New Breed of Products Solve Spring Cleaning Pet Peeves; The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association Releases Products to Keep Pet Owners' Homes Spic and Span.

GREENWICH, Conn. -- As the number of pets moving from the dog house into our houses grows, so does the need for products that help shed the hairier side of pet ownership. While most pet owners agree that the joy and benefits of owning a pet outweigh any drawbacks, it doesn't hurt to have new technology make cleaning up after our furry companions easier than ever. This spring, the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) cleaned house and came up with a list of some of the most innovative products to keep pet owners' homes tidy.

"The ingenuity of entrepreneurs never ceases to amaze me," said Bob Vetere, managing director of APPMA. "New technology and innovation are making it more convenient than ever for people to own pets."

Topping the list of favorite cleanup products is one of APPMA's 2004 Best New Product Showcase Winners, the Spotless Paw, a microfiber dog paw cleaning glove that hangs on door knobs and enables pet owners to wipe paws clean before dirt, mud and water are tracked into the home or car. A unique six-finger design lets you use either side of the glove or either hand. www.spotlesspaw.com

Excessive hair from shedding no longer has to be swept under the rug. Farnam Cos.' Shed Solution looks like salad dressing that you pour over your dog's food to reduce excessive shedding. Shed Solution is enriched with vitamins and minerals to help with shedding and also improve your dog's skin and coat. www.farnampet.com

If you still have unwanted hair on the floor and furniture, it's now easier than ever to remove with the Large Surface Pet Hair Pic-Up from Evercare. This giant adhesive roller offers a new way to clean floors, upholstery, fabrics, rugs and car interiors. The 10-inch, 25-layer adhesive roll quickly picks up dirt, crumbs and pet hair that sweeping often leaves behind. www.evercare.com

With infrared technology, Purrforma Plus, Petmate's(R) self-cleaning litter appliance, takes cat owners into the 21st century. This fully automated litter care system virtually handles all the dirty work of litter maintenance. Petmate puts odor-eliminating features into every aspect of the Purrforma Plus. Even the waste box seals odor away with a disposable, easy-tie poly bag that prevents clumps from touching the waste storage area. www.petmate.com

If your litter box does need a quick cleaning, try Litter Box Wipes from Petkin. They provide a fast, convenient way to clean and deodorize litter boxes and litter scoops in one easy swipe. Each extra-thick wipe is moistened with a deodorizing baking soda formula that's safe enough for use around cats, yet powerful enough to remove tough dirt and odors. www.petkin.com

Even stain and odor removers have advanced. Four Paws, a division of Central Garden & Pet, now offers Wee Wee, a stain and odor remover that contains bacteria, which creates active enzymes that literally "eat" organic matter such as urine and feces. It also removes other household stains and odors such as blood, coffee, dirt/mud and red wine. www.fourpaws.com

Urine-Off(TM) odor and stain remover is a high-performance, bio-enzymatic product that is guaranteed to remove urine odor from any surface permanently. www.urine-off.com

Petrotech Odor Eliminator(TM) revolutionizes the science of pet odor elimination with an exclusive, patented encapsulation process that eliminates pet odors quickly, naturally and forever. www.sea-yu.com

From G.G. Bean Inc. comes odorless neutralizers that are enzyme-free and safe for all fabrics, animals, humans and in the air. The full line of products includes Urine Kleen, Skunk Kleen, Pet Odor Kleen, Lust Buster, Litter Box Kleen and Ferret Kleen. www.ggbean.com

Marshall Pet Products Small Animal Play Pen gives small animals including ferrets, rabbits and guinea pigs a place to play and exercise without making a mess. It is expandable and can be used either indoors or outdoors. Marshall Pet Products also offers Lock-On Litter Pan(TM) that attaches to cages and features a high back that eliminates "over the edge" accidents. www.marshallpet.com

Add style and personality to your pets' feeding area while keeping it spic and span with new Pet Soup mats. These machine washable mats come in whimsical, designer and sportsman themes and feature a safe, non-slip rubber backing. www.pet-soup.com

Pet owners no longer have to worry about yellow lawn burns. Earth's Balance offers all natural G-Whiz liquid that when fed to pets, lowers urine ammonia levels and eliminates burning lawns and carpet stains. Earth's Balance also offers Dogonit, which heals lawn burns, Dogonit lawn colorant that covers up yellow spots immediately, and Dogonit Stool Destroyer. Other odor and cleaning products by Earth's Balance include Trash Guard, Keep Away, G-Whiz Cage Odor Formula, H(2) Organic aquarium clarifier and Dander Free. www.earthsbalance.com

Nutri-Vet(R) Nutritionals' supplements also reduce lawn and shrub yellowing caused by your pet's urine. Green Grass Soft Chews are tasty treats that act to lower the urine pH and make your lawn the envy of the neighbors. www.nutri-vet.com

Founded in 1958, the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association is the nation's leading not-for-profit trade organization serving the interests of the pet product industry and educating the public on the many joys and health benefits associated with pet ownership. APPMA's membership consists of nearly 850 companies, which include both small businesses, as well as the nation's leading pet product companies. Visit APPMA online at www.appma.org.