7 must-have products that make being a pet owner effortless
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Pets have played a major role in our lives during the pandemic, and quarantine has caused pet ownership to increase drastically. Many people are still seeking companionship by getting a furry friend and adding a pandemic puppy to their families.
Puppy content has been one of the things that have been getting many of us through these unpredictable times, and there will be no shortage of that because Canadians have spent more than $5.7 billion on their pets in 2020, which is an increase of about $300 million compared to 2019, according to the German market data firm Statista. They expect that figure to grow by more than $100 million next year, too.
ALSO SEE: Pet owners are 'amazed' at how well this $33 purifier refreshes and deodorizes indoor air
According to the firm, more than a third of all Canadian households now have a dog, and around 40 per cent now have a cat.
All of our furry friends need food, toys and maybe even training classes, but there are so many different products available to help make being a pet owner effortless.
We've selected 7 products to help make life easier for you and your furry friend.
BISSELL 1400J Little Green Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner
This little green portable carpet cleaner works wonders. As someone who has a pandemic puppy, this is my go-to machine when she misses her pee pad and has an accident on the carpet. Its portable design makes it easy to carry around, and it has a long power cord to make cleaning stairs or tough to reach spots very easy. It works well on carpets, furniture and delicate fabrics.
The water/solution and collection tanks are removable for easy filling and cleaning. Use this product with Bissell Pet Odour and Soil Removal solutions. They get rid of pet odour, stains and dander. This magical portable machine lets you spot-clean, which permanently removes deep-down dirt, spots and stains. Just use the spray button and run the tough stain brush over the area. Your carpets will look as good as new.
SHOP IT: Walmart, $89 (originally $110)
OUT! PetCare Go Here Attractant Spray Bottle
The Go Here Attractant Spray is perfect for training puppies to use a pee pad. It encourages your pet to pee in specific areas and helps shorten the housetraining time. Just spray the middle of the pee pad a couple of times and watch that become your dog's go-to spot. You can also use this spray outside if you want your dog to go to the washroom in specific areas of your yard.
SHOP IT: Amazon, $16
PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
PetSafe's self-cleaning litter box is the definition of effortless. It self-cleans for weeks with no scooping, cleaning or refilling. All you have to do is adjust the timer for an automatic rake with the three different timing options available for self-cleaning preferences. This litter box also has a health counter that tracks the frequency of your cats' litter box usage to help monitor their health.
SHOP IT: Amazon, $226
ALSO SEE: 'This actually works': Bissell's Pet Eraser Vacuum has more than 1,900 reviews
Poshmark Pets
If you're an avid Poshmark user, get ready to start shopping for your pet on your favourite social marketplace. Poshmark has launched a Pets category to address the needs of millions of pet owners who are looking for a sustainable way to shop and sell. The Pets category includes a variety of new and secondhand pet accessories, supplies, toys and other essentials for dogs, cats, reptiles, fish and other pets.
While our kittens and puppies grow, they will easily need new things like harnesses, leashes, collars, cages, beds and maybe even a cute outfit. Poshmark is the perfect place to pick up those new items and sell your dogs old items as they grow.
SHOP IT: Poshmark Canada, prices vary
Top Paw® Potty Training Bells
PetSmart's potty training bells will make it easy for your dog to let you know that it's time to go outside. Just hang these bells on your door handle or close to your back door, and your dog will be able to alert you when they need to go. It's also adorable to see your pet use these bells. Reward them with a treat the first few times they get the hang of it, so they continue to use the bells.
SHOP IT: PetSmart, $12
HeimVision HM203 Security Camera
Most of us who brought new furry friends into our lives during the pandemic have had them by our sides the whole time. With working from home and lockdown restrictions, there's really been no reason not to be with our pet. When it's time to head out, the nerves might set in. That's where this security camera comes in. It captures crystal clear images and has a panoramic scene so you can see everything your pet is up to while you're out of the house.
The activity alert technology will send notifications to your phone through an app so you can monitor your pet throughout the day. It also has night vision and two-way audio, which allows you to talk to your pet through the camera while you're not there.
SHOP IT: Amazon, $40
Dogness 3.2 L Automatic Electric Pet Drinking Fountain
This pet drinking fountain has a large water storage capacity, and it's designed for multiple pets. The water is constantly flowing, and it's a triple-filtered fountain. It encourages your pet to drink more often, and it has an automatic shut-off when water levels are low. It comes in pink, green and white. It's also dishwasher safe and the LED light reminds you to add water during the day or night.
SHOP IT: Wayfair, $49
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