Pet Expo 2008 A Sideways Glance At Some New Pet Products

A chattering pet food bowl, a new dog treadmill and a wearable pet carrier are some of the new products being unveiled today at the Global Pet Expo 2008 trade show.

Startle your pet as they eat their lunch - with Chatterbowl. Pre-recording your voice into the Chatterbowl food bowl allows you to 'issue a reminder' or even say something nice to your pets each time they attempt to eat or drink from it. A handy if slightly annoying tool which, says the manufacturer, could help with your pet's separation anxiety.

PetZen Products new DogTread is a motorized exercise treadmill for your dog. The marketing says the treadmill is made especially for city-dwelling pets or for those whose circumstances do not allow for that daily walk. Does this target the same market as Flexpetz whose overstretched dog-renting clients haven't the time for a dog of their own?

Meanwhile Pet Creations has come up with a sweatshirt that doubles as a pet carrier all-in-one. 'My Petshirt' has a built-in pouch with a soft lining for your toy dog's comfort - so your pet can be close and secure while you are.. shopping I suppose.

Global Pet Expo is the US pet industry's largest annual trade show and is taking place in San Diego, February 14-16.