Disclosure: I received these products for free to review. The opinions in my review are honest and my own.
Okay, I’ll admit it, I am paranoid when it comes to my dog’s toys. I am the person who will research toys online and scrutinize any toy we consider buying at Petsmart. My worst fear is Reya getting sick or choking because of a faulty toy. Add in the fact that you can find horror stories about…well…just about anything on the internet. For this reason I usually stick with brands of toys that I know. One major brand that my family has trusted for years is Petmate, along with the other brands in the Petmate family. While looking for new and fun summer toys, I was approached by Petmate, asking if I would like to review some of their newest toys and dog items. Of course, we were only too happy to accept!
Petmate: What is It?
Looking for high quality pet toys that aren’t just safe, but can keep your pet comfortable or entertained for hours? If so, we think you will love the Petmate brands. For years they have been one of the most trusted brands in the pet industry, providing pet parents with smart solutions to help entertain dogs and cats during different stages of their life. Within their full family of brands you can find amazing toys, beds, crates, pet accessories, and just about anything you can imagine to make your life with your pets even easier. Best of all, their toys are loved by dogs and cats of all ages, meaning that you aren’t having toys left around your house that bore your pet quickly. With the Petmate brands, you know you are getting toys you can trust!
Petmate: Aspen Pet Self-Cooling Mat
Looking for a way to keep your do cooler on those hot summer days? Probably one of the coolest products (no pun intended!) I have seen in a very long time is the Aspen Pet® Self-Cooling Mat. This self cooling indoor use mat cools quickly to room temperature and then helps cool your pet, using non toxic cooling gel to absorbs and draw away your dog’s body heat. Since the temperature of your typical room is much cooler than your dogs natural body temperature, this means they can quickly cool off just by lying on this blue mat. Best of all, it is hassle free for dog owners since the gel quickly cools while your pet is off of it, meaning you don’t have to fill it with water or find room for it in the refrigerator. You just take it out of the box, set it on the floor (or your dog’s bed), and you are good to go! We use this mat when we are going on long car rides or Reya needs to cool down after a hot play session outside. I will admit, this works so well I have been tempted to steal it from Reya when my back is sore! As you can see from the picture below, Reya is a fan! Based on our own experience, we are happy to give the Aspen Pet® Self-Cooling Mat an A+ rating!
Petmate: JW PlayBites Catterpillar
As any dog owner will be quick to tell you, the best way into your dog’s heart is through their stomach. I haven’t met a dog that isn’t food motivated – it’s just finding the right food for some of the pickier eaters. When Reya was little, we used indestructible, treat filled toys to encourage her to chew on those type of toys rather than things like…let’s say our wall and chairs. We learned the value of these type of toys after we lost two of our dining room chairs and a chunk from one of our walls to a teething puppy. Having used quite a few of these toys over the past year, I was excited when we got a JW PlayBites Catterpillar. This isn’t just an indstructable chew toy, but one with compartments for treats! I had the feeling this was soon going to be one of our favorite toys when she immediately STOLE this toy after I opened the box from Petmate, even before it had anything inside it! It actually took my husband and I cornering her to get the toy away so that I could clean it before use. Even after having this toy for a couple of weeks, she still loves it. Based on our own experience with this toy, we are happy to give the JW PlayBites Catterpillar an A+ rating!
Petmate: Chuckit! Firefly LED Ball
Do you find that your dog sometimes finds the oddest time to play? My dog especially love to play with her stuffed animals, ropes, and balls late at night. It always seem to come with a burst of energy right before bedtime. One of the coolest night time toys I have seen in quite some time is the Chuckit! FireFly™ LED Ball. This LED ball fades between colors, offering constant stimulation for your dog. With the changing colors, their eyes are always on the ball, keeping them motivated to keep playing and interacting with you. This little ball has so far been a hit in our household! Based on our own experiene with this cute ball, we are happy to give the Chuckit! FireFly™ LED Ball an A rating.
Petmate: Where to Purchase
Would you like to purchase some of these awesome toys for your favorite pet? While Petmate doesn’t sell directly to pet parents, you can find a large selection of their toys at your local pet store or preferred retailer, like Petsmart, Petco, Target, Wal-mart, Lowes, or Tractor Supply. If you are like me, however, and prefer to buy your toys online, I highly recommend checking out Amazon.com since they have the best prices Petmate products, as well as their other brands (Aspen Pet, Bamboo, Booda, Dogzilla, JW Pets, & Fat Cat) of pet products.
