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Readers’ Picks: The Best Pet Products on Amazon, According to You

Nichole Jankowski
by Nichole Jankowski
Published:  February 6th, 2018

We went through your shopping carts to come up with a list of the most popular pet-related items bought on Amazon in 2017.

Instead of issuing our own recommendations, we thought it would be fun to take a look at what readers were buying on Amazon last year. Here’s a list of the best pet products selling on Amazon, according to your purchases.

After going through the data we came up with a theory: the less picky the species, the more homogeneous purchases by their owners were. So many fish and aquarium accessories topped the charts, for example, that we’re giving them their own dedicated post. Perhaps it’s not surprising then that a dominant dog toy — and treats — emerged in the trends, while scratch pads and cat toys were noticeably absent from our data.

Check out what products were most popular with our readers in 2017:

Dr. Elsey’s Ultra multi-cat strength litter

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You’re not kidding around with your kitty litter. Readers are buying Dr. Elsey’s Ultra multi-cat strength liter by the 40-pound bag. Hypo-allergenic, this hard-clumping cat litter is 99.9 percent dust-free and doesn’t contain any plant proteins, perfumes or deodorants. Its heavy non-tracking granules are combined with a medium grain clay, which prevents moisture from reaching the bottom of the tray and keeps odors at bay. This all-natural premium clumping cat litter is perfect for sifting or mechanical boxes and multi-cat households.

Dr. Elsey’s Ultra multi-cat strength litter 40-pound bag, $22, Amazon

Kong Classic

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If you have a dog you’re probably familiar with Kong. The Classic red rubber design is like the Sophie the Giraffe of dog toys. Made for average chewers, it’s not just great for teething and chewing, it’s unpredictable bounce makes for mentally stimulating games of fetch. Extend playtime by stuffing it with Kong treats; check out Kate Naito’s post from last month on how to turn mealtime into a game.

Kong Classic in large, $16.93 $5.95, Amazon

Vastar adjustable pet car seat belt safety lead

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Made of durable nylon with a zinc alloy swivel snap, slide and tongue, this adjustable lead clips into right into the seat belt buckle to keep your pet safely restrained. The lead extends to over two-and-a-half feet, allowing your pet enough room to maneuver but still keeping them off the dash. This style of pet seatbelt is meant to be used with a harness only.

The tab on the latch plate is two-centimeters wide; don’t forget to check your seatbelt’s compatibility before ordering. There’s also a partial list of non-compatible makes and models in the product description on Amazon.

Vastar adjustable pet car seat belt safety lead two-pack in black, $6.99, Amazon

BarksBar Original pet seat cover for cars

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Designed to fit the backseat of standard cars, trucks, crossovers and SUVs, this convertible pet seat cover can be used as a bench cover or hammock. This heavy-duty waterproof cover protects the back seat from hair, fur, dirt, spill and scratches. It even has two seven-inch side flaps to guard the side of seat cushions.

To install just secure the straps around the headrests and tuck in the seat anchors to prevent the cover from sliding. There are built in velcro openings so users can access seat belt buckles. Made of color-fast polyester, the cover is machine washable. For other ways to pet-proof your car, check out this post by Christina Raymond. Planning a trip? Diana Fariah has a list of road travel essentials.

BarksBar Original pet seat cover for cars in standard, $19.99, Amazon

The Art of Raising a Puppy

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New dog owners want to know what they’re in for. The Puppy Primer was one of the bestselling books among our readers last years. A close second was The Art of Raising a Puppy. Both books were recommended in a post by Rachel Leavy back in 2015.

The Puppy Primer by Patricia B. McConnell and Brenda Scidmore in paperback, $16.95 $12.41, Amazon

Vetericyn Plus wound and skin care

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Safe for all types of wounds including abrasions, lacerations, cuts, burns and irritations, Vetericyn Plus is environmentally-friendly and can be licked or ingested without causing harm. It contains no alcohol, steroids or antibiotics and is non-toxic. A veterinarian recommended product, it’s OK’ed for use around the mouth, ears, eyes and nose on all species.

Vetericyn Plus wound and skin care in 16-ounce trigger bottle, $21.19, Amazon

MidWest iCrate folding metal dog crate

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The bestselling crate is a two-door model that comes with a divider panel and its leak-proof pan has roller feet to protect your floor from damage. It folds flat for storage and is easily portable via its strong carrying handle.

Two slide-bolt latches secure both doors, and rounded corner clips reduce the sharp points on the cage. It comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty and is available in a number of sizes as well as a single door option. For information on how to crate train your pooch, check out our post.

