Pet Products Review - Happytails Bubbles 'N Beads Shampoo & Conditioner 9oz

The pamplet that came with the product sample sent to me by Happytails Canine Spa Line says: "Inside every mutt there's a mutrosexual just dying to get out".  So I figured what better day to turn my Sheltie Champ into a "muttrosexual" than New Years Eve. With that we tried Happytails' Bubbles 'N Beads Shampoo and Conditioner.

Baths are baths, the experience is never quite fun.  Although this was the first time I've ever used a product with beads in it.  I don't know what the beads do, but it was interesting to watch them dissolve.  The pamphlet says they are "microencapsulated conditioner" which is pretty fancy.  So, the bath is not fun, but the results are.  They should have called Bubbles 'N Beads the "Fluffinator" ! OMG! after Champ dried off, he was a gigantic cute and fluffy monster.  He certainly was clean and his hair very soft.  One thing I liked was that the shampoo did not have an overwhelming perfume as so many of them do.  My one regret was that I did not have a bottle of Happytails' Shimmering Mist to give his bath that extra glimmer.

So as a shampoo I totally recommend Happytails Bubbles 'N Beads.  For ordering, go to www.happytailsspa.com.  At $17 for a 9oz bottle, this is a luxury pet spa product.  But knowing that Happytails at a company only uses the very best ingredients and upholds the higest possible environmental, social and ethical standards, and made in the USA, its worth it.

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Pet Products Review - RapidBath Pet Bathing System by HydroSurge

Today you're in luck because my post is one with two opinions.  The good people at Hydro Surge a division of Jarden Consumer Solutions asked me to sample their new RapidBath Pet Bathing System.  I was excited to try this product because I trust the famous brands and products of Jarden.  They seem to know exactly the appliance that makes my life easier.

The RapidBath Pet Bathing System is an interesting contraption in that it aims to give you the power and convenience afforded to professional dog groomers.  RapidBath allows you to wet, wash and rinse in one hand-held unit. Designed to bath in 3 minutes or less, the RapidBath system cuts the time, hassle and mess out of bathing your pet.

The manufacturer writes:  "The system includes a dog grooming sprayer and adapter that connects to any standard home shower or outdoor faucet, allowing the versatility of indoor/outdoor use. The sprayer functions in just one hand and features 3 settings: low, high, and bathe. Hidden inside the handle are integrated shampoo cartridges which automatically draws and distributes highly concentrated shampoo while you bath your pet. The result is easier, less messy baths for both you and your pet."  The cost of the RapidBath Pet Bathing System is $69.99 and can be purchased at www.petsmart.com or any PetSmart location.

Well let me tell you, I had a very hard time finding a shower or outdoor faucet that actually fit the RapidBath system. It did not fit my shower nor our outdoor faucet.  Finally I ended up trying the unit in my building's laundry utility sink.  I have to admit the system did not quite fit that faucet either and I'm sure it negatively affected the RapidBath's performance.  Althought I found the using a 10' hose connected with a water diverter to be easy and convenient for washing a dog, I did not find the soap to lather to my satisfaction.  Also knowing I can go to a hardware store and get the same hose and diverter material for only a few dollars, made it hard to justify a $70 price.

But, being a New York City urban dweller, we know that not every product is designed for city use and works better in an actual home.  With that, I gave the RapidBath System to my friend Tom to try.  Tom lives on a country estate outside of Albany and had a beautiful American Foxhound named Fiddler.  Fiddler being a country dog is always getting into something or another and more in need of frequent bathing.   Here is Tom's verbatim:

Ease of use.....9
Installation......8
Overall impression....8

I have a relatively large American Foxhound named Fiddler.  Put simply, hounds and water don't usually mix.  I've attempted to use shower sprayers, sponges, etc. but make it difficult to keep the dog in the tub while still using them.  The rapid bath system alleviated a number of those issues.  The installation was fairly easy.  Having the right tool to remove the shower head toughest part.  It's great to be able to leave the diverter attached to the shower and still be able to use the rapid bath when needed.  The major benefit of this system is the ability to have everything in one hand.  Using simple knobs and buttons on the hand held unit, you can change from soap to rinse and turn the water on and off with just one hand.  This allowed me to keep the other hand on the dogs collar to keep him in the tub.  Overall a good system.

Disadvantages:  must use soap cartridges from rapid bath system.
Potential improvement: I wish the head of the sprayer had some rubber nubs on it to use to massage in the shampoo.  I had to put the unit down to suds the dog before rinsing.

So back to me... my recommendation is, if you have multiple pets, dogs, horses, cats, goats, whatever, and keeping them clean is important to you, buy the RapidBath Pet Bathing System.  Your frequent use and time saved will justify the price.  But do make sure you test the compatibility with all of your faucets and like any larger purchase, keep the receipt in case it does not work out.

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Pet Products Review - Scatchex

Ok let me tell you about a little style story from my college days.  I hung out with very a fashion forward girl who wanted only the very best for her Chow Chow named Penelope.  This dog was gorgeous! 

Well, to give Penelope that full bodied, bold, volumized look, my friend used Pantene.   Poor Penelope suffered from burns and her hair fell out in clumps.  It took months before her mane was back to normal.  Simply said, human products are not always right for canine consumption.

I think about this story every single time I give my dog a bath.  After this weekend and some rolling around on a muddy football field, Champ, my Sheltie got his long overdue bath.  The product I chose was Scrathex. 

At about $5 per bottle, this shampoo is no nonsense, but filled with all the good things you want in a dog shampoo.  I feel good that it does kill fleas and ticks on contact.  Its kind of like light parasite insurance that supplements his Vet prescribed topical medicine.  And for style, well Champs coat comes out clean, fresh smelling, and soft...... downright sassy if you ask me.

So if you're seeking hair thats clean, shiny and flea free from root to tip, buy this product. Pay attention to the price when shopping for this product, don't over pay.  I paid just over $4.50 at Walgreens for an 8 oz bottle.  But I've seen it as high as $6.50 at specialty stores and online for the same exact product and bottle size.

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