Pampered Pets

Keep your furry friends healthy, happy and spoiled rotten

There's no shortage of high-end shopping for our pampered cats and dogs. Thanks to celebrity dogs like Paris Hilton's "accessory chihuahua" Tinkerbell and Bill and Hillary Clinton's bi-colored cat Socks, our adored animals have acquired a market that rivals the dollars parents spend on their human children. Neiman Marcus sells a Gucci dog carrier for $880; Diamond Dog and Swarovski make crystal collars that fetch $100 to $200 each.

As pet owners continue to see their dogs as part of the family, the need for traditionally "human" products made available for canines is growing. Around the Valley, there are a plethora of stores that cater to your pet's fancy. Bella's Pet Boutique in Mesa offers a wealth of designer pet clothes, jewelry, organic treats and even pet-friendly nail polish. Five hundred dollars may sound like a hefty price, especially for cologne meant for your dog or cat to wear, but The Barkery at D.C. Ranch sees a high demand for extravagant pet splurges, including wedding attire, jewelry and dog-related artwork.

While toys, costumes and pet furniture get a lot of attention in the pet industry, a proper diet is still the number-one concern for dog and cat owners. Gourmet pet food has a variety of requirements: food should be as natural as possible, contain no added sugar or preservatives, and should be completely human-grade - meaning Mom and Dad can sneak a Scooby snack if they are so inclined. Brothers Steve and Rich Strauss, owners of the Wag N'Wash in Phoenix, specialize in holistic and organic dog and cat food, including a refrigerator full of fresh food options for your pooch.

Some pet lovers have even taken to hiring a chef to cook up the finest ingredients for their animals, especially when it comes to raw-food diets, which can be tricky when it comes to the proper grade and quality of meats, not to mention a timeconsuming task.

Proper nutrition is one thing that finicky pet owners and experts agree upon when it comes to spoiling your cat or dog. With higher grade food, not only is your pet consuming less chemicals to ensure better health, but the natural food is closer to what your pet would consume in the wild, which results in weight control, cleaner teeth and gums, increased mental acuity and an overall healthier and handsomer appearance. Talk to your vet about the choices you have regarding your animal's diet.

Grooming is another essential aspect to pet pampering. Give your pet a once-ina- while spa treatment with soothing shampoos, calming conditioners and even scented spritzers to keep her coat smelling fabulous (which ensures more petting for her). For the ultimate in pampering (and you know Fluffy deserves it), book a day at the Jurlique Spa at FireSky Resort and purchase a treatment from the Canine Spa Menu. Your dog can enjoy special massages, facials and restorative coat treatments; you're even welcome to join your pup with the spa's Companion Packages, which include massages, facials and more.

Should you need to leave your best friend behind for some summer travel, you can rest easy knowing that pet-care facilities now rival the best four-star resorts.

For complete peace of mind, check your pet into a complete-care boarding facility such as the Animal Medical & Surgical Center in North Scottsdale. Your dog will be under the care of a full medical staff with access to an indoor dog park, fully stocked condos, and a pampering grooming facility. Feline condos come equipped with cozy perches, soft bedding and windows for bird watching.

Another trend that is sweeping across the nation, even becoming a frequent addition to business benefits, is pet insurance. Due to the state of veterinary science, as well as the economics of running a veterinary practice, vets today can offer treatments that were unheard of a few years ago.

American pet owners are expected to spend nearly $11 billion on veterinary care this year, according to the American Pet Product Manufacturers Association; that's an increase of 8.5% from 2007.

There are two main types of pet insurance, each geared towards the specific needs of a pet owner and their animal and financial capacity. A full breed dog might need more medical attention, especially at an older age; and every animal needs an annual check up and vaccinations. Pet medical insurance plans can provide several different insurance options and will enable you to always provide the best medical care for your pet.

The two major pet insurance plans are the Superior VPI and the Standard VPI plans. The VPI Superior insurance Plan offers coverage for any medical costs that you might have to pay for during the life of your pet such as annual check ups, vet visits, prescription medication, diagnostic testing, lab tests and X-rays. Basically, the insurance will repay anything that your vet might find necessary to keep your pet healthy. The VPI Standard Plan covers all the basic procedures and costs for dog and cat care, but you are expected to pay a higher amount of money yourself for every treatment that you can claim on your pet insurance. It is important to compare pet insurance plans before you take out any insurance.

There is no doubt that the relationships between good owners and their pets are special and reciprocally rewarded. Still, when it comes down to it, all it really takes to make Fido and Fifi happy is for you to supply the basics; a morning and evening meal, fresh water, and plenty of one-onone time usually do the trick. However, if raining catnip-scented gifts upon your feline companion makes you feel like the world's best cat owner, then pamper away - just don't skimp on the morning belly rub.

(Pick up your copy of Phoenix Woman magazine fotips and trends to pamper your pet.)