MidWest iCrate folding metal dog crate double door 42-inch with divider, $65.99, Amazon

Providence Engraving aluminum pet ID

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Chose from a variety of shapes and colors to create a custom ID tag for your pet.

Providence Engraving aluminum pet ID for dogs and cats, $9.99 $3.70, Amazon

Andis 65730

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This seven-and-a-half-inch long grooming comb removes tangles, mats and dirt. It’s lightweight, and its two-inch teeth are perfect for finishing and fluffing. For more on grooming your pup, check out our dedicated section filled with the latest gadgets and plenty of tips.

Andis 65730 pet steel grooming comb in seven-and-a-half-inch length, $10 $5.99, Amazon

So, how do we get this data? Some of our stories contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on them and then make purchases we may earn commission. Through our relationship with Amazon, we can access reports of those bestselling items by category. This list takes a look at some of the top-selling pet products purchased by our readers, with a separate list coming soon for fish supplies.

It’s worth noting that affiliate partnerships do not influence editorial, which operates independently of our sales and marketing departments.

The WiseGuide team writes about things we think you’ll like, introducing you to great products, services and special deals. Prices are accurate at the time of publishing. We’ll update the links whenever possible, but please keep in mind that deals may expire and prices are subject to change. Follow WiseGuide on Twitter @WiseGuide_.

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Nichole Jankowski
Nichole Jankowski

Nichole Jankowski is the commerce editor for VerticalScope, the parent company to PetGuide.com, and the editor of sister-site WiseGuide.com. If you've recently bought a product you'd like to see featured, let her know at njankowski@verticalscope.com or on Twitter @WiseGuide_.

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If you have noticed that your dog’s sleep quality is reduced, or that they have begun to snore heavily, there might be an unusual reason behind it – the shape of your pet’s head! Snoring problems can be quite common for many dogs, but they are most often seen in brachycephalic dogs – basically, dogs with flat faces. For example, this is the key characteristic of the  French Bulldog, one of the world’s most popular breeds. In the USA, and in Hungary where the research for these claims was conducted, the goofy little French Bulldog holds the place of the number one most common pet dog breed. And that means that some health-related issues, stemming from their flat-face appearance, are coming into the foreground. Their shortened skulls and brachycephalic morphology result in sleep problems, snoring, difficulties with breathing, and deteriorative brain morphology changes. According to the latest  study by a Hungarian research team, flat-faced dogs tend to sleep more because their breed suffers from sleep apnea and thus their daytime sleepiness is increased. Thus, their REM (deep) sleep phase is much longer than their non-REM sleep, while the EEG patterns in their sleep indicate signs of white matter loss. And while some owners across the world see these Bulldogs and their extremely flat skulls as an attractive or unique feature, it is, nonetheless, a major health hazard. These breeds, for example, the French Bulldog, the Pug, and the English Bulldog tend to live around 3 to 4 years less than other dogs, and in many cases, they don’t even live to adulthood.Some will even have to undergo surgery to correct their musculoskeletal, respiratory, and eye problems, which can cause them a lot of problems throughout their lives. To make matters worse, the rounded and short skull of these dogs results in a distorted and rounded brain, which could affect neural functioning.All this resulted in the Hungarian team’s extensive research into the sleep of these breeds. They studied the sleep of 92 dogs, using EEG. "In the sleep lab, dogs spend about three hours with their owners. As nothing exciting happens, the dogs fall asleep quickly. Meanwhile, we conduct the electrical potential generated by the brain activity with electrodes glued to their scalps," says Anna Kis, who is considered a pioneer in the study of sleeping dogs and a researcher at the HUN-REN Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology. "We wanted to investigate whether flat-faced dogs sleep differently from other dogs, as they are known to suffer from oxygen deprivation due to respiratory problems and therefore have poorer quality sleep. We found that the flat-faced dogs slept more in the three hours given to them during the study. More daytime sleep is probably compensation for insufficient sleep at night.”Ivaylo Iotchev, the first author of a study of dog sleep patterns that was published in the Journal of Brain Structure and Function, adds "In the present study, we found that brachycephalic dogs had decreased beta waves and increased delta compared to dogs with longer noses. The frequency of sleep spindles increased. This pattern has previously been associated with poorer learning in dogs and loss of white matter in humans."He also adds "There may be several reasons for our results. The most interesting of these is that it seems as if the flat-faced dogs have retained the sleep pattern of puppyhood, similarly to newborns who spend more time in REM sleep.”If you own a brachycephalic dog and have been seeing a lack of quality in their sleep, these studies might provide the answers you are looking for – your pooch’s genetics might be to blame for their poor sleep.