Disclosure: Budget Earth did not receive compensation but did receive products for review purposes. Budget Earth may, however, receive compensation through purchases from affiliate links in this post. All opinions on this product are my own and may differ from our readers’ opinions.
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About Susan Bewley
Susan Bewley is a professional writer who has been writing content online & in print format for over 10 years. As well, she is an alumni of the University of Louisville with a Masters Degree in Special Education. When not working as an online business consultant or ghost writing, she can be found writing on Budget Earth, on her own novel, or working with various entities in the pet industry.
Tory says
July 15, 2014 at 2:15 amMy dog would love the LED ball and the cooling mat. Perfect for summer
Theresa says
July 15, 2014 at 7:38 amI love the LED ball! Even if I don’t win I think I will have to purchase that. Curious how long it will take her to chase it. 🙂
Jessica Z says
July 15, 2014 at 8:29 amI love the idea of having a toy with treats hidden in it. This would leave our dog excited for weeks 🙂
Linda Szymoniak says
July 15, 2014 at 8:29 amI really love Petmate products and these look great. My senior girl could really use the cooling mat. Of the toys, I think my pack would like the glow-in-the-dark ball. Especially my deaf hound girl, Ran.
Dorothy Teel says
July 15, 2014 at 8:48 amPetmate makes some great toys and I love the idea of the mat, because our grand dog gets very hot running outside and needs a place to cool down, I like that they are made strong to ast and they are good for the dog, I like the seek the treat toy good for a dog and people to use their brains.
Rusty H says
July 15, 2014 at 10:06 amI love that cooling mat. Living in So. Cal., I worry about my dog overheating during the summer. This would be a great way to help her cool off.
Leigh Anne Borders says
July 15, 2014 at 12:05 pmWhat a great idea! I love my furbabies and enjoy getting out with them. I esp like the ball. My babies would have so much fun!
rose says
July 15, 2014 at 3:10 pmawesome pet prize pack 😉
beth wildman says
July 15, 2014 at 3:59 pmNylabone Dura Chew is what my dash hound would love.
Beth Slagle Wildman says
July 15, 2014 at 4:02 pmI am sure my old beagle would love to try out a cooling pad. She loves being in the sun outside but I worry she gets over heated. The young dogs would love the toys.
Eugene Oleo says
July 15, 2014 at 7:28 pmMy canine kids love to be pampered. They get so excited over every new toy or treat weget them.
Stephanie Easterling says
July 15, 2014 at 8:14 pmI think our dog would love the Chuckit! Firefly LED Ball. I think she would get a kick out of it at night when it glows. I have never seen anything like it. This would be great for her to play with.
Holly E says
July 15, 2014 at 8:18 pmI love the Aspen Pet Self-Cooling Mat. It would be great to have for my dog during the hot, southern, summer months.
rosa rogers says
July 15, 2014 at 11:38 pmI just love the whole package..My fur baby will have so much fun with the lcd ball..Love the ideal of owning a cool mat especially for these hot months.Never heard of this brand but i like the product.
Barrie says
July 15, 2014 at 11:51 pmI’m not sure I’ve heard of PetMate but I’m sure I’ve purchased it as I shop for pet toys at Wal-Mart, PetSmart and Tractor Supply. I have to chewers so I need high quality toys that won’t break off or fall apart. Our older dog LOVES sitting outside, regardless of the weather so the cooling pad would be perfect for him in the summer! Thanks for great reviews; I’ll check them out in more detail next time I’m shopping.
Daniel Scott says
July 16, 2014 at 12:38 amI like the Chuckit! Firefly LED Ball because this ball changes colors and it would make Kouga the ball nut very happy. I also like the Petmate toys, they have proven to be well-made and durable.
Dominique Balsoma says
July 16, 2014 at 4:48 amI really love the cooling mat, especially when Lacey and Zoe has been out playing hard
Marti Tabora says
July 16, 2014 at 5:42 amI would absolutely love to have one of the Aspen Pet Self-Cooling Mats for my dog. We live in the south and he gets so hot that he doesn’t even feel like playing ball and he loves to play ball. This would be perfect for him.
Susan Campbell says
July 16, 2014 at 7:36 amI live in Florida, so hat weather is a concern most of the year. I have their cooling mat, it is a wonderful product!!
