Shop Talk : Love your dog

By Katryn Yerdon
Published: August 6, 2009

Happily, the Vineyard is an Island full of dog lovers. Take a walk through any town and you will find numerous dog bowls filled with water set out the four-legged passerby.

Let's start with how to keep our dogs protected from ticks. Every dog on the Island should have continuous tick protection from either Frontline Plus or K9 Advantix. If you have not applied one of these to your dog (or cat), talk to your vet about which is the best option for you. Almost every Island vet offers these products at varying prices.

Two satisfied customers at Good Dog Goods in Oak Bluffs. Photo by Katryn Yerdon

Animal Health Care at the Airport is offering an in-house coupon on K9 Advantix that gets you six doses for the price of four, $69.24. Frontline Plus is $47 for three doses. My Pet's Vet in Vineyard Haven offers K9 Advantix at $103.88 for six doses and Frontline Plus at $59.22 for three doses. (Prices are based on a dose for a 35-pound dog.

I would also suggest picking up a brand new product, Tick-Off, at Animal Health Care for $19.95. It should be used in conjunction with Advantix or Frontline, as it repels ticks from dogs, cats, horses, and humans. Yes, you can use it on yourself to help ensure you are safe from Lyme disease, though you must apply it daily.

Animal Health Care also offers dog food from Royal Canin, Hill's Science Diet, and Prescription Diet along with the Wacky Walk'R.

Haven't heard of the Wacky Walk'R? It is the newest leash made of the most unsuspecting product, rubber tubing. They promise, "We won't jerk your chain," as the leash can expand to twice its length ensuring a smooth walk for Fido.

For an overall variety of dog needs - collars, leashes, treats, bedding and bowls - try SBS on State Road in Vineyard Haven or Good Dog Goods on Circuit Avenue in Oak Bluffs. While in SBS, pick up a Dog Gone Smart Bed, which reduces the spread of bacteria, repels dirt and liquids, and minimizes odors. Large beds start at $89. They also have a large variety of organic and natural treats and food, such as a bag of Dog Well treats for $5.19.

No shopping trip for a pet would be complete without a stop at Good Dog Goods, which encourages you to come in with your pet. Their best seller, a Bully Stick, is a dog's favorite for its similarity to rawhide and an owner's favorite for its lack of chemical treatments, along with its low price. Good Dog Goods not only has everything your dog needs, but everything your dog-loving heart needs too, and it is all made in the U.S. Try a coffee mug, a clock, or a piece of clothing with your dog's breed on it. Finally, a trip to Good Dog Goods has to end in the Doggie Bakery where they make all natural gourmet treats that almost tempt owner as well as the family pet.

For more information on what each vet has to offer in products and services, along with prices, give them a call, as everyone is welcoming and eager to help.