Editor’s note: For our new Retailer Wishlist column, we asked store owners and buying managers what they wish existed in the pet dental category. Manufacturers, take their ideas and run with them! If you already make a product asked for here, let them know. Or tell us about it at Global Pet Expo. We’ll be reporting live from the show. Email editor@petsplusmag.com to invite the PETS+ team to your booth.
- We do not see as many dental products available that are cat specific. I have had some customers ask for cat “chew” products for dental purposes. — Alison Schwartz, All Pets Considered, Greensboro, NC
- Petzlife oral is being discontinued. This is an amazing product that I wish someone else would make. — Brianna Swanberg, Mutts + Meows Natural Pet Market, Nashville, TN
- More toothpaste options. Natural, chemical free. — Tonya Christiansen, Must Love Dogs, Grand Haven, MI
- I would like to see a really good dental line of brushes, toothpaste, gel, etc., preferably without artificial sweetener. — Barbara Clemmens, Aardvark Pet Supplies, Inc., Thornwood, NY
- Something that has some actual good scientific research behind it (I mean real trials with unbiased data that hasn’t been manipulated to look good). Additionally, I would like to see manufacturers do a better job of explaining what product performance expectations should be. In other words, I feel like customers may think products don’t work because their expectations are way too high. — Cassie Nilsson, The Mill Stores, Whiteford, MD
- It’s nice to find products designed for puppy and senior pets… and cats. — Jenny DuBrock, Don’t 4 Get About Me, Pingree Grove, IL
- A magic wand? Lots of customers have trouble with putting anything in their dog or cat’s mouth, whether it be a finger wipe or a brush. Same with nails, and it is really a training/behavior issue, so a magic wand would be awesome. — Andrea Demmons, The TailGait Market, Asheville, NC
What’s the Brain Squad?
If you’re the owner or top manager of a U.S. pet business serving the public, you’re invited to join the PETS+ Brain Squad. Take one five-minute quiz a month, and you’ll get a free t-shirt, be featured prominently in this magazine, and make your voice heard on key issues affecting the pet industry. Sign up here.