Kristin H says
July 16, 2014 at 9:54 amI have seen the cooling mat out at so many stores and have been very tempted to buy one myself but wasnt sure if it was worth it. After reading your review I am totally going to get it.
brandi hawn says
July 16, 2014 at 10:19 ami would love to get the infinity programmable feeder for my boxer puppy. he loves to eat and i feel like im always having to fill his bowl 🙂
Sarah Burks says
July 16, 2014 at 10:31 amYager would luv to get to know what the toy is about. He luves his walks.
Michelle Salais says
July 16, 2014 at 1:00 pmI definitely need that cooling pad for my dog! Oh, and would want that led light ball. All A ratings say they are perfect for my dog. Thanks for the review.
Tory says
July 16, 2014 at 1:18 pmThe Chuckit LED ball looks great! Both my cat and dog would love to play with it. Especially for summer nights outside!
lisa says
July 16, 2014 at 1:53 pmWhen I had a cat it was amusing to watch him play with toys. Animals crack me up.
Mia says
July 16, 2014 at 2:50 pmOur dog would love these toys. So helpful to know that they are safe and we don’t have to worry about choking.
Ann Cluck says
July 16, 2014 at 2:57 pmThe cooling mat sounds awesome!! My pup is long haired and needs a cooling down period as well. The LED ball sounds like something she could get hours of fun with!!
Thank you for the review of a great company and its products.
Jerri Davis says
July 16, 2014 at 8:42 pmMy dog is not into toys anymore shes to old but puppies really love toys. Thank you, Jerri Davis
Sue E says
July 16, 2014 at 9:23 pmThe self cooling indoor mat cools quickly to room temperature and then helps cool your pet, using non toxic cooling gel to absorbs and draw away your dog’s body heat. LED ball fades between colors, offering constant stimulation for your dog. The JW PlayBites Catterpillar is a chew toy & has compartments for treats. These are all excellent products for my doggy!!
Pamela Kumfer says
July 16, 2014 at 9:29 pmI have 4 huskies I could see them all enjoying the cooling mat. And the L.E.D light up ball they all enjoy playing catch.
Maggie D says
July 16, 2014 at 10:05 pmThese look like really high quality toys. I volunteer at an animal shelter and I bet the pups would really love to play with these. Some of the poor dogs are so neglected they don’t have much experience with play, though 🙁
Teressa Morris says
July 17, 2014 at 12:53 amMy dog is half black lab/half chow. Her hair is so thick and dense and now that she is almost 10 she gets overheated very easily. The self-cooling mat would be perfect for our dog Katie!!
Kristyn Martin says
July 17, 2014 at 10:06 amI would love to try the replendish waterers. My dog drinks water faster than any dog I’ve ever seen!
Cryssie Cherry says
July 17, 2014 at 1:18 pmBefore I had pets I thought this kind of stuff was ridiculous. Now that I am a pet mom, I LOVE it!!!!
Leslie Ross says
July 17, 2014 at 5:00 pmMy baby would go just insane for the glowing ball
David Smith says
July 18, 2014 at 6:05 amThese are really nice products. Sine it has been really hot this summer so far, the cooling mat would be great for Sparkie to cool himself on. He likes to lay on anything that is cool when he is hot. The play toys would be great too. He’d love to get treats out of the caterpillar and he would be fascinated with the ball with the colors changing. Thanks for the info, we will have to look into getting these.
Rita Spratlen says
July 18, 2014 at 8:54 pmI love the ball and the matt which would be great for just about any dog to own. I would love to have the cooling mat at this time for it has been quite hot. Especially for old dogs and they pant when they are hot. Great items on their site too. Thanks for the information. The ball is so neat too.
Joyce Alexander says
July 18, 2014 at 10:29 pmPetmate sounds like a very caring & conscientious company and not just towards the pet owners, but also to all the pets & the plight of shelter animals as well. I read on their Home page that they are partnered with Pilots N Paws & I love all they do to help pets in need of a home. I really like the glowing Chuckit Firefly ball…I know my cats would like to have a go at that!
jenn huey says
July 19, 2014 at 9:16 amI have to try to find toys that are sturdy enough that our dog doesn’t chew them up in one sitting. haha We have the Rooper toy from Petmate and so far so good. The cooling mat looks a bit small for your dog
sandy weinstein says
July 19, 2014 at 12:23 pmi love the lighted ball and i have 2 types of cooling pads, one yu have to fill w/ water, a pain and the other is similar to this one sold my petmate. it works okay, but do not leave in sun, gets hot. i was using mine in the car when i had to take my dogs somewhere, b/c the ac is not cool when the car first starts or if you are parked in the sun, the car is too hot when get in.
