Category Captains: Ear Care Solutions and Made in the USA Dog Toys

Ear Care Solutions

The ear care solutions category is a rapidly expanding corner of the industry. As pet parents are becoming more informed about the intricacies of their pets’ ear health, their expectations of having mild, practical and foolproof solutions are on the rise. Market leaders like Pet King Brands understand all too well the stress pet owners experience when their pets are in pain. The company has introduced a series of products that soothe and alleviate pets’ symptoms.

“The ear care solutions category is a niche but growing market—as pet owners are becoming increasingly aware of the complexities of pet ear health care, they are demanding gentle, effective and easy-to-use solutions,” said Director of Marketing Debra Decker. “There’s significant room for growth as more consumers learn about natural care solutions and embrace them in everyday routines. Our Advanced Enzymatic Ear Wipes are a perfect example, delivering quick, effortless ear cleansing in a convenient format.”

Pet King Brands advocates for its retail partners as they drive the category forward. This area of pet ownership calls for pet owners who are curious and willing to learn how to properly care for their pets and working with retailers is key to connecting with responsible pet owners who need guidance on selecting the right solution for their pet. “We are deeply committed to bringing a wealth of resources to retailers in the ear category!” Decker declared. “Retailers can learn more about the LP3 Enzyme System and our products [through] Retail.pet. We are thrilled to be a part of this tool that provides education and training about our products to support retailers and their teams in confidently delivering the best possible service and expertise. We also offer a floor display that can be set up as a standalone POP display or hung as a wing panel. Remedy callouts and key features add to its functionality as a retailer’s ‘silent salesman.’ Eye-catching graphics are sure to capture customers’ attention, and ZYMOX’s safe, effective products will keep customers coming back to restock.”

Pet King Brands’ products are built on the core principle that health care solutions should always be safe and do no harm. This belief steadfastly drives their partnerships and reinforces their dedication to providing safe, effective products throughout the course of each pet’s life. “We are honored to be the first call that customers make,” Decker said. “On top of the expansive resources we have for retailers, we have a rich history of knowledge and experience to share! Since 1998, ZYMOX Dermatology and Oratene Brushless Oral Care have been trusted by pet owners to relieve problematic ear, skin and oral conditions in pets.”

Beyond the qualities of their products, Pet King Brand’s true strength lies in its commitment to giving back to the community. 

“Of course, we could highlight all the wonderful aspects of our products, but when I really reflect on the leadership of our company, I must highlight our commitment to giving back to our community,” Decker said. “Since the beginning, our founder, Pamela Bosco, has been a major advocate for pet adoptions and the systemic reduction of homeless pets. She has made strides to improve the quality of life for animals in shelters across the nation by helming the Internal Cause Marketing program, providing donations to aid pets in foster care and animal shelters. Using the Pet King Brands name alone, she has ensured that over $300,000 of healthcare products have been donated to shelters across the nation. It is this mission that guides our leadership approach and contributes to the success of our community at large.”

Pet King Brands has proven that pet parents and retailers can count on them for their safe, non-toxic approach to address common pet issues like ear health.

Made in the USA Dog Toys

During turbulent circumstances when manufacturers can’t easily depend on exported goods and ingredients, the decision to keep business operations close to home validates what a wise and sensible decision it is to source and manufacture domestically. The decision to source and manufacture products locally was an easy choice for West Paw.

“This is a great time to be a made in the USA company,” said Spencer Williams, CEO and Owner of West Paw. “Because we source domestically and manufacture our dog toys in Bozeman, MT, we don’t have to worry so much about supply chain delays, and we don’t have to increase our prices. Our goal is to build stable, long-term relationships with retailers that position us both for growth.” He continued, “This has driven innovation for West Paw from the start. With our Zogoflex and Seaflex plastics, we know what’s going in them and where it’s from. They meet FDA standards for humans and are nontoxic—no BPA, phthalates, latex or silicone. Toys made with them will stand up to a lot of chewing before they’re worn out. And when they do wear out, they can be sent back to us for recycling.”

West Paw makes it easy for retailers to learn the benefits of their products and equips them with marketing materials. They have teamed up with a grid of distributors that do their part to keep products accessible for both retailers and pet owners. “Retailers are trusted advisers to pet parents, which is why we’ve rebuilt and relaunched our training content at Retail.pet,” Williams said. “Retailers also need easy orders and access to products in the most cost-effective way possible, so we’ve expanded our distribution network by partnering with companies like Packer Mellem Sales, ADMC, Zeigler’s, Van Den Bosh and Southeast Pet. They’re helping educate retailers about West Paw and our products, getting our marketing collateral like signs, displays and toy recycling receptacles into their stores and ensuring timely order fulfillment.”

West Paw believes that when retailers team up with them, they are gaining a business partner that brings authenticity and trustworthiness to the table, along with logical and practical materials. “It really comes down to reliability and pragmatic innovation,” Williams said. “With our made in the USA products, retailers know what they’re getting, where it’s from and what it costs, and that won’t change. And with our distribution partners, retailers’ questions will get answered and their orders will be fulfilled in a timely manner. We make it easy to order through our own reps, distributors, all of which we support to ensure retailers can get products in the manner that best suits their needs.”

Family-owned and operated for 30 years, West Paw brings the love of pets, people and the planet to every product they make.