by Heather Brogan

Created on: August 07, 2007

Your dog is special-he or she is certainly a member of the family! Naturally, as a discerning dog-parent, you want your canine friend to have the best in food, treats, toys and accessories. Better yet, you want your dog to have those great new and as-yet-unknown products so that he has bragging rights at the dog park. Look no further! The following is a round-up of some new doggy-centered products that you may not yet have heard about.

The Pet PawKit (from $36.00 www.petpawkits.com) is the must-have bag for the dog on the go. It is a fun and stylish messenger bag with compartments for all of your pal's must-have items. Each pocket is labeled for its intended purpose-leash, water, toys, baggies, bowls, towels and treats. The included carabiner-style clip can hold a key chain or any other "clippable" item. It's even big enough to hold your own necessities, like your cell phone or wallet (just don't tell Spot!). The bag is waterproof, and it comes in eight different colors. A backpack style is also available.

If the summer heat is getting to your dog, or if you have a northern breed who just likes the snow and ice, the Kool Dogz Ice Treat Maker (from $32.95 available at Amazon.com) will be a big hit. Now you can make those big blocks of ice that you often see zoo animals playing with. Just fill the Kool Dogz bucket with water or broth, add dog treats and toys, and freeze. A stainless-steel base and platform is included, and a lip around the base collects any melted water. The Kool Dogz comes in two sizes so both big and little dogs can get in on the fun.

Every good dog needs a bath now and then to keep clean. Imagine your dog's dismay, however, when you dry him off with an old, fraying towel! Doesn't he deserve his own fluffy towel just like mom or dad? With the Good Dog Bath Towel ($29.95 for set of two at www.coolpetstuff.com) your pet will no longer be embarrassed after his in-home spa treatment. And the "Good Dog" written right on the towel means you'll never have to wonder who it belongs to.

If your older dog seems stiff in the mornings, it might be time for some new bedding. Memory foam beds (from $64.99 at Overstock.com) are a great option for dogs suffering from arthritis. The foam also absorbs body heat to keep the bedding warm and soothing to aching joints.

One aspect of dog ownership that no one really enjoys is cleaning up after your pet. If you are absolutely repulsed by the "baggie grab," the Bag-A-Doo ($20.95 at www.coolpetstuff.com) is for you! Working like a miniature pooper-scooper, you simply squeeze the handle, place the Bag-A-Doo over the offensive "package", and release the handle. The mess is now contained in a disposable baggie attached to the device. The Bag-A-Doo works on both grass and pavement, so you'll never have to get up close with your dog's mess again.

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