How To Tell if a Dog Is Cold

You might think your dog feels fine in cold weather, thanks to their thick coat, but they can definitely feel the chill—and when they aren’t warm and comfortable, they could develop serious problems like hypothermia. So, it’s important to know the signs that your dog is cold, and to take steps to keep your pet comfy, whether they’re indoors or outside.  Although any dog can be affected by cold temperatures, wind, and snow, some are going to feel the drop in temperature sooner or more intensely. Puppies and seniors, as well as small dogs and those with short coats, are a few examples, along with hairless dogs and those who are ill or have chronic medical conditions.Signs Your Dog Is ColdHere are some of the ways to tell if your dog is cold:Your dog feels cold to the touch – An easy way to tell if your dog is cold is by petting them and feeling the temperature of their body. A good place to check is their ears, but also touch their paws, belly, and skin under their fur. If their body is cool to the touch, there are ways to warm them up.Your dog doesn’t want to be active – If your dog isn’t as active as they usually are, they might be feeling the chill in the air. Feel their body, as discussed above, to see if they’re cold, and take steps to make them warm. A dog who’s moving more slowly than normal while outside should be brought inside right away. Your dog is shivering – Just like people shiver when they’re cold, dogs will too, so this is an obvious sign that your pet needs to be warmed up as soon as possible. If your dog is trembling, consider the temperature inside your home, as you might need to turn the heat up. And if your dog is shaking while outside in the cold, bring them inside right away.Your dog is searching for ways to stay warm – If your dog wants to lie down next to the fireplace or heater, or they want to snuggle up next to you or under a blanket, they’re looking for ways to get warm. In addition, your dog might be reluctant to go outside, whether for a walk or to go potty. If they’re outside and you see them trying to find some shelter to warm up, bring them in immediately.  Your dog’s body language and vocalizations change – If you know your pet’s normal behavior and demeanor, it should be easy to tell when they’re cold. There will be signs that they’re uncomfortable, and they might exhibit anxious behaviors that let you know something is wrong. For example, your dog may tuck their tail, have a hunched posture, or curl up in a ball, and they might also bark or whimper. What To Do if Your Dog Is ColdWhenever your dog is showing signs of feeling cold, take action right away. Remember, a dog who gets too cold is at risk of hypothermia. Also, the cold can make some dogs, such as those with arthritis, experience even more discomfort. If your dog is outside, bring them inside. And if they’re wet from rain or snow, dry them gently.If your dog is already inside, move them to a warmer area, such as near a heat source and away from drafts.Help your dog feel warm and cozy indoorsYou can rub and massage your dog to help generate some warmth with your hands. Give your pet a cozy bed to rest in, and cover them with a blanket. You can also lie down next to your dog to help them warm up.There are heated dog beds you can use whenever your dog is chilly, along with dog heating pads that can work well too—just be sure to use these products as directed for safety and so your pet won’t get too hot. Keep your dog warm while outsideBefore heading outside with your dog, check the temperature. Generally, if it’s colder than 45°F (7°C), you should take additional precautions to ensure your pet won’t get too cold. But you know your individual dog best, so you’ll know when they need extra protection and less time outside.There are various jackets, sweaters, and boots made for dogs of all breeds and sizes. Put these on your canine companion before heading outside so they can stay warm while they go potty or go for a short walk.If it’s too cold for a walk or play session outside, don’t force your dog to stay out there. Instead, find ways to play with your dog indoors until the weather warms enough to be safer and more comfortable for your pooch.Use products that help your dog warm up and stay warmHere are a couple of items to consider buying for your dog: K&H Self-Warming Crate Pad

