MONTREAL, CANADA " Montreal-based LuvGearTM has teamed up with PETCO to introduce a revolutionary new line of organic apparel and accessories for dogs designed to help protect them from the dangers of heat. Planet PETCOTM apparel with LuvGearTM Technology will be introduced for the first time in May of 2011 as part of the recently launched Planet PETCOTM line of eco-friendly lifestyle and care products that encourage sustainability. TempAlertTM is designed to warn dog owners when the external temperatures are reaching levels that may be harmful or even fatal to a dog.
Here’s how it works: The “alert” icons are sewn directly onto the clothing or material and serve as a visible warning sign when the temperature reaches a dangerous level for a dog to be outside. In normal conditions, the alert patch displays a dark blue/purple thermometer. When the outside temperatures reach approximately 100 degrees (F), the blue/purple color in the thermometer disappears, revealing an “ALERT” which warns the owner to take the necessary steps to protect their pet from heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
“The LuvGearTM TempAlertTM Technology is adding an entirely new dynamic to pet apparel and products,” LuvGear CEO Neil Miller said. “As a dog owner, I understand a dog’s body reacts very differently to the heat than a person’s body. In order to make sure pet parents can easily monitor their dog’s health when it’s hot outside, we have developed a simple warning system, built into pet gear that alerts owners of potential dangers.”
The Planet PETCO line with LuvGearTM Technology will be carried in 800 PETCO stores in the United States. The line includes tank tops, dresses, harnesses and paw protectors ranging in size from XX-small to large.
TempAlert is designed to give owners a warning before the temperature level becomes dangerous, changing the color of the icon at 100 degrees (F). When the exterior temperature rises to 105 or 106 degrees, dogs are at risk for developing heat HYPERLINK “http://www.petplace.com/dogs/be-a-cool-owner-don-t-let-your-dog-overheat/page1.aspx” t “undefined” exhaustion. If their body temperature rises to 107 degrees, they enter the danger zone of heat stroke.
The Planet PETCOTM line includes eco-friendly toys, grooming, home products and accessories that are stylish, affordable, healthy and non-toxic. Planet PETCO also has the wise investor in mind because sometimes the most important place to see some green is in your wallet. The line is conveniently available at your local PETCOTM or Unleashed by PETCOTM location and at www.petco.com/planet.
While the Planet PETCOTM apparel with TempAlertTM LuvGearTM Technology can be used to monitor unsafe temperatures; PETCO and LuvGear also recommends pet owners take the following steps to prevent heat related injury to their animal friends:
- Keep pets in well ventilated areas
- Exercise dogs early in the morning or late in the evening (the coolest times of the day).
- Minimize exercise in hot weather.
- Do not leave your pet in a car.
- Limit sun exposure during the mid-day hours.
- Provide plenty of fresh, cool water, and leave the water in a shady area.
- For a sudden high temperature change " allow your pet to acclimate.
For more information on LuvGear and their full line of safety alerts, visit www.luvgear.com
ABOUT LUVGEAR
LuvGear TM is an innovative lifestyle brand creating value added apparel for children, adults, pets and lifestyle products that unites style and safety into each garment. LuvGearTM was developed in 2005 by partners Neil and Bram Miller. After many years of research and testing the use of ink filled disks as safety devices on various materials, the LuvGearTM series was born.
SunAlertTM, HotAlertTM, TempAlertTM and ColdAlertTM icons are sewn into the fabric of garments for children, adults and pets and serve as a visible warning sign, alerting of potential dangers like elevated body temperature, outdoor temperatures, exposure to high levels of UV rays, dangerously cold temperatures and liquids at temperatures that could cause physical harm. As prevention is the best form of protection, LuvGearTM is committed to safety integrated into every lifestyle.
About PETCO
PETCO is a privately held specialty retailer that provides products, services and advice that make it easier for our customers to be great pet parents. We operate more than 1,000 stores in 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as a leading pet products and information destination at www.petco.com. Our nonprofit organization, The PETCO Foundation, has raised nearly $70 million since its inception in 1999 to help promote and improve the welfare of companion animals. In conjunction with the Foundation, we work with and support approximately 6,500 local animal welfare groups across the country to help find homes for more than 200,000 adoptable animals every year.