Alesha OL says
July 19, 2014 at 2:34 pmThey look like they are having the most fun, just like ill kids..I wanna have fun, too 😉
Kelly Crenshaw says
July 19, 2014 at 6:02 pmI love this group of toys! Especially the LED ball. My pup Alize would love that!
Linda Szymoniak says
July 20, 2014 at 12:17 amI have five rescued Treeing Walker Coonhounds. My senior girl could really use the cooling mat, while three of my other four would just LOVE the glowing ball (especially my deaf girl, Ran).
Brigid OHara Koshko says
July 21, 2014 at 8:22 amWhat great toys! I think all my critters (cats and dog) would love to play with the LED ball. Then afterwards my crowd can relax on the cooling mat – living in the south this would be awesome!
Barbara Adams says
July 23, 2014 at 11:25 amThey all look very well made and of superior material. I am really jazzed about the cooling mat, had no idea such an item existed!
Natalie Brown says
July 23, 2014 at 4:59 pmHi! I also worry about what toys I’m giving to my boxer boy Neo. This self-cooling mat is a great product. Especially for bigger dogs like yours and mine. It’s so easy for them to overheat in the Summer time. Thank-you for the information & review!
April Farley says
July 24, 2014 at 9:16 amI love all these items that you reviewed from Petmate! Super neat stuff! That cooling mat is especially awesome . Our little doggie is a real lap dog. He is a rescue who was actually thrown of of a moving car! He has come a long way after 2 years of being with us. He now loves to ride in the vehicle with us. During the hot summer he and I both roast with him on my lap. That cooling mat laid across my lap would REALLY help our ride be more comfy!
Helga says
July 25, 2014 at 12:06 pmPetmate makes so many interesting products. I have a heating bed, a fountain, toys, and more from them.
Ashley F says
July 26, 2014 at 4:14 pmMy dogs would love all of these products! We have Petmate pet beds and collars and they are very well made!
Robin Wilson says
July 27, 2014 at 7:49 pmThey sure make some awesome and quality products! My dog would love to play with that ball and that mat would be so wonderful here where it gets so hot!
Jasmine P says
July 27, 2014 at 8:17 pmThis looks great! My dogs would love these toys!
Rhonda Martin says
July 28, 2014 at 7:15 pmChuckit! FireFly LED Ball would be a big hit. I worry to about safety so I’m glad that this has been tested to be safe. Another one my dog would love is the Crinkle Critters because it combine adorable canvas Sock Monkey characters with an empty water bottle for all the crackling and crunching noise and she loves to wrestle with empty water or soda bottles. It’s hilarious to watch her too. Because of this I know the Crinkle Critters would be a new favorite.
Sally T. says
July 28, 2014 at 7:50 pmI am happy that the toy led ball is safe.I am happy to say that I check
carefully where toys are made and how good they are made.I know
my one Wheaten would love the ball as that is her favorite past time.
The other Wheaten is a little older and loves to lay down and watch,that
is where the cooling mat would come in handy,and I know Emmie would
really like it.
Anita E. says
July 29, 2014 at 2:32 amI have an elder dog who I know would benefit from the cooling mat. My younger dog would probably like the cooling mat also, but I’ll try to gear him toward the LED toy. It looks cool.
Sue Hull says
July 29, 2014 at 6:53 pmMy daughter has 3 dogs and she’s really careful with what toys they play with to.There’s some crappy made dog and cat toys out there,so you really need to do research to make sure they’re safe.I have to say this is one of the best reviews I’ve seen in awhile when it comes to pet toys.Your dog is beautiful.Our pets are our family so we take care of them like we do our kids.
Lily Kwan says
July 31, 2014 at 7:57 pmThese pet products look very nice. Thanks for sharing!
YVONNE WOODSTOCK says
August 28, 2014 at 4:48 amI really enjoyed this review and the pics (too cute!). We are always looking for new, unique things and ways to spoil our beyond loved and beyond spoiled pets (we have a cat and cockatiel) and also our 3 granddoggies, even the 2 who live on other side of the country.. we send them big and little surprises and gifts.