Pets' safety at forefront of expo

The 16th annual Chicagoland Pet Expo showcased how popular American-made pet supplies have become in the past years.

Pet owners are more concerned after shipments of tainted pet food from China was blamed for hundreds of pet deaths in the country, said many of the exhibitors at the show.

"I think owners are more concerned," pet store general manager Tony Aguirre said. "I see more people turning the bags around and reading them."

Aguire also runs Skydogz, a flying disc-catching dog group that performed Friday as the expo kicked off at Arlington Park.

The barking and tail-wagging continues today and goes through Sunday. More than 700 booths full of exhibitors demonstrated products and services aimed at dogs, cats and birds. Exotic pets were also included, as there was a slithering and tame white albino python on display.

One the exhibitors was veterinarian Densil Allen, and his wife, Cyndi, of Knob Noster, Mo., was quick to point out his product was made in America. The Allens package 14.5-ounce plastic containers of water ideal for dogs and cats to easily slurp and hydrate. They call the company Pet Quenchers and say the water is perfect for on-the-go pets.

The pair said service dogs, like those used by FEMA in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, could have benefited from the product while working.

The Allens hope Pet Quenchers, which will retail for around $2.50 per unit, will reach stores by late April. The water is filtered through reverse osmosis and is suitable for humans to drink, the Allens said. There might be plans for water with breath fresheners down the line, they added.

There were other signs of the red, white and blue. The dog treats from Dizzy Dogg featured the slogan "bones born in the USA," displayed in patriotic-colored boxes.

Pet safety also took the forefront, as products including pet car harnesses and paw boot that absorb the shock from walking on concrete were being shown.

Show sponsor ForeverLawn showed its K9Grass artificial turf. The company promises fast clean-ups and better cushioning for walking pets. The surface costs about $6 per square foot. It's also antimicrobial.

"It's an all-around cleanlier proposal," ForeverLawn's Ken Karmie said.

Mare Potts, of Flydogs Training, said the turf is safer, as she had her flying-disc catching dogs perform on the surface earlier in the day. But nothing substitutes for the feel of natural grass, she said.

Cats will have the spotlight later this weekend at the Cat Fanciers' Association shows.