Jolly Pets’ Annual “#WeGiveaJolly” Campaign Helps Shelter Dogs

Jolly Pets is the brand behind innovative, durable, and unique pet toys that are made entirely by domestic manufacturers – and every holiday season, they make an effort to spread joy, kindness, and love to all the pooches in need. This season, collaborating with 19 influencer ambassadors, they are once again heading their # WeGiveaJolly charitable campaign. Starting from November 28th until December 25th, Jolly Pets will donate a high-quality toy for every single purchase made. The toys will go to rescue dogs at 19 animal shelters in the USA, each represented by the influencer ambassadors, as announced by the marketing director of Jolly Pets, Louisa Casto. "The holiday season is a time for giving, and what better way to make a difference in the lives of shelter dogs than through the power of play and companionship. Jolly Pets understands the importance of providing joy and comfort to dogs awaiting their forever homes, and # WeGiveaJolly exemplifies our commitment to this cause," said Casto. "We believe that every dog deserves love, care, and happiness regardless of their circumstances. That's why we're excited to kick off our annual # WeGiveaJolly campaign, collaborating with compassionate ambassadors and animal shelters to make a real difference in a dog's life."This campaign will bring true holiday cheer across the country, especially to rescue dogs who are in dire need of some love and compassion.The ambassadors, shelters, and locations are as follows:@guidingeyesfortheblind for Guiding Eyes for the Blind, Yorktown Heights, NY@goodasgoldens for Canine Companions, Sacramento, CA@Jack_the_Sleeper for Fort Worth North Animal Care and Adoption Campus, Haslet, TX@moosethegoldenretriever for Rescue Village, Russell Twp., OH@cheriethesurfdog for Frenchies United Rescue, Claremont, CA@incredibullstella for Animal Help Alliance, Las Vegas, NV@iheartpgracie for Animal Care Centers of NYC, New York, NY@2rockstarlabs for Crossed Paws Animal Shelter, Woodsfield, OH@koda.laredo for Hoosier Bulldog Rescue, Indianapolis, IN@posies_pocketful_of_praise for Pickens Humane Society, Liberty, SC@ziggy_loving_life for Home Fur Good Animal Rescue, Phoenix, AR@maligator_apollo for PAWS Chicago, Chicago, IL@remingtonpup for Great Pyrenees Rescue Society, Spring, TX@gvl_golden_girls for Dog Squad, Greer, SC@enzo.and.bella for Friends of Detroit Animal Care & Control, Northville, MI@benny.n.lola for Humane Society Silicon Valley, Milpitas, CA@leuleu_theblue for the Pet Alliance Sanford Shelter, Orlando, FL@the.hero.dogs for Hot Mess Pooches, Homer, IL@fosterkittenhq for The Animal Welfare League of Arlington, Arlington, VA"By participating in Jolly Pets # WeGiveaJolly campaign, our customers are not only providing joy to their own pets but also extending that joy to shelter dogs waiting for a loving home. It's a small act of kindness that can profoundly impact these dogs' lives," Casto said. "We encourage using the hashtag # WeGiveaJolly on social media to encourage friends and family to participate in this heartwarming initiative."To learn more about the # WeGiveaJolly campaign and to shop for Jolly Pets' durable and innovative pet toys, visit  https://jollypets.com/pages/wegiveajolly-annual-toy-drive.

Unexpected Things That Helped Me Cope With Loss of My 17-Year-Old Cat

Getting to share your life with a pet is truly a privilege, as there’s not much that can rival the sheer joy and genuine love these little creatures bring to us. But when the time comes to say goodbye, the weight of grief can feel overwhelming. In these moments, it feels like nothing can help lighten the load we carry, but it’s crucial to remember that the journey through pet loss is a shared experience among countless others who have navigated the same emotional terrain.I recently found myself grappling with the profound loss of my beloved four-legged companion, a 17-year-old cat called Luna. Luna was not just a pet; she was a loyal friend for more than half of my life, a source of comfort during challenging times, and a bundle of joy who brightened even the gloomiest days. When Luna passed away, a void opened up in my heart, leaving me adrift in a sea of grief.

Dog Helps Find Missing Child

Dogs can be heroes, and that’s certainly the case when it comes to the story of a very special police K9 in Auburn, Massachusetts. When a 12-year-old went missing from their home and couldn’t be found for roughly two hours, Auburn police knew that they had to work quickly, and Biza the dog played an integral role in the child’s rescue.Child Found with the Help of a Police K9 Named BizaAccording to a Facebook post by Auburn MA Police Department, information about a missing child was received around 10:30 p.m. on January 31, 2024. The child had been missing since around 8:30 p.m., when they had left their home. No one knew where the child could be, and the frigid temperatures made everyone worry even more about their safety.Because the child had last been seen in the Pakachoag Hill area, Auburn police officers, Massachusetts State Police troopers, and detectives got to work looking for them. But it would be Biza, the K9 partner of Officer Ljunggren, who would really come through and help the search end successfully that night.Following the Scent to a Missing ChildBiza picked up the child’s scent and tracked it for more than two miles. The police were able to find signs that the missing child had been in the area, so they kept up the search until they were able to find them and bring them home to their family just a short while later.This is one example of many times that Biza has helped police in Auburn succeed since she joined them in 2022 from Germany. In addition to helping find missing people, she has also helped police track down suspects.  Thanks to Biza and her ability to track the right scent that night, a child was saved from the cold and made it home safe.Here’s a quick video about this story, showcasing a few photos of beautiful Biza:

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