It's the first "Human Lab" where the product testers aren't human! Three adorable pooches (with help from their owners) are trying products that claim to improve their breath, trim their waistline, and make traveling more comfortable.

Brownie's Bad Breath

Jessie, 27, would like to do something about her dog Brownie's breath. "It stinks!" she says. "It smells something like rotten fish." After giving her English Springer Spaniel FortiFido a spearmint-flavored water that claims to curb a dog's bad breath, Jessie wasn't the only one to notice an improvement. My mom actually came in a few days after she started using it and was like, 'What did you do? Brownie smells much better -- she doesn't stink as much!'"

Veterinarian Dr. Ernie Ward recommends that you pay attention to your pet's oral hygiene. "You want to brush your dogs teeth if she's having halitosis for sure," he says. "There are some great products -- some oral rinses that have chlorhexine to help kill bacteria -- that you can get from your veterinarian."

He recommends brushing your dog's teeth daily, but with busy schedules that's not always feasible. "Nevertheless, I do give my dogs products for their teeth every day," he admits, "be it a rinse ... or raw hide chews that are impregnated with different products to help break down plague and tartar."

Lexi, the Purse Pooch

Erica, 25, works in the fashion industry, and accessorizes with her Chihuahua Lexi in a Prada or Coach bag. "She's my best friend and she goes everywhere with me," Erica says. However, she worries that traveling in a leather bag makes Lexi feel too cooped up and confined. After introducing Lexi to the PuppyPurse, an open-air dog carrier that claims to be more comfortable for dogs, Erica is impressed with not only how roomy the device is, but how much easier it is for her to carry. "This could be the next, latest trend!" she exclaims.

"I like anything that gets you close to your dog," Dr. Ernie says. "A lot of these dogs just want to be close to us, and this is another one of those opportunities to do it. As long as you're safe, and you have it fitted properly, these are fantastic products."

Pudgy Pugsley

Lindsey, 27, is concerned that her Pugsley weighs 27 pounds, when an average pug should weigh 20. "He's a little chunky and a little hyper, so the combo of the extra weight makes it hard for him to catch his breath." Lindsey agrees to introduce Pugsley to the DogTread from PetZen, a treadmill that claims to safely provide exercise for your dog. "He does walk on it," she tells Rachael. "He just needs a little assistance -- the whole earth-moving thing he hasn't quite grasped yet!"

"Exercise is critical," Dr. Ernie Ward confirms, but adds that a treadmill should only be used as part of the dog's daily routine. "You guys should be getting out and walking around the neighborhood or wherever," he says. "It's good for you and it's good for your pet."

Related Links

DogTread from PetZen

Dr. Ernie Ward

FortiFido Water for Dogs

Puppy Purse