Practical Products to Pamper Your Pets

June 4 -- From bird diapers that let your bird fly freely without dropping any surprises, to umbrellas that keep your pooch dry on a rainy walk, there are dozens of new products to pamper your pet.

Pets need to express their genetic exuberance and break away from solitary confinement, said veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker. Hence the creation of the bird diaper, which comes in a variety of colors and designs, from tie-dye to red, white and blue images of Uncle Sam.

"Birds need to break free from the cage and fly to other parts of the house," Becker said. "The problem is that a bird defecates every 15 minutes. But with one of these diapers on, it's no longer a problem."

The bird diapers are officially named "flight suits" and resemble bib overalls that allow room for wings. There is a patented "poop pouch," which keeps the droppings away from other birds. The diaper, which sells for $19.99, is washable and reusable. Also new for birds: a sort of reverse backpack made of mesh that allows bird owners to carry their pets around outside.

A Water Bed for Fido

For dogs there is a new canine cooler, a thermo-regulating pet bed.

"Dogs like to lie on tile or on the basement floor where it's cool," Becker said. "This bed is like a combination tile floor and water bed rolled into one. There's a fluid in there that keeps cool in a well-ventilated area. It's soft and cool for your dog. No electricity is required, but remember to leave it out of direct sunlight."

The price ranges from $39.95 to $84.95, depending on size.

Another new product for dogs: specially designed pet beds, such as the elephant plush bed or the Stetson hat bed.

"These are pet beds you're not embarrassed to have people see," Becker said. "When company comes over, you won't want to get these out of the way. They are conversation pieces."

There is also a Petbrella to protect dogs from the sun.

"Dogs can only get rid of heat by panting. Sometimes people tie up their dogs in the back yard in the shade, but then the sun shifts and the dog is in trouble," Becker said. "The pet-brella is so wide and close to the ground that the sun would have to make a really big shift to keep your dog from losing shade. It also has a swivel stake, so if your pet goes around and around, it swivels with him."