Only the best
BY DR. MARTY BECKER and GINA SPADAFORI Universal Press Syndicate
With thousands of companies spread out in booths across two levels of the San Diego Convention Center, it's not easy to spot just 10 products that will grab the attention of pet lovers. But at the recent Global Pet Expo trade show, the Pet Connection team split up to stroll the 15 football fields' worth of floor space looking for new products with pet "wow" power.

The DogTread motorized treadmill from PetZen products is designed for dogs under 30 pounds.

We came up with seven products in common on each list of our top 10 - some of the products also were named best by industry peers at the show's end - and then we haggled over the remaining three slots. In no particular order, here are the Pet Connection's top picks among new pet products that will soon be in retailers:

• Fling-ama-string cat toy (Moody Pet, $25). Put in three AA batteries, hang the brightly colored toy on a door knob, and watch your cat's transformation from couch potato to hunter. The Fling-ama-string was so enticing, we wanted to pounce on it, too (moodypet.com).

• Microwavable Canine Cake (Claudia's Canine Cuisine, $5 to $6). The kit contains a microwavable mixing bowl, cake mix and frosting. Add water, microwave, and decorate for a fun project for the kids. The ingredients are all pet-friendly, of course (claudiascaninecuisine. com).

• DogTread Motorized Exercise Treadmill (PetZen products, $500). Treadmills for dogs (and people) have been around for quite a while, but the DogTread is designed specifi- cally to keep small dogs (under 30 pounds) in shape. The unit folds for storage and has treat bowls to keep the dog's attention forward (petzenproducts.com).

• Celltei Pak-o-Bird ($109 to $579, depending on size of bird). Birds need a change of scenery, too. The Pak-o-Bird is made from soft luggage material in a variety of colors and is designed to be carried like a backpack (the company also offers a foldable cart for $125). Inside the carrier are comfortable perches and food/water cups (www.celltei.com).

• Bionaire Odor Grabber Litter Box (Jarden Consumer Solutions, $100). The Odor Grabber catches waste smell as well as airborne pet dander and fur. The manufacturer says its quiet filter motor will not scare cats or annoy cat owners (www.jardencs.com).

• Toto Too Center Mounted Pet Seat for Dogs (Wigali, $200). The plush Toto Too fits between front seats and provides a safe, secure and elevated ride for little dogs. The seat removes easily and comes with a shoulder strap (tototoo.net).

• Comfy Cone soft Elizabethan pet collar (Imagine That Designs/All Four Paws, $15). No more cone-heads! The Comfy Cone is an alternative to the hard plastic cone traditionally sent home with pets from the veterinary hospital. It keeps animals from damaging incisions and prevents the stress of hard plastic banging into everything and everyone (allfourpaws.com).

• Dogzilla Deep Freeze (PetMate/Aspen, $9 to $14). Take the Dogzilla Deep Freeze, some tiny treats and some meat broth, and soon you have a chilly, iced treat for your dog in the shape of a bone. Perfect for teething puppies. The rubber part of the treat is infused with a smell to attract pets to chew it (aspenpet.com).

• Purrsuasions Catnectors Switch-nsnap cat toys (Sergeant's, $4 to $8). Purrsuasions comes with a set of toys than can be snapped on and off the play glove for variety to keep cats engaged in play and owners entertained (sergeants.com).

• Pipi Dolly's Toilet for dogs (Rush Direct, $50). Indoor potty spots for little dogs are not new, but the Pipi Dolly adds some practical twists to the design. The unit comes with two trays and two grids, as well as absorbent paper that can be placed in between so paws do not become wet and smelly. The Pipi Dolly also features a vertical "fire hydrant" for male dogs (no company Web site).

Please note that since these are all new products, they might not yet be featured on company Web sites yet, and prices may change before they get to retailers.