toys in the range and all are available from 
Want to indulge your pooch with a tempting buffet of calorie-free food? Well, now you can with a new collection of toys from P.L.A.Y., which includes a pretzel, taco and sushi. The taco has fun detachable components and the sushi pieces are connected by a sliding rope for a fishy game of tug-of-war. Each toy comes with a squeaker inside and is filled eco-friendly PlanetFill® that is made from 100% post-consumer certified-safe recycled plastic bottles. The toys are sold individually and in gift box sets. 
This treat-dispensing toy from Nina Ottosson, the queen of canine puzzle toys, offers dogs a wacky and unpredictable game of fun as it wobbles and flips, dispensing its tasty treat prizes. It can also be used as a fun bowl to keep dogs working for their food. Designed for dogs or all sizes and ages, it is available in fun two-tone colors. 
Of all the colors in the spectrum, dogs can see blue, yellow and gray
Sleepypod’s Clickit Sport in-vehicle safety harness for dogs is designed to be light and easy to use without sacrificing safety. Its unique Infinity Loop webbing design, in combination with a padded vest, work together to distribute and reduce damaging forces that can cause injury in an accident. The harness’ three points of contact reduce forward and lateral movement in the event of a collision or sudden stop. One of the safest dog safety harnesses in an auto collision, it earned the highest possible five-star safety rating from the Center for Pet Safety. It comes in four sizes—small (16.5-22 in.), medium (22.5-28 in.), large (28.5-34 in.), and extra-large: 34.5-40 in.—and four colors: Jet Black, Strawberry Red, Orange Dream, Robin Egg Blue. 
If your cat loves tuna, B.F.F. (Best Feline Friend) wet cat food is for you. The food’s main ingredient is red or dark meat tuna; it’s second is a high-quality meat, including chicken, duck, lamb, salmon, shrimp, bonito, tilapia and beef. All of the fish is wild-caught except for tilapia and all catches are certified safe for dolphins and turtles. It comes in 3.0- and 5.5-oz. cans (some varieties also come 10-oz. cans) in six distinct varieties in gravy or aspic, and 3.2.-oz. pouches, also in six distinct flavors in gravy. 
The PetLogix Zinger and Zinger Jr. dog-toy launchers offer a variety of interchangeable throw accessories, making playtime more fun and exciting for your dog and you. The Zinger is designed for medium and large dogs; the Jr. is for small dogs and puppies. Both Zingers feature a comfort handle and hands-free pick-up. In addition, the launchers’ top angle can easily be adjusted to match your throwing style and alter each throw’’s trajectory. Accessories include the Zing Bumby and Zing Cube in small, medium and large sizes, and the Zing Shot in small and medium/large. 
Two out of three cats agree: Catnip is awesome! If your feline is in the majority, check out Coastal Pet Products Turbo Compressed Catnip Toys. Featuring North American-grown compressed catnip and multiple textures, such as faux fur, these toys are designed to entice cats to play. Their long lasting catnip can provide your cat(s) with hours of entertainment, exercise and mental stimulation. They are available in bird (6.25 in.) and ball (1.5 in.) shapes. 
For cat owners with limited floor space (and no room for a cat tree), Square Cat Habitat’s Fremont Perch can provide an ideal retreat from indoor felines. Part of the company’s Bridge Series, the perch can be easily mounted on walls, under windowsills or any open wall. Measuring 25 1/8 in. wide by 12 in. deep and 3.4-in. thick, its unique design hides all the hardware and is able to support up to 50 pounds of cats. Featuring Velcro-backed removable inserts in two textures—faux mohair and plush—they come in three wood styles: Laminated Sustainable Design Fiberboard (SDF); Laminated FSC Birch Plywood and Architectural Bamboo Plywood. The mohair inserts come in 9 different colors, the plush in 10. 
STAYbowl™ NO-SLIP/NO-TIP is designed to be a tip-free dish for cats and dogs who are prone to spilling their food and/or water. The patent-pending bowl includes an elastomeric, silicone ring around the base that resists sliding on hardwood floors and other smooth surfaces. Its ergonomic design prevents pets from dumping their food and water, saving you time and money. Featuring a sleek, modern look, the dishwasher-safe bowl is available in four bright colors—sky blue, spring green, fuchsia and lilac—and comes in two sizes: 1/4 cup and 3/4 cup. 
Does your dog have a tough time choosing between a tennis ball or rubber toy? If yes, you could give him the best of both with JW Helmet Heads dog toys. Putting a fun spin on the classic Cuz dog toys, the Helmet Heads encase tennis balls in durable rubber to create a fun multi-use toy for your dog. Suitable for chewing and/or playing fetch, the toys’ characterized rubber exterior adds durability and creates erratic bounce during play. The toys are 3.25 x 2.75 x 2.75 in. size and come in various colors in three helmet shapes: Diver, Gladiator and Aviator. 
If your cats are like most, they spend a majority of their time sleeping with intermittent bursts of hyperactivity. Jackson Galaxy Ground Prey Toys make the most of that activity and help you keep your cats slim, healthy and happy. The all-new cat toys feature ball-and-socket joints that mimic ground prey movement when attached to the accompanying Ground Prey Wand. Available in four different animals—Snake, Iguana, Squirrel and Mouse—and various colors, the toys’ links can added or removed to create different sizes and movement. 
While feeding your dog greasy fast food is never a good idea, you can, however, indulge your pup with stuffed-toy versions thanks to P.L.A.Y.’s American Classic plush-toy collection. Featuring handmade craftsmanship, double-layer exterior and double-stitched edges for extra durability, the toys are stuffed with eco-friendly PlanetFill® filler, which is made from 100 percent post-consumer certified-safe recycled plastic bottles. Available as a five-piece set or individually, the toys include Barky Burger, Hot Diggy Dog, Frenchie Fries, Fluffy’s Fried Chicken and Mutt’s Milkshake, and feature detachable components, crinkle paper or squeakers. 
Turn your dog’s ordinary mealtime into a culinary one with Fruitables Broth Bowls. The all-natural, ultra-low sodium food toppers add flavor and hydration to any dish. Completely pet safe with no onions, garlics, leeks or MSG, the 2-calorie-per-ounce broths are formulated to be highly palatable, making them great appetite stimulants for picky canines. Made in the USA with USA-sourced ingredients, they come in 1-liter and ½-liter cartons in three tasty flavors: Chicken, Beef and Veggie. 
PawsIQ™ Dental Treats for Cats are formulated to help keep a cat’s breath fresh and maintain healthy teeth and gums by controlling tartar buildup. Made in the USA with natural ingredients, the treats are high in protein and have a crunchy texture that your cat will love. Free of wheat, soy, corn and artificial flavors, the dental treats come in five tasty varieties; Chicken, Catnip, Ocean, Tuna and Salmon. 
Solid Gold Pet Purrfect Pairings™ cat food is a light, airy and savory mousse that even selective eaters are sure to love. Formulated with real meat and goat milk—an easy-to-absorb and digestible source of essential nutrients—the grain- and gluten-free recipes provide a nutritionally complete and balanced meal that is perfect for cats and kittens of all lifestages. The delectable food may also be served as an accompaniment to kibble or as a tasty treat. Purrfect Pairings come in 2.75-oz. tubs and six feline-tempting varieties: Shrimp, Tuna, Chicken, Whitefish, Chicken Liver and Salmon. 
