Pets

Pampering man's best friend

A slew of new products are the cat's meow.

by Rosemarie Colombraro

So, how popular is yoga? Downward-facing dog isn't just a pose anymore: Now you and your pooch can practice yoga together, thanks to a new video (see below). A new generation of pet products with human appeal is fueling a $23 billion industry. One contributing factor is the degree to which humans are bonding with their four-legged companions. In a recent poll of pet owners, 83% said they consider themselves their pet's "parent." So it's only natural that a growing number of us want Fido and Fluffy to share our life experiences -- even our religion. For those who do, there's kosher pet food.

Here are a few of our favorite new items:

Celeb couple Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt are among the pet owners who help their dogs deal with "separation anxiety" with the "In"security Blanket (insecurityblanket.com, $9.95-19.95). Just rub the blankie on your skin and then leave it on your pet's bed or in his play area for a reassuring scent when you're away. The Talk to Me Treat Ball (petsmart.com, $14.99-19.99) takes it one step further; you can record a message that will play back when your furry friend bats the toy around.

In his video, "Yoga for Healthy Living Presents: Daily Yoga Class" (yogaforbusiness.com, $14.95), instructor Bruce Van Horn shows how we can take cues about better living from animals -- like his Dalmatian, Goodboy, and cat, Sarafina, who know how "to be in the moment and relax." Before play, cats and dogs energize their lymphatic systems with yoga-like stretching, Van Horn says.

Quiet Spot Pet Tag Silencer solves the problem of middle-of-the-night jingling tags. The neoprene pouch attaches to your pet's collar. Even London's chi-chi Harrods stocks them (itzadog.com, $8).

Animals don't have to be Jewish to eat KosherPets cat and dog food; the hormone-, antibiotic- and chemical-free food is a good choice for allergy-prone pets.
Plus: It's endorsed by the Chicago Rabbinical Council. A 1-pound bag is $29.95 (kosherpets.com).

Bodhi Toys incorporates the harmonious principles of feng shui into its toys, with Chinese-style carp, bamboo-shaped sticks and lotus flower-decorated balls (bodhitoys.com, $8 and up).

Los Angeles veterinarian Jeff Werber offers a boutique-style line of products, including shampoo with chamomile, oats and St. John's wort and an "intensive moisturizing spray that adds luster and sheen to a dry coat and flaky skin" (jeffwerberpets.com, $6.99).

Just as babies love to be carried close to Mommy or Daddy, so do small dogs and kitties. Sherpa offers a line of comfy faux lambskin-lined pet carriers (sherpapet.com, $25 and up), from a backpack to an around-the-town tote